Driver With Revoked License Accused of Fleeing Police Through Rochester Neighborhood

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A motorist with a revoked license is accused of leading police on a pursuit through a Rochester neighborhood. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Tuesday. The alleged police chase occurred shortly before noon on Monday.

It began in northeast Rochester when a Rochester police officer on patrol spotted a vehicle with an inoperable driver-side headlight, according to the complaint. 

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Northeast Rochester Police Chase Leads to Felony Charge Against 56-Year-Old Man

The officer initiated a traffic stop in the area of 7th St. and 11th Ave. NE. The vehicle then began accelerating rapidly and increased its distance from the squad, which had its lights and siren activated, the charges say. 

After making a turn onto southbound 11th Ave. NE, the suspect accelerated to an estimated speed of 85 mph on the 30 mph residential street.

The officer chose to terminate the pursuit out of concern for public safety, the complaint says. 

Fleeing Suspect Captured Near Government Center

Later on, the officer spotted the suspect vehicle in a parking lot across the street from the Olmsted County Government Center in the 200 block of 4th St. SE. 

The driver, identified as 56-year-old James Ernest Kemmish, exited the vehicle.

The court document says he was arrested and taken to St. Mary’s Hospital because he required medical clearance before being booked into jail. 

The Rochester man’s license was revoked in March, the court document says. Kemmish is charged with felony fleeing and misdemeanor driving after revocation. 

He was released without bail following his first court appearance Tuesday morning. Kemmish is due back in court in July.