Rochester Police Say Stewartville Man Chased, Rammed Woman’s Car

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - For motorists who were affected by a traffic incident in southeast Rochester Thursday afternoon, it looked like a normal rear-end accident. But police say it was not an accident - it was an intentional act by an ex-boyfriend.

Police Capt. Casey Moilanen says the incident actually started at the Kwik Trip store at South Broadway and 20th St where a 24-year-old Rochester woman says she was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. She waited until he left before she drove away.

The woman says she suddenly noticed he was behind her and then pulled alongside her car. The woman was fearful and decided to drive to the law enforcement center

As she was waiting to turn onto 3rd Ave SE from 12th St, the man rammed the rear of the woman’s car at a high rate of speed. The man was still there when officers arrived and was arrested. He was identified as 47-year-old James Wilder of Stewartville.

Moilanen says Wilder took a breath test that showed he had a blood/alcohol level of .21 He is expected to face DUI and domestic assault charges.

The woman was shaken up but did not seek medical attention.