Police: Drunk Man Found Hiding in Bushes Following Car Chase

An Apple Valley man led police on a car chase through parking lots, over embankments and down alleyways, then took off on foot before he was found by a police canine, according to investigators.

Jonathon Joel Bathen, 25, faces one felony count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and two misdemeanor DWI charges following the April 14 incident, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney's Office. If convicted on the felony charge, he could face a maximum of three years and one day in prison, plus $5,000 in fines.

Police say the pursuit began at 2:52 a.m. on April 14, when an Apple Valley police officer stopped at the intersection Johnny Cake Road and County Road 42 witnessed another car run a red light.

The officer turned around and began following the vehicle, which swerved to the left and struck a median, police say. At that point, the officer activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the car on County Road 42 near Flagstaff Avenue, but police say the vehicle accelerated and drove off the roadway.

The car drove down an embankment, causing damage to a retaining wall behind an office supply store, then drove through a parking lot and exited onto westbound Florence Trail, according to police. The vehicle then turned left onto 147th Street, before pulling into an alleyway behind the businesses of the 146th block of Galaxie Avenue.

At that point, police say the man ditched the car and fled on foot. Officers established a perimeter around the area, and eventually called in a canine unit. The police dog allegedly located a man later identified as Bathen hiding in some bushes near a health care facility.

Following his arrest, police noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from Bathen, Medics also treated him for injuries he received from the police canine. During questioning, police say he denied driving the vehicle, but would not identify the driver.

Bathen eventually agreed to a breathalyzer, and blew a .19 blood-alcohol level, according to police.