WINONA, Minn. — A police officer attempted a speeding stop on Mankato Avenue on the East End, but the driver, he said, wasn’t about to stop. She put pedal. to rhe metal So began a chase on U.S. Highway 61 along Lake Winona and on for four miles to Minnesota City. Speeds reached 120 mph, the officer said. Thankfully traffic on often-busy U.S. 61 was light at the hour — after dark about 9:15 p.m. — as the chase proceeded through five light-controlled intersections. Unable to shake the officer and implored by her passenger to stop, the driver pulled over. The vehicle smelled of alcohol, the officer said. Sarah Nicole Gierok, 24, of Winona, had bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech, the officer said. Also, he said, she admitted to a drink and consuming cocaine: In the vehicle was uncorked booze and in Gierok’s purse was cocaine.
