Prosecutors charged Winkels in Otter Tail County District Court. He faces felony fleeing in a motor vehicle. He also faces misdemeanor fleeing on foot.<\/p>\n
The charges are allegations. Winkels is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
Pursuit Began Near Perham<\/h2>\n
Court records say the chase began July 8 near Perham. An officer recognized Winkels driving and tried to stop him.<\/p>\n
The officer activated emergency lights and a siren. Winkels did not stop, according to the criminal complaint.<\/p>\n
An Otter Tail County deputy later saw the vehicle. Its speed changed often during the pursuit.<\/p>\n
Records say Winkels drove through an intersection without stopping. The deputy then joined the pursuit.<\/p>\n
Speeds reached between 50 and 60 mph. The chase crossed from Otter Tail County into Becker County.<\/p>\n
Stop Sticks and PIT Attempt<\/h2>\n
Winkels allegedly threw an item from the driver\u2019s window. The pursuit was later ended for safety reasons.<\/p>\n
A Becker County deputy placed stop sticks on the roadway. Winkels allegedly drove into a ditch to avoid them.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
![\"Mathias](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Winkels-Mathias-James.jpg\")
\n<\/a>Mathias James Winkels<\/em><\/div>\n
He returned to the highway, and the pursuit resumed. Three marked squad vehicles followed his car.<\/p>\n
The vehicle later returned to Otter Tail County. A deputy then attempted a PIT maneuver.<\/p>\n
The maneuver caused the fleeing vehicle to spin. Winkels allegedly regained control and drove away again.<\/p>\n
The complaint says a Becker County deputy broke two wrist bones during the maneuver.<\/p>\n
The chase was again ended after Winkels allegedly drove against traffic.<\/p>\n
Vehicle Became Stuck Near Cabin<\/h2>\n
The Minnesota State Patrol<\/a> later found the vehicle.<\/p>\n After midnight on July 9, deputies tried stop sticks again. This time, the sticks struck all four tires.<\/p>\n Winkels allegedly continued onto a minimum-maintenance road. He drove toward a family member\u2019s hunting cabin.<\/p>\n The vehicle became stuck in mud. Winkels then fled on foot and escaped, court records say.<\/p>\n A warrant was issued July 14. Winkels was arrested July 17.<\/p>\n On July 23, unconditional bail or bond was set at $80,000.<\/p>\n Conditional bond was set at $20,000. Conditional cash bail was set at $2,000.<\/p>\n Winkels is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 12.<\/p>\n Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n More local safety information is available from the Otter Tail County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/a>.<\/p>\nBail and Next Court Date<\/h2>\n