One person was arrested, however, authorities are still looking for three others involved in the chase of a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) near Bass Lake north of Winnebago.
A resident who lives nearby says there were numerous law officers and a K-9 unit searching the area. Roadblocks were set up and a law officer could be heard over a loudspeaker.
“The cops were driving around in a yard with spotlights looking in the slough and telling someone to surrender and they were under arrest,” says the resident.
Chief Deputy Scott Adams says 20-year-old Seth Michael Swehla of Winnebago was a passenger in the UTV and ran away from authorities. He was later arrested and required medical attention by the Winnebago Ambulance crew.
“He was treated for hypothermia,” says Adams. “At this time no additional parties were arrested but the investigation is ongoing.”
Swehla appeared in Faribault County District Court on Tuesday and was charged with fleeing police, obstructing the legal process and underage consumption. His next court hearing has been scheduled for June 28.
According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a driving complaint in the 39000 block of 225th Street Winnebago in Delavan Township around 11:00 p.m. Sunday.
A deputy who arrived on the scene saw a 2016 Honda Pioneer Utility Task Vehicle following a motor vehicle southbound on 400th Avenue.
The headlights of the UTV reportedly were not on but there were flashing red and blue lights on the front end of the vehicle.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a deputy tried to pull over the UTV but the driver sped up and drove through a bean field and damaged some crops.
Authorities say four occupants fled on foot into a wooded area and left behind the UTV and several alcohol containers.
Swehla allegedly admitted he had been drinking and refused to identify the other passengers in the UTV.
Also assisting at the scene were the Blue Earth and Winnebago police departments.
Anyone with information regarding the incident may contact the Sheriff’s Office by calling (507) 526-5148.