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.