Stolen Truck Chase Ends in I-35 Crash Near Owatonna

Owatonna, MN (KROC AM News) - A man accused of stealing a water truck in east-central Minnesota was arrested more than 100 miles away near Owatonna

But only after crashing into some vehicles and leading police on a 40-mile chase.

The State Patrol says the truck was stolen in Pine County, north of the Twin Cities.

Authorities became aware of the truck Wednesday when it collided with three vehicles in the Twin Cities. The truck was spotted driving south on I-35 and located near the Scott/Rice County line.

It was then involved in a pursuit that included state troopers as well as officers from Rice, Scott and Steele counties, Faribault and Owatonna. The State Patrol says the chase ended when the truck crashed into the center median of I-35 south of Owatonna around 1:30 PM.

The driver of the truck was arrested without incident. 

He was identified as 29-year-old Ryan Patzer of Center City.