Just released:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
February 1, 2013 Jill Oliveira 651-793-2726
HOMICIDE, RELATED CHASE AND FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATED
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ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the Austin Police Department are investigating a homicide in Austin, Minn. and the Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a likely related chase and fatal crash in Waseca County which took place early this morning.
A neighbor called 9-1-1 shortly after 3 a.m. Friday to report hearing yells for help from a home on the 500 block of 4th Street NW in Austin. The caller reported seeing what appeared to be a body on the ground in front of the home, and a tall male leaving the scene. Mower County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Austin Police Department officers responded. Shortly thereafter, an officer witnessed a red Saab leave the immediate vicinity at a high rate of speed, heading south on 4th Street NW. The officer reported the vehicle as possibly involved in the incident and then attempted to aid the victim at the residence. The victim was deceased.
Approximately two blocks away, an Austin Police Department officer witnessed a red Saab run a red light as it headed south on 4th Street NW. The officer began a pursuit, following the vehicle as it turned west on Oakland Avenue and out of town on County Road 46. The Minnesota State Patrol, Mower, Freeborn and Waseca County sheriff’s offices joined in the pursuit, which at times reached speeds in excess of 130 miles an hour and which stretched for 50 miles. Stop sticks were deployed around 4 a.m. on Highway 13 just north of Waseca and those in pursuit backed off. The driver of the red Saab lost control of the vehicle and it flipped into a field. The driver of the red Saab was ejected from the vehicle and died in the crash.
Investigators remain on both scenes at this hour. The two deceased individuals will be identified once autopsies have taken place.
The BCA and Austin Police Department are leading the investigation into the homicide in Austin. The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the chase and subsequent crash near Waseca. The Waseca Police Departments and the Freeborn, Mower and Waseca County sheriff’s offices are assisting with both investigations.
