24-year-old changes plea to guilty

An Austin man who sped through Austin while drunk and fleeing police on Feb. 25 changed his plea Wednesday in Mower County Court.

Eli Reyes, 24, of Austin, pleaded guilty to both gross misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer in a vehicle and misdemeanor DWI. He has been convicted on the DWI charge, and his sentencing is set for May 18.

Reyes was arrested after police saw him driving east on Oakland Avenue E, faster than 60 miles per hour, according to Police Chief Brian Krueger.

Krueger said officers were on patrol westbound on Oakland near the 700 block when they saw Reyes drive past in a 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Police followed Reyes as he slowed and turned north at Eighth Street NE. Officers nearly caught up to Reyes on Fourth Avenue NE before Reyes turned toward Ninth Street NE.

Reyes lost control of his car at Fifth Avenue NE, as he jumped the boulevard, nearly hit a fire hydrant, pulled into a parking lane and stopped, as another car was blocking his path, according to the court complaint. The complaint also states Reyes was struggling to get out of the vehicle before an officer drew his gun and ordered Reyes to get out of and lie on the ground.

Reyes was arrested and taken to the Mower County jail, and his car was impounded.

News

Budget pact will be put to test as Minnesota lawmakers fill in details, bring plan up for votes

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Man accused of stealing from bank ATM in LeRoy avoids prison time, gets probation

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Austin man charged in 2024 arson incident gets 5 years probation

Mower County

Taste of Nations Cultural Heritage Festival returns to Austin on Saturday

News

Minnesota lawmakers push for social media warning labels to protect kids’ mental health

Mower County

National Skilled Nurses Week: Dedicated to family, nurses serve their residents

Education

PHOTOS: Canoemobile returns to take students out on the water

Business

Fast forward to the future: With expansion, Sacred Heart Care Center commits to its future

Local Government

Verdick hired as Mower County’s next County Administrator

Mower County

County honors long time employee retiring from Veterans Services

Mower County

Westbound Interstate 90 traffic impacts begin May 19 for road resurfacing between Austin and Dexter

Mower County

Mower County Historical Society releases Lunchbox History Series for 2025

Business

CRC welcomes Susanne Ruple as new regional business manager

Mower County

In Your Community: Pitching in to clean ditches

Mower County

In Your Community: Cedars to host third annual car show

Mower County

In Your Community: Rally to be held Saturday to voice support for VA

Education

Education Briefs

News

‘I love it’: How a ‘Log-Off Lunch’ helps high schoolers break away from phones

News

A U-turn on EVs? Minnesota lawmakers could be headed that direction in session finale

Education

APS considers possible referendum for November

Mower County

Public invited May 22 to learn about Hwy 218 resurfacing project north of Austin

Mower County

Mower County Seniors to celebrate 50 years of community and connection

LeRoy

LeRoy receives SMIF grant for mural in Pocket Park

Mower County

UPDATE: Overnight I-90 detours planned May 19-23 during bridge beam placement, Fourth Street to close for utility work