Trial Over 120 MPH Rochester Chase Ends With Guilty Verdict

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - An Olmsted County jury has returned a guilty verdict against an Illinois man who was arrested following a high speed chase at speeds well over 100 mph in the Rochester area.

According to court documents, the police chase took place over the Labor Day weekend last year and began on Highway 52 at the 6th Street Southwest interchange when a State Trooper spotted an SUV traveling at 84 mph in the 60 mile-per-hour zone. When the trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the other motorist sped away at a high rate of speed.

The criminal complaint filed against 34-year-old Deander Zachairs Pulliam indicated 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. Eventually, the trooper discontinued the pursuit.

According to the charges, police in Chatfield later responded to reports that a man and woman, who matched the description of the SUV occupants, had been spotted walking through yards and had gone into a field south of Highway 52. Eventually, Pulliam was found in the field and was taken into custody.

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He was charged with a felony count of fleeing police, misdemeanor reckless driving, and driving without a license. The license violation was dismissed prior to trial, and today, members of an Olmsted County jury found him guilty of fleeing police and reckless driving.

Pulliam is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

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