Driver convicted for DWI, fleeing in vehicle

A rural Austin man who fled police while drunk was sentenced to supervised probation Friday in Mower County Court.

Tony Michael Bell, 26, was convicted of fleeing a peace officer, a felony, and gross misdemeanor DWI. He was sentenced to three year’s supervised probation, fined $500 and must submit to electronic alcohol monitoring.

Another charge for DWI, along with charges for speeding and possession of drug paraphernalia, may be dismissed.

An Austin police officer arrested Bell after a high-speed chase around 1 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2012. The officer followed Bell north of Austin on County Road 25 after he clocked Bell’s truck going 77 mph in a 40 mph zone. When the officer turned his lights on, Bell sped up to 92 mph and eventually turned his lights off, as well. The officer saw Bell turn down a gravel drive and park behind a shed, where the officer followed and arrested him. After Bell stopped, he didn’t resist arrest. Bell’s breath test showed a .16 blood-alcohol content; and according to the court complaint, Bell has previously been convicted of fourth- and third-degree DWI.

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