MANKATO -- The man who drove his car inside a Mankato Walmart last March while fleeing police will serve no more time behind bars.Watch VIDEO of Mager leaving court
Raymond Mager Jr., 48, was sentenced today in Blue Earth County Courty to time already served and five years probation for the March 19 incident that made national headlines.
The day started around 6:30 a.m. with the report of a hit-and-run on Highway 22, near the Highway 14 interchange. Mager fled in his car when law enforcement arrived. The chase ended up in the discounter's parking lot.
Store video, both in the parking lot and inside the store, captured what happened next.
Mager stopped his car in front of the store, rammed the vehicle of Sheriff Brad Peterson and took off. The short chase winding through the parking lot ended when Mager lined up his car and drove through the sliding glass doors of the store. He drove down an isle, deep into the store and stopped in front of the pharmacy. Law enforcement entered with guns drawn, eventually pulling Mager from the car when he tossed a pellet gun out his car window.
A psychological exam showed Mager to be off his medication and "manic" at the time. The exam showed Mager didn't understand everything that was going on. That limited the prosecution for seeking some of the more serious charges.
The plea agreement was reached in December. One count of 2nd Degree Assault. Seven other counts were dismissed, including Use of deadly force aginst a peace officer.
Assistant County Attorney Michael Hanson (pictured right) called the sentence a "good resolution." Watch VIDEO of Hanson's comments following the hearing.
Public defender Scott Cutcher told the judge "bottom line is when Mr. Mager is compliant with his medications we won't see him (in court)."
When asked in court if he had anything to add, Mager replied simply "No your honor."
A 21 month prison term was stayed for five years in lieu of 216 days in county jail. He was given credit for the 216 days already served. He was given a $1,000 fine that will be taken from the $1,700 in cash seized during the incident.
Following the hearing, Mager declined comment.

