Video Captures Driver Fleeing Deputies at Over 100 mph Crashing at Rochester Interchange

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Twin Cities man is in custody following a law enforcement pursuit that ended with a crash at a Rochester interchange. 

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Olmsted County Sheriff’s Captain Tim Parkin says the incident began with an attempted traffic stop early Sunday morning. Deputies had tried to stop the vehicle for speeding. 

Initial reports indicate speeds during the pursuit exceeded 100 mph. The conclusion of the incident was captured on a traffic camera. 

115 MPH Pursuit Suspect Arrested After Crash at Hwy. 14 & West Circle Dr. in Rochester

Parkin said deputies encountered the speeding suspect vehicle in the area of Hwy. 52 and Civic Center Dr. Northwest. 

The driver sped away from the deputy and entered westbound Hwy. 14 at a visually estimated speed of 115 mph, Parkin said. 

Video shows the suspect vehicle entering the exit ramp from westbound Hwy. 14 to West Circle Dr. The vehicle is seen leaving the ramp, entering the ditch, then rolling upright near the interchange’s intersection. 

Parkin said the driver, identified as 31-year-old Anthony Thomas Jr., refused to follow law enforcement commands to exit the vehicle. Additional law officers responded and took the Minneapolis man into custody. 

A passenger in the fleeing vehicle was taken from the scene by ambulance to the hospital. Information regarding the name and condition of the passenger has not been released. 

The report indicates Thomas showed signs of impairment and that he refused to undergo field sobriety testing. Deputies obtained a search warrant to draw a sample of Thomas’s blood for testing. 

Thomas was evaluated at a hospital then was transported to the Olmsted County Jail once he was medically cleared, Pakin said. Court records indicate he was previously convicted of first-degree DWI. 

Thomas is being held on suspicion of criminal vehicular operation-bodily harm, first-degree DWI, and first-degree DWI felony flee in a motor vehicle. His first court appearance has not yet been set.

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