Pickup Crashes, Teens Arrested After High-Speed Chase Near Norfolk

NORFOLK - Two teenagers have been arrested after a high speed chase resulted in a crash east of Norfolk. Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger says deputies attempted to stop a yellow pickup driving erratically near Highway 35 and E. Benjamin Avenue at around 2:30 a.m. this morning when the pickup sped up and fled east on a county road at a high rate of speed. Unger says the pickup fled for approximately four miles before it eventually lost control and entered the north ditch of the road, rolling multiple times. The two teens in the pickup then fled the scene on foot. The driver was located and taken into custody about 30 minutes later while attempting to hide behind a group of trees. The driver, identified as 19-year old Seth Thompson of Creston, was arrested on numerous charges including driving while intoxicated, minor in possession/consumption of alcohol, and operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest. The passenger, 19-year old Jesse Schmit of Randolph, was also arrested after being located at a residence at around 5 a.m. He was arrested on charges of minor in possession/consumption of alcohol, obstructing a police officer, and possession of a false driver's license. Neither driver was injured. The pickup is considered a total loss. The Madison County Sheriff's Office and LifeNet helicopter assisted Stanton County deputies at the scene.