Man pleads in chase that ended in wreck

A twice-deported illegal immigrant who led police on a high-speed chase that ended in a wreck pleaded guilty Friday instead of going to trial Monday.

In a last minute plea deal, Orasio Gutierrez-Murillo, 25, pleaded guilty to felony eluding, DUI causing substantial bodily harm, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a stolen vehicle.

On Oct. 15, two days after a Toyota Land Cruiser went missing from Woodside Drive, the owner saw it nearby in the Taco Bell drive-through and called police.

When police attempted to stop Gutierrez-Murillo, he led police on a slow-speed chase through town, driving onto the community center lawn and ramming a patrol vehicle in his bid to escape, according to court documents. But on Highway 50 East, he exceeded 75 mph, police reports indicate.

Lyon County deputies were racing toward him to put out spike strips when the Land Cruiser slammed into another car in Mound House, injuring two occupants.

Gutierrez-Murillo ran from the scene and had to be Tased.

He faces up to 40 years when sentenced June 22.