Woman Charged With Felony Fleeing After Alleged 80+ MPH Pursuit on I-35W in Richfield
Hennepin County Jail Booking Photo
Published: October 5th 2026.
HENNEPIN COUNTY MN - A 20-year-old woman has been charged with felony fleeing a peace officer after prosecutors allege she sped away from officers on Interstate 35W early Sunday morning after police observed an Audi speeding and allegedly attempting to run another vehicle off the road.
Iris Pahl is charged in Hennepin County District Court with one count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, a felony punishable by up to three years and one day in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, officers observed an Audi traveling southbound on Interstate 35W near Diamond Lake Road at approximately 1:53 a.m. on Oct. 4. Officers alleged the vehicle was speeding and attempted to run another vehicle off the road.
Police activated their emergency lights and attempted to stop the Audi. The complaint alleges the driver continued through a red light, and officers then activated their siren.
The Audi allegedly accelerated to more than 80 mph. Due to the vehicle's speed and driving behavior, officers discontinued the pursuit, according to the complaint.
Approximately an hour and 20 minutes later, at about 3:15 a.m., Richfield police located Pahl on foot near the area of the pursuit. Authorities identified her as the owner and alleged driver of the Audi.
After being advised of her rights, Pahl allegedly told officers the vehicle belonged to her and acknowledged driving it earlier that night, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors allege Pahl told officers she had been returning home to Richfield from a family event in Wisconsin where she had consumed alcohol. She allegedly acknowledged remembering a squad vehicle behind her with its red and blue emergency lights and siren activated.
According to the complaint, Pahl admitted she was driving the Audi, fled from police and was the vehicle's only occupant.
Pahl was arrested and transported to the Hennepin County Jail, according to the complaint.
The charge is an allegation. Pahl is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.