Rochester Suspect Faces Charges After Chase Ends in Fiery Crash

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man is expected to be formally charged today in connection with a vehicle theft and a law enforcement pursuit earlier this week.

Deputies Chased Stolen Vehicle Through Cornfield

A statement issued by the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office says the incident occurred late Wednesday morning in the 3000 block of 60th Street Southwest near the Rochester airport and began with a report of a vehicle theft. Sheriff's Capt. Tim Parkin says the responding deputies located the stolen vehicle, and the driver fled by driving through a cornfield.

Drones and K9 Units Deployed

Parkin says the deputies pursued the stolen vehicle, which was later found crashed and burning. Drones and K-9 units were then deployed to track the suspect, who continued trying to flee on foot after he was located.

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Taken to Hospital before Jail

The Sheriff's Office statement identifies the suspect as 43-year-old James Minter. After he was transported to the hospital to be evaluated for injuries sustained in the crash, the Rochester man was brought to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center and held on suspicion of felony fleeing police and criminal damage to property.

Extensive Criminal History

Court records show Minter has a criminal history that dates back more than 25 years. In 2018, he was sentenced to five years in prison for a series of criminal offenses that included assaults, burglaries, vehicle thefts, and numerous law enforcement pursuits. Court documents indicate he was finally arrested following a police chase in January 2018 after he crashed a stolen vehicle in Rochester.