On or about February 26, 2026, at approximately 10:09 AM, law enforcement went to initiate a traffic stop on dark-colored Mercedes sedan (“Sedan”) near Division Street (Stanton Boulevard) and Hall Avenue, Northfield, Rice County. The Sedan did not have a brake light, failed to use a turn signal at an previous intersection and was traveling at a speed of approximately 45 MPH in a 30-MPH zone. After law enforcement activated their emergency lights, the Sedan continued east on Stanton Boulevard and speeds reached 71 MPH. Law enforcement activated their siren as well while behind the Sedan.
The Sedan did not slow down and continued eastbound on Stanton Boulevard. The Sedan then traveled through the intersection with Canada Avenue at approximately 80 MPH. Law enforcement was directly behind the Sedan at this point. The Sedan began approaching another vehicle. It did not slow down and passed another vehicle traveling eastbound on Stanton Avenue at approximately 75 MPH. Law enforcement continued pursuing the Sedan. Top speeds of the pursuit reached 94 MPH. The Sedan eventually pulled over west of Kellogg Avenue.
The driver of the Sedan was identified as AUSTIN MICHAEL KING, [DOB REDACTED] (“Defendant”). In a post-Miranda interview, the Defendant denied ever seeing law enforcement. When asked about his speed, the Defendant said he “just got excited” and that he should not have done it. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
