An Albert Lea man charged in nearly a half dozen files pleaded guilty to leading Albert Lea officers on a chase with speeds nearing 70 mph Wednesday in Freeborn County District Court.

Weston William Zuehl, 36, pleaded guilty to felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle.

Court documents state Zuehl was charged after an Albert Lea sergeant was conducting patrol Aug. 20 at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Front Street and 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 at one point, Zuehl increased speeds to approximately 70 mph as he approached the intersection of Broadway and Third Street. He also allegedly nearly struck another vehicle and, after turning onto Ninth Street, traveled north through backyards, 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.

In separate files, Zuehl pleaded guilty to financial transaction card fraud, gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation, obstructing the legal process and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer other than a motor vehicle.

In one file, Zuehl did not enter a plea to one count of gross misdemeanor obstructing the legal process with force or violence.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 25.

Zuehl is not expected to receive additional jail time in Freeborn County but does have a jail hold in Iowa.

 

See what happened last night in the PM report here.