On Friday, just before midnight, the Stanton County’s Sheriff attempted to pull over an eastbound Mercedes on U.S. Hwy 275 about four miles west of Pilger for a traffic violation. The Mercedes refused to pull over and proceeded to accelerate away at high speeds.
The Mercedes continued eastbound on Hwy 275, nearly striking an SUV at the Hwy 275/Hwy 15 junction due to the reckless driving. He continued to flee at high speeds through Wisner, Beemer and into West Point where he turned onto side streets trying to elude the pursuing units.
He then re-entered Hwy 275 and again drove eastbound out of West Point where his vehicle was spiked by a tire deflation device laid by the State Patrol.
The fleeing Mercedes kept driving for a couple more miles east before it came to a stop.
The driver, Benny P. Morales, 22, of Fremont was taken into custody on charges of Speeding 130/65 (going 130-mph in a 65-mph zone), Driving under the Influence, Window Tint Violation, Willful Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia, Operating a Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest and an Open Container Violation.
A male passenger, Cameron Christofferson, 22, of Omaha was cited for Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.
Morales remains in jail pending the posting of a cash bond. The Nebraska State Patrol and West Point Police Department assisted in the arrest.
Morales and Christofferson now face felony charges of possession of methamphetamine after an ounce was found along Hwy 275 just after daylight. The contraband was seen being thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit but was not found until daylight.
