Vehicle clocked at approx. 100 mph on Interstate 90

By Michael Stoll

AUSTIN — An Albert Lea man was arrested after allegedly driving a stolen vehicle through Austin early Sunday morning.

According to Austin Police Department Lt. John Mueller, a Mower County deputy heading east on Interstate 90 spotted a gray 2002 Toyota Highlander going west on Interstate 90 at 2:40 a.m. Sunday. The vehicle was going 86 mph, then increased its speed to 97 mph. An Austin police officer saw the Toyota going approximately 100 mph as it entered the city limits, but did not pursue due to public safety concerns.

Another Austin police officer spotted the Toyota going west on Oakland Avenue West and was able to strike it with stop sticks, but the vehicle did not stop, Mueller said. The Toyota was again seen going east on Oakland Avenue before turning north onto Fourth Street Northwest, where it was eventually stopped by law enforcement at the intersection of U.S. Highway 218.

Police arrested the driver, Kevin Paul Kurz, 46, of Albert Lea. Kurz allegedly had a small amount of suspected narcotics. The Toyota was reported stolen out of Freeborn County.

Kurz is in the Mower County Jail and is facing possible charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing a peace officer, possession of a controlled substance and DWI. A review of his criminal history shows prior convictions for vehicle theft, fleeing a peace officer, check forgery, burglary, escaping from custody and arson.