Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - An arrest warrant was issued today for an Illinois man who was convicted of a felony for leading a State Trooper high-speed chase at speeds well over 100 mph in Rochester.

Court records show that 34-year-old Deander Zachairs Pulliam was arrested over the Labor Day weekend in 2023 after he was found in a field on the edge of Chatfield. At the time, he was being sought by authorities as the suspected driver of an SUV that sped away when a State Trooper attempted a traffic stop for speeding on Highway 52 at the 6th Street Southwest interchange in Rochester.

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The criminal complaint in the case indicates the trooper witnessed him switching lanes and passing other vehicles on both the left and right shoulders of the highway at speeds estimated at around 120 mph. The State Trooper discontinued the pursuit because of public safety concerns.

According to the charges, Chatfield police responded later that day to reports of a man and woman, who matched the descriptions of the occupants of the SUV, walking through yards. The reports indicate they were seen walking into a field near Highway 52, where Pulliam was apprehended.

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He was charged with a felony count of fleeing police, misdemeanor reckless driving, and driving while license. His case went to trial in Olmsted County Court last November and a jury found him guilty of the felony charge and the reckless driving offense.

Pulliam was scheduled to be sentenced for the conviction on Monday, but never showed up for the court hearing. The court has now issued a bench warrant for his arrest. He was released following the trial last fall on $30,000 bail.