Alleged stalker arrested while watching victim

A suspected stalker is again in jail after continuously following a woman, watching her and violating a no contact order, according to police reports.

Police arrested Chad Ryan Johnson, 35, of Austin, after they allegedly caught him watching the 34-year-old victim last Friday in Austin. According to the police report, Johnson had more than one pair of binoculars, a spotting scope and a bolt-action .223 caliber rifle when he was arrested.

Johnson was taken to Mower County Court on Monday afternoon and charged with seven violations, including two for felony stalking and five for gross misdemeanor stalking by monitoring or pursuing. The alleged violations happened between Sept. 10 and 21.

Johnson was arrested in August and pleaded not guilty to property damage and stalking charges, as well.

According to the court complaint, the victim said she and the defendant were on bad terms, but Johnson would not stop contacting her. Johnson allegedly sent threatening text messages, one of which said to “Be careful …” among other things.

The victim told police that Johnson punctured one of her tires in December 2011, keyed her car in June, causing $1,700 in damage, and again slashed two of her tires on July 15, according to the complaint. An officer said the tires appeared to be slashed.

Johnson denied the allegations when questioned by police; however, he allegedly admitted to the victim that he damaged her car and would not admit that to authorities. According to the court complaint, the victim recorded that conversation on her cell phone and showed it to police.

Johnson’s next court appearance is Oct. 4.

SportsPlus

Education

AHS, Austin Online, and Austin Area Learning Center participate in Direct Admissions Minnesota Program

Business

Hormel Ghost Reaper Chili with Beans returns

Mower County

Ikes to hold cookout fundraiser

Mower County

In Your Community: Order Eastern Stars collect food for Salvation Army

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Sept. 16-30

News

A crash saved a teenager whose car suddenly sped up to 120 mph in the rural Midwest

Mower County

10 years of trees: Spruce Up Austin celebrates anniversary of Tree Trek

Mower County

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative linemen heading to Hurricane Helene support

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Lyle 18-year-old gets prison time for child pornography charges

News

Minnesota first responders, volunteers head south to aid in Hurricane Helene cleanup

Mower County

Local songwriters featured next in the Mower County Grown series

Mower County

Vikings plan to bring Hockenson back to practice this week in latest step toward return

Mower County

Fire Department to hold open house

News

Walmart employees to get expanded cancer treatment options with the Mayo Clinic

News

Walz and Vance go in depth on policy while attacking each other’s running mates in VP debate

Mower County

Dinner and a Dance

News

State reminds Minnesotans to act now to avoid losing heat and electricity this winter

News

The US could see shortages and higher retail prices if a dockworkers strike drags on

News

Minnesota trees in turmoil due to drastic seasonal changes

Mower County

MnDOT invites schools and communities to take part in Walk to School Day on Oct. 9

Mower County

In Your Community: Audubon hosts free presentation, business meeting

Mower County

In Your Community: Audubon holding bird seed sale