Two men involved in an alleged vehicle theft that turned into a 2.5 mile pursuit through town in December entered their pleas in Mower County Court Thursday.

Brett John Dennis, 23, pleaded guilty to two charges of third-degree burglary in exchange for six other charges being dropped, while Juan Ramirez, 27, of Stewartville, pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Ramirez was charged with two counts first-degree burglary, two counts third-degree burglary and fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle — all felonies.

The alleged theft occurred Monday, Dec. 20, around 11 p.m. when Dennis allegedly entered an open garage in the 2700 block of Ninth Avenue Southwest and began driving away in a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country. The vehicle was unlocked and had the keys in it.

The homeowner observed Dennis driving away and alerted the Austin Police Department of the theft. An officer attempted to make a traffic stop on the stolen van when it appeared stuck in the snow at 28th Street and 16th Avenue Southwest, but Dennis allegedly took off running and got into a white Buick that Ramirez was driving.

The two men led police on a 2.5 mile pursuit down 16th Avenue Southwest, which was unplowed at the time, to 12th Street Southwest and turned west on Eighth Avenue Southwest.

Officers were able to arrest Dennis and Ramirez when their car went into a snowbank at 21st Street and Seventh Avenue Southwest.

After his arrest, Ramirez told police he and Dennis had originally come to Austin from Brownsdale to “buy drugs.” He said he dropped off Dennis at a friend’s house and returned to find him with a pair of boots and other “stuff.” He then dropped off Dennis at another friend’s house and drove around while he waited.

Ramirez then apparently spotted a van stuck in the snow, and when he stopped to help he saw Dennis was in the driver’s seat. Dennis told him his “friend” had loaned him the van, according to a criminal complaint.

Police then showed up and Ramirez knew Dennis had done something wrong. He attempted to leave the scene, but Dennis allegedly demanded to be let into the car.

Ramirez said he was “scared for his life” and thought Dennis might have a gun.

Ramirez will appear in court for pre-trial on March 17 and for a jury trial on March 28. Dennis’ sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.