MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Last week, a suspected drunken driver was stopped by Rosemount police, only to flee and take officers on a 110 mph chase.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 9, Robert Ford Benton was pulled over by officers around 1 a.m. after his car was spotted drifting in its lane and making jerky movements. As the officer approached the vehicle, Benton sped off.
During the chase, Benton was clocked at 110 mph near 170th Street West on Highway 3. Officers noted the suspect had nearly struck two cars during the pursuit. Shortly after, Benton quickly pulled over again, this time for good.
Officers said he smelled of alcohol and refused a breath test. However, he agreed to submit to a blood draw. The blood results are pending.
When asked why he fled, Benton revealed that his license had been canceled.
A review of Benton’s driving record shows his license was revoked out of Arizona. In Minnesota, his license status returns on record as cancelled.
Benton has been changed with fleeing a police office, driving while impaired, driving without a valid license and driving after cancelled inimical to public safety.
He remains in jail until his next court appearance.
