NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A 19-year-old Stapleton woman is facing charges after an overnight pursuit south of North Platte ended in a crash that injured multiple occupants, including a juvenile passenger.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 12:04 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, to the area of Newberry and State Farm roads following a report of suspicious activity involving a silver Dodge pickup.
Witnesses reported the pickup had struck a road sign before occupants exited the vehicle, picked up the sign, and drove eastbound on State Farm Road.
Deputies later located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the pickup fled, running a red light and reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour while traveling south of North Platte on Highway 83.
Authorities said the driver traveled through multiple ditches, a cornfield, and three barbed wire fences in an effort to evade deputies.
The pursuit came to an end when the pickup entered a steep ditch on East Brown Road and struck a metal power pole, disabling the vehicle. Several occupants fled the scene on foot, leaving behind an injured juvenile passenger.
Deputies immediately rendered aid to the juvenile, who was transported to Great Plains Health for treatment. Two occupants later returned to the crash site, including the driver, identified as 19-year-old Haylee Dimmitt of Stapleton, and another juvenile. Both were transported to Great Plains Health to be treated for injuries.
During the investigation, deputies discovered six road signs in the bed of the pickup, along with a cutting tool believed to have been used to remove them.
Investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor in the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected for those involved.