MASON CITY – A Clear Lake man who earlier beat a second-offense drunk driving charge after a dangerous police chase is now facing a felony drunk driving charge again after he was popped in Mason City this week.
On October 7th, 2012, Mason City police attempted to stop Robert Troy Knutson of Clear Lake on suspicion of drunk driving. Knutson fled police multiple times, refused to stop, and traveled the wrong way on highways and turned off his headlights. Due to the extreme danger of the pursuit, officers discontinued the chase of Knutson. Knutson was eventually arrested and charged with felony eluding and OWI second offense. At Knutson’s trial on January 10th, Judge Gregg Rosenbladt accepted a negotiated plea from the defendant where Knutson pled guilty to serious misdemeanor eluding and operating while intoxicated 1st offense. He was fined and spent a short time in jail.
This week, Knutson was back behind the wheel, allegedly intoxicated. Mason City police officers were dispatched for a complaint of an intoxicated driver on March 1 around 9:41 PM. The driver, Knutson, was located near the 000 block of North Monroe Avenue. After an investigation, he was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence, driving while barred and fifth-degree theft.
Knutson, Robert Troy:
Lock this guy up before he kills someone
He ain’t no brain surgeon. Prison is a good place for him.