Austin resident arrested after Albert Lea chase

Published 10:13 am Tuesday, October 25, 2016

ALBERT LEA — Albert Lea police arrested two men Monday after a high-speed vehicle chase that reportedly reached speeds of more than 100 mph.

Police arrested Joseph Waltz Jr., 21, of Albert Lea, who was cited for fleeing on foot; and Sam Thompson, 19, of Austin, who is facing charges of fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, driving after suspension and fleeing a police officer on foot. He was also arrested on two warrants.

According to the Albert Lea Police Department, an officer attempted to stop a full-sized truck that was seen driving through the area of downtown Albert Lea without headlights shortly after 10 p.m.

Email newsletter signup

The vehicle reportedly accelerated away from the officer at a high speed, eventually traveling west on West Main Street.

The vehicle reportedly continued west through the city at speeds of 60 to 90 mph before leaving the city heading west on Freeborn County Road 46 at 105 mph, according to police.

The vehicle reportedly slowed and turned north into a harvested bean field approximately one mile west of the city limits, continuing through the field and over railroad tracks before turning east.

The vehicle reportedly re-entered the city limits through an alfalfa field, heading east behind homes on the 3000 block of Lake Chapeau Drive, before heading west on Lake Chapeau Drive.

The vehicle reportedly re-entered a plowed corn field and became stuck in a wooded area along the south shore of Lake Chapeau. Thompson and Waltz fled the vehicle, according to police.

Waltz was apprehended in the area, and Thompson was taken into custody after being found in the woods.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

email author More by Sam