An accused car thief, previously convicted of stealing cars, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Mower County Court.

Dylan Leeper, 20, of Austin, pleaded not guilty to charges of felony vehicle theft and felony theft, and misdemeanors for driving after revocation and obstructing the legal process.

According to the court complaint, the vehicle owner reported the car stolen from the 500 block of Fifth Avenue Northwest, Austin, on Nov. 9. On Nov. 10, the owner reported seeing the vehicle in Mapleview. Police talked to witnesses, who said Leeper fled from the area when they approached the vehicle. According to the complaint, Leeper told the witnesses he had bought the vehicle several days earlier.

An officer recognized Leeper at a gas station on Nov. 12, called for assistance and tried to arrest Leeper. However, Leeper allegedly refused to put his hands behind his back and tried to get away. The officer eventually sprayed Leeper with a chemical irritant. The complaint stated Leeper was kicking and spitting, so he was placed in shackles and a spit hood.

Leeper was convicted of vehicle theft after stealing cars in October and November 2011. He also has convictions for third-degree burglary — for which he was sent to prison — theft, fleeing a peace officer and giving a false name to an officer — all within the last two years.