News Release
IMPERIAL, Neb. (CCSO)-On March 22, 2020, around 12:30 pm, the Chase County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of an active police pursuit in Phillips County Colorado which had the potential to come into Chase County, NE.
As the situation unfolded, it was reported to Chase County Dispatch that the suspect vehicle (a black 2019 Subaru, which had been stolen, had rammed and disabled at least 3 patrol cars in Colorado and was headed to Chase County on Highway 6.
It was later learned the pursuit began somewhere around Ft. Collins following the report of an assault and continued into Nebraska.
The Chase County Sheriff’s Office picked up the suspect vehicle near the state line, around mile marker 4 and attempted to pull the vehicle over. The vehicle did not stop and continued East on Highway 6, reaching speeds in excess of 130 mph.
Several attempts were made by Sheriff’s Deputies to stop the vehicle using spike strips before it got to Imperial. The vehicle was able to avoid being stopped and continued East on Highway 6 toward Imperial.
During this time, Chase County Dispatch alerted Imperial Police Department Officers, who attempted to stop the vehicle as well when it entered Imperial from Highway 6. That attempt was unsuccessful as well and 2 Imperial Police Department officers joined Chase County Sheriff’s Deputies in pursuing the vehicle.
As some residents may have witnessed, the vehicle drove through Imperial at a high rate of speed as it was pursued by Law Enforcement; utilizing 11th street, Douglas St., and 5th Street. Eventually, the vehicle got back on Highway 6, heading east, and was pursued by 4 Chase County Deputies and 2 Imperial Police Department Officers to Wauneta, NE.
The vehicle turned north into Wauneta, driving the roads there as well. On North Railway and Center Street, the car jumped the train tracks and sustained even more damage. It eventually turned North on Old Highway 6, but because of the damage wasn’t able to drive as fast. The pursuit continued on Old Highway 6 until the vehicle became inoperable and went into the ditch on the north side of the road adjacent to the dirt bike track.
The occupants attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended by Sheriff’s Deputies.
It was discovered there were 2 occupants of the vehicle, a Juvenile male driver and Juvenile female passenger. Both are 16 years old.
Given the serious nature of the offenses in Colorado, the Chase County Sheriff’s Office handed over both individuals to the Phillips County Colorado Sheriff’s Office.
The juveniles were uninjured in the incident. We understand the incident may have alarmed residents of Imperial and Wauneta; however, the Chase County Sheriff’s Office is committed to the safety and protection of our community during these unusual times.