M., a Winona Police Officer (Officer) was sitting stationary near the intersection of 6th Street and Market Street, in the City and County of Winona, Minnesota, monitoring traffic. Officer observed a gray 2014 Nissan Versa Note (Nissan) make an eastbound turn onto 5th Street from Market Street with only its amber fog lights activated. Officer caught up to Nissan and confirmed it still only had the amber fog lights activated. Officer activated his emergency lights, and Nissan never attempted to pull over.
Nissan continued and passed numerous spaces that it could have pulled over. Officer activated his siren and shined his squad car’s spotlight into the driver’s side mirror of Nissan. Officer observed a white male driver with a blue hood and glasses operating Nissan. Nissan continued eastbound on 6th Street without any attempt to pull over. Nissan maintained speeds of about 30 miles per hour (mph) and there was minimal traffic. Nissan briefly came to a stop near a local business. As Officer was exiting his squad car, Nissan accelerated away from Officer and headed north on Mankato Avenue.
Nissan continued west on 4th Street from Mankato Avenue at speeds between 20 to 30 mph. Nissan failed to stop at the stop signs located at Carimona, Hamilton, Laird, and Franklin Streets. While Nissan continued westbound on 4th Street, the driver stuck his hand out the window and made a waving motion to wave Officer forward. Because of this, Officer believed the driver of Nissan knew Officer was behind him with emergency lights and sirens. Nissan continued and then stopped on 4th Street. The driver of Nissan exited the vehicle and began running towards the entrance of an apartment complex.
Officer caught up to driver of Nissan and performed a rear takedown, escorting driver to the ground. Officer then placed driver of Nissan into handcuffs and placed him into the back seat of his squad. Officer identified driver of Nissan as Scott James Picha, [DOB REDACTED] (Defendant). Officer read Defendant his Miranda warning and Defendant agreed to speak to him. Defendant admitted he observed Officer behind him with his emergency lights activated. Defendant stated he wanted to go to a safe spot to pull over.
Defendant stated any other time he would have pulled over, just not tonight because he wanted to go to a safe place. In total, the pursuit lasted approximately 1.6 miles. 2 85-CR-26-96 Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 1/16/2026 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.
