Man charged after chase, theft of Heron Lake vehicle

Authorities in south central Minnesota have recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen from Heron Lake following a high speed chase on Tuesday.

According to the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Minnesota 60 near Lake Crystal. It was determined the vehicle had been stolen earlier in the day from Heron Lake.

Deputies located the vehicle near the junction of Minnesota 60 and Minnesota 169 traveling at 98 mph. The male driver refused to stop, leading officers on a pursuit that went north on Minnesota 169 through Mankato.

Authorities eventually were able to pull over the vehicle. The driver and lone occupant was identified as Devon Christopher Martinez, 25 of Rosemount. Martinez was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was then booked into jail on charges related to the pursuit and stolen vehicle. Authorities say Martinez was also wanted on an outstanding warrant.