A man led Beltrami County deputies on a high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods, striking a pedestrian crosswalk sign and throwing items from his vehicle as he fled, according to the complaint.
Michael Jason Throne faces three charges: fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, driving while impaired by a controlled substance and driving after license revocation. The charges were filed October 28 in Beltrami County District Court.
According to the complaint, deputies were searching for Throne on the evening of October 27 due to an outstanding felony Department of Corrections warrant. Deputies on patrol near 23rd Street and Conifer spotted a 2005 silver Ford Escape at a stop sign and identified Throne as the driver. They knew his license was revoked.
READ MORE → Beltrami County coverage
When deputies activated their emergency lights, the vehicle stopped briefly and a female passenger ran from the car. Throne then accelerated away at a high rate of speed, leading deputies on a chase that covered about nine miles and reached speeds between 70 and 90 mph.
During the pursuit, the complaint says Throne struck a pedestrian crosswalk sign, knocking it over. Deputies saw multiple items being thrown from the vehicle as the chase continued through several streets and residential areas. Throne eventually drove into the front yard of a residence before turning onto another street and coming to a stop at a dead end.
Throne was arrested at the scene. After being read his Miranda rights, he agreed to speak with a deputy and admitted he told the passenger to get out because he planned to flee due to his warrant. He also admitted throwing items from the vehicle in hopes of stopping deputies from chasing him.
The complaint states that during the conversation, a deputy noticed Throne had red and glassy eyes. Throne agreed to field sobriety tests, which revealed additional signs of impairment, including sustained nystagmus, balance issues and swaying. He provided a preliminary breath test sample of 0.00. Deputies found drug paraphernalia, including glass pipes with residue, in the vehicle.
According to the complaint, Throne has a history of convictions including fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, drug offenses, check forgery, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and giving a peace officer a false name.
Related MN CRIME Coverage
Driver With Meth Accused of DWI in Beltrami County • Beltrami County Woman Charged in DWI Chase • Woman Refused Blood, Urine Tests, Charged With DWI in Bemidji
