Fugitive Captured After Ramming Deputy’s Squad Car, Fleeing at High Speeds in Southeast Minnesota

Preston, MN (KROC-AM News)- A wanted man is in custody following an ordeal that involved the ramming of a squad car and a lengthy pursuit that reaches high speeds. 

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A news release issued by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday says the lengthy pursuit crossed state and county lines. 

The southeastern Minnesota law enforcement pursuit ended with a crash that involved a semi on Hwy. 52.  

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Man Wanted by U.S. Marshalls Captured After Ramming Deputy's Squad Car, Crashing in Preston, MN

The news release says the U.S. Marshall’s Service advised the Houston County Sheriff of a wanted fugitive out of Iowa identified as 39-year-old Tyler Pierce. 

A deputy spotted Pierce in Spring Grove around 10:00 Wednesday morning. During an attempted felony traffic stop, Pierce rammed into a squad and drove through a yard to escape law enforcement, the news release says. 

Authorities gave chase and pursued Pierce into northern Iowa, back into Houston County and eventually into Fillmore County. The chase covered 72 miles and Pierce was estimated to be traveling over 100 mph through rural areas, authorities say. 

Law enforcement also deployed stop sticks during the chase and deflated two of the tires on the vehicle Pierce was driving. The pursuit eventually reached Hwy. 52 in Preston, officials say. 

Pierce attempted to pass a semi when his vehicle side-swiped the semi and guardrails on both sides of the highway. The vehicle then became disabled and law enforcement was able to capture Pierce before he could flee, according to the news release. 

Pierce was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester for treatment of what the news release describes as minor injuries he suffered in the crash. Once he was medically cleared, Pierce was taken to the Houston County Jail in Caledonia. 

Charges in the case have not yet been announced. The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the law enforcement vehicle ramming and the Preston crash, the news release says.