Deputy Captures Driver Fleeing at High Speeds in Rochester, Discovers Drugs During Arrest

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man suspected of fleeing law enforcement at high speeds is in custody. 

See Also: Cause Revealed of Deadly Plane Crash That Claimed Lives of Rochester Men 

Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tim Parkin said the fleeing incident occurred in a mostly residential area in Rochester. 

The suspect took off after a deputy, who recognized the vehicle from a previous fleeing incident, attempted a traffic stop, Parkin said. 

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Deputies Find Drugs After Capturing High-Speed Fleeing Suspect in Rochester, MN

The sheriff’s office report says the deputy attempted to pull over Scott Knutson for traffic violations in the area of Elton Hills Dr. Northwest and Hwy. 52 North. 

The 60-year-old Rochester man accelerated away from the deputy and continued speeding away after the deputy activated the squad vehicle’s emergency lights, Parkin said. 

At one point, Knutson was estimated to be traveling at 90 mph in a 30 mph zone on Elton Hills Dr. NW, according to the sheriff’s office. The deputy lost sight of the vehicle as it made multiple turns while the deputy was pursuing. 

Parkin said the deputy then found Knutson outside of the vehicle he was driving in the 400 block of 31st St. Northwest. Knutson was taken into custody without further incident. 

A search of Knutson upon his arrest led to the discovery of a bag of suspected methamphetamine and a bag of suspected cocaine, Parkin said. 

Knutson was brought to a hospital for an evaluation before being booked into the Olmsted County Jail.

He’s likely to face charges of felony fleeing, first-degree DWI and fifth-degree drug possession, according to the sheriff’s office.