Man gets probation for multi-county chase

Published 10:00 pm Tuesday, December 25, 2018

An Albert Lea man who led officers on a 23-mile vehicle chase in May that reached 120 mph and ended in Lake Mills was placed on probation for up to three years Friday in Freeborn County District Court.

Michael Anthony Livingston

Michael Anthony Livingston, 31, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle in October. He was sentenced to 129 days in jail and was given credit for 129 days served.

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He was given a stayed sentence of one year and one day in prison, meaning if he violates his probation he could potentially have to serve that time in prison.

While on probation, Livingston is expected to not use alcohol or controlled substances — with the exception of prescribed medications — or possess firearms, ammunitions, explosives, alcohol or drugs. He needs to obtain permission from his agent before leaving the state  — unless he goes to Iowa for court appearances  — and he will need to follow other court requirements.

Court documents state Livingston fled at a high rate of speed after an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle the afternoon of May 22 in the area of Margaretha Avenue and 14th Street. The vehicle was connected to a domestic incident earlier that day.

The pursuit continued through southern Freeborn County and into Iowa.

The pursuit continued through Lake Mills, where Livingston crashed into a field and fled on foot. He was pursued and arrested a short distance away.

In a separate file, Livingston was sentenced to 90 days in jail and was given credit for 90 days served for misdemeanor domestic assault. He was charged with domestic assault by strangulation, but he was not sentenced for that.

Livingston was also charged in Winnebago County in connection with the case. It is unknown whether Livingston will be extradited to Iowa.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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