Arrest Made Following Preston Theft

Thank you to Fillmore County Sheriff Tom Kaase for providing the new release below concerning an arrest following a theft in Preston.

FILLMORE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE 06/16/16
On Wednesday 06/15/16, at approximately 10:40 PM, an individual arrived at the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office to report a theft in the City of Preston. Preston PD officers made arrangements for the suspect to return the property at the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office. Later that night, two individuals arrived at the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office stating that they were assisting the suspect, 19 year old Dylan Bathke of Preston, with the return of the stolen property when Bathke threatened them with a gun while traveling to Preston, then jumped out of the vehicle on the north side of Preston.
Law Enforcement Officers from Fillmore County, Preston PD, Chatfield PD, and a Houston County K-9 then began searching the area, but were unable to locate Bathke. At approximately 12:29 AM Thursday morning the 16^th, Bathke was reported to be outside the site of the original theft in Preston. Officers responded to the area and set up a perimeter. At approximately 12:51, an officer recognized Bathke fleeing the perimeter with no lights on, driving what was later reported to be a stolen pickup. Officers attempted to stop Bathke, who continued to flee south of Preston on Highway 52 in the stolen vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway in the area of US Hwy 52 and County Road 16, between Preston and Harmony. Bathke rammed a Preston PD squad during the pursuit. Bathke was ultimately taken into custody and no officers, nor Bathke were injured during the pursuit. Bathke is being held on the following charges: 2^nd Degree Assault, 4^th Degree Assault (Assault of a Police Officer), Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and suspected DUI.

Sheriff Tom Kaase