WORTHINGTON - Two individuals were taken into custody after a high-speed pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies ensued across two counties early Thursday morning.
Mary R. Weddell, 23, of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Sean J. Symouksavanh, 27, of Minneapolis, were arrested near Luverne after taking a Worthington police officer on a high-speed chase allegedly involving multiple weapons, drugs and drug paraphernalia.
According to the criminal complaint, a Worthington police officer attempted to stop the vehicle, driven by Weddell, in Worthington around 12:30 a.m. March 15.
Weddell failed to stop and the high-speed pursuit ensued through Rushmore, Adrian and Luverne. Weddell was apprehended after more than 30 miles when a Minnesota patrolman performed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing her vehicle to spin out of control and come to a stop in the ditch near Luverne.
The passenger, Symouksavanh, fled on foot before being apprehended.
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Brass knuckles and several knives were allegedly discovered in Weddell’s purse. A broken pipe, multiple unused zip-lock baggies and a digital scale with a residue that field-tested positive for methamphetamine were also allegedly discovered at the scene.
An empty gun holster was also allegedly found near Symouksavanh’s seat. A black Ruger pistol and magazine were located on the side of Nobles County 35 between Adrian and Luverne the next morning.
The complaint details that the pistol had several marks on it, and damage appeared fresh. The pistol and magazine were allegedly the same size as the empty holster located near Symouksavanh’s seat.
The duo now face criminal charges in Nobles County District Court.
Weddell has been charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, gross misdemeanor fifth-degree controlled substance crime and misdemeanor possession of brass knuckles.
Symouksavanh has been charged with felony possession of ammo/any firearm - convicted or adjudicated delinquent crime of violence, felony fifth-degree drug possession and fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.
The most serious offense - possession of ammo/any firearm - is punishable up to 15 years imprisonment, a $30,000 fine or both.
A review of Symouksavanh’s criminal history indicates he has two second-degree assault convictions and a felony controlled substance conviction.
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The duo’s bail was not known by press time.
