An Albert Lea man who allegedly led Albert Lea officers on a chase with speeds nearing 70 mph Monday was charged with a felony Tuesday in Freeborn County District Court.

Weston William Zuehl, 35, is charged with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest. 

Court documents state Zuehl was charged after an Albert Lea sergeant was conducting patrol at about 10:15 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Front Street when he saw a silver truck travel west on Front Street and turn north on Washington Avenue, not stopping for the stop sign and driving over the railroad tracks at approximately 15 to 20 mph. 

The chase started, and court documents state Zuehl approached the intersection of South Broadway and Front Street at approximately 45 mph in a 30 mph zone, increasing speeds to approximately 70 mph as he approached the intersection of Broadway and Third Street.

Zuehl allegedly almost struck another vehicle on the road and continued traveling at 45 to 50 mph while straddling the centerline. After turning onto Ninth Street, Zuehl traveled north through backyards, nearly striking trees, fences and other property.

Court documents state Zuehl — who at the time had three active warrants — stopped after nearly striking a parked car at 1319 S. Broadway Ave., and a foot chase ensued.

As of Thursday morning, Zuehl was not in custody.

Court documents state Zuehl has 13 gross misdemeanor and lower-level driving after cancellation/withdrawal offenses since 2005. He has two fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle incidents in Iowa and Minnesota.

 

See what happened last night in the PM report here.