Austin man facing several charges after attempting to flee from authorities on a scooter late Monday evening

An Austin man is in custody after he attempted to flee from authorities on a scooter late Monday evening.

Austin Chief of Police David McKichan reported that an officer observed a small trail scooter in the 900 block of 6th Avenue Southeast operating without headlights or taillights at approximately 11:00 p.m. Monday evening.  The officer attempted to stop the male driver, later identified as 42-year old Joshua David Bollinger, of Austin.  Chief McKichan stated that Bollinger attempted to elude officers by driving on a bike trail, through yards and around construction barricades until he ultimately lost control of the scooter in the construction zone mud on 5th St. SW.  McKichan stated that Bollinger then attempted to flee on foot, but he was taken into custody after a brief physical struggle that included the use of a taser.   

Bollinger was transported to Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin to be medically cleared and was later released to be jailed.  A small canister of a tear gas compound was located at the scene as was suspected methamphetamine. Bollinger was also processed for a suspected DWI. 

Bollinger is currently being held in the Mower County jail, where he could face charges that include a gross misdemeanor for DWI and felonies for 5th drug possession, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and for being a prohibited individual in possession of tear gas.