Rochester, MN  (KROC AM News) -  A Rochester man was arrested Thursday night for leading a police officer on a chase - and then spitting in the face of another officer.

Police Capt. Casey Moilanen says 37-year-old James Halverson nearly crashed into a patrol car near St. Francis Church and then drove off when the officer tried to stop him. The short pursuit ended several blocks away when Halverson crashed into a dirt pile in a road construction area near the Federal Medical Center.

Olmsted County ADC/2019 photo
Olmsted County ADC/2019 photo
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Moilanen says Halverson suffered facial injuries in the crash and when he got out of his car, he began yelling “corona” and then started spitting blood at an officer.

Halverson was taken to St Marys Hospital for treatment of his injuries and then transferred to jail. Moilanen says a blood sample was taken because it was suspected he was impaired.

He is facing charges that include felony assault for spitting at the officer.

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