Perham Man Charged After Multi-County Chase

PERHAM, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Mathias James Winkels, 34, faces two charges after a long police pursuit.

Prosecutors charged Winkels in Otter Tail County District Court. He faces felony fleeing in a motor vehicle. He also faces misdemeanor fleeing on foot.

The charges are allegations. Winkels is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Pursuit Began Near Perham

Court records say the chase began July 8 near Perham. An officer recognized Winkels driving and tried to stop him.

The officer activated emergency lights and a siren. Winkels did not stop, according to the criminal complaint.

An Otter Tail County deputy later saw the vehicle. Its speed changed often during the pursuit.

Records say Winkels drove through an intersection without stopping. The deputy then joined the pursuit.

Speeds reached between 50 and 60 mph. The chase crossed from Otter Tail County into Becker County.

Stop Sticks and PIT Attempt

Winkels allegedly threw an item from the driver’s window. The pursuit was later ended for safety reasons.

A Becker County deputy placed stop sticks on the roadway. Winkels allegedly drove into a ditch to avoid them.

Mathias James Winkels

He returned to the highway, and the pursuit resumed. Three marked squad vehicles followed his car.

The vehicle later returned to Otter Tail County. A deputy then attempted a PIT maneuver.

The maneuver caused the fleeing vehicle to spin. Winkels allegedly regained control and drove away again.

The complaint says a Becker County deputy broke two wrist bones during the maneuver.

The chase was again ended after Winkels allegedly drove against traffic.

Vehicle Became Stuck Near Cabin

The Minnesota State Patrol later found the vehicle.

After midnight on July 9, deputies tried stop sticks again. This time, the sticks struck all four tires.

Winkels allegedly continued onto a minimum-maintenance road. He drove toward a family member’s hunting cabin.

The vehicle became stuck in mud. Winkels then fled on foot and escaped, court records say.

A warrant was issued July 14. Winkels was arrested July 17.

Bail and Next Court Date

On July 23, unconditional bail or bond was set at $80,000.

Conditional bond was set at $20,000. Conditional cash bail was set at $2,000.

Winkels is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 12.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

More local safety information is available from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.