Motorcyclist Accused of Fleeing State Trooper at High Speeds, Admits Reaching 150 MPH
Published: October 14th 2026.
WASHINGTON COUNTY - A motorcyclist is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing a Minnesota State Patrol trooper during a high-speed pursuit that began on Highway 36 and ended in St. Paul.
Jose Karlo Rios Sanchez, 24, has been charged in Washington County District Court with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and misdemeanor reckless driving following the October 12, 2026, incident.
According to the criminal complaint, a state trooper was stationed near Highway 36 and Stillwater Boulevard around 7:19 p.m. when he noticed a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed westbound on Highway 36.
The trooper caught up to the motorcycle and recorded a speed of 90 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Near the Hilton Trail exit, the trooper activated his emergency lights, but the motorcyclist allegedly accelerated away instead of stopping. The complaint states that the motorcycle reached an estimated 120 mph while passing vehicles that had pulled over for the trooper's emergency lights and siren.
The pursuit continued onto Highway 61 and into St. Paul, where the motorcyclist eventually turned onto Maryland Avenue and stopped in a parking lot. The trooper then arrested Rios Sanchez.
According to the complaint, Rios Sanchez initially told the trooper he had not noticed the emergency lights or siren.
During a subsequent interview at the Washington County Jail, Rios Sanchez allegedly told investigators he was "stressed" and acknowledged reaching speeds of 150 mph. He also reportedly stated that he was traveling so fast he did not see any speed limit signs.
Authorities additionally discovered that Rios Sanchez had an outstanding warrant from Dakota County. The complaint states that his driver's license was revoked and that he did not have a valid motorcycle endorsement.
The felony fleeing charge carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison and a $5,000 fine, while the misdemeanor reckless driving charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The allegations are based on the criminal complaint. Rios Sanchez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.