Press Article: High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest of Suspected Arsonist
On October 18, 1964, authorities apprehended 24-year-old Lyle T. Taylor following a dramatic high-speed chase in Moorhead, Minnesota. Taylor is suspected of setting multiple church fires in Sykeston, North Dakota, including a devastating blaze that gutted the St. Paul Lutheran Church late Saturday night. The Wells County Sheriff confirmed that gasoline and fuel oil were used to ignite the fires.
Taylor was captured after police pursued him from a stolen vehicle, which ultimately overturned in a ditch. He had previously been free on bail for a separate criminal charge. The police began their search after a car theft was reported, leading them to Taylor’s vehicle parked nearby. During the chase, Taylor’s car reportedly reached speeds of 80 mph, despite sustaining damage from hitting a curb.
His father, Joseph Taylor, had sought a mental evaluation for Lyle shortly before the arrest, expressing concerns for his son’s well-being. Investigators identified additional arson attempts, including fires at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and a nearby cemetery. Taylor’s companion during the theft was cleared of wrongdoing. The investigation continues as authorities assess the damage from the fires.
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