Driver charged after high-speed chase

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Peter Benton reportedly reached speeds up to 110 miles per hour earlier this month on Highway 3, but he couldn’t drive himself out of trouble with the law.

Rosemount police arrested Benton April 9 after he led an officer on a high-speed chase that started with some erratic driving.

According to a complaint filed last week in the Dakota County Attorney’s office, a Rosemount police officer stopped Benton around 1:15 a.m. on Highway 3 near Canada Circle after the officer noticed Benton’s car drifting in its lane. Benton stopped, but once the officer stepped out to talk to him he sped away.

The officer pursued Benton, who drove south on Highway 3. He nearly hit two cars and drove over curbs and onto the shoulder, according to the complaint.

Benton eventually stopped near 195th Street.

According to the complaint, there was an odor of alcohol coming from Benton’s car and he stumbled as he walked to the squad car. A blood sample has been sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis.

Benton does not have a valid driver’s license. He has been charged with driving with a cancelled license, driving under the influence of alcohol and fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle.

If convicted of fleeing a police officer he could face up to three years in jail and fines of up to $5,000. The charge of driving with a cancelled license has a maximum sentence of one year and a maximum fine of $3,000.

Tags: crime and courts, news, rosemount, crime