Michael Frank Kasten III, 18, Motley, was charged Aug. 21 with one felony count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
According to the criminal complaint, on Aug. 20, an officer of the Motley Police Department on routine patrol along Highway 10 observed an ATV being driven by a young male. The officer recognized the ATV as belonging to Kasten and knew that the ATV did not have a valid registration.
The officer attempted to stop the ATV, however, Kasten allegedly began driving at a high rate of speed and fled into a wooded area. The officer was unable to follow in his squad car, turned around and attempted to relocate the ATV.
Kasten allegedly emerged from the woods onto a roadway, at which point the officer continued to pursue him until he finally came to a stop.
It was then confirmed that Kasten was the driver of the ATV and he was taken into custody for fleeing in a motor vehicle.
If convicted, Kasten faces up to three years and one day in prison and/or $5,000 in fines.