Tire Deflation Used As Pursuit Reaches 130 MPH

​A Fremont man is in custody after attempting to evade law enforcement late Friday night and leading them on a pursuit that was at times 130 mph. 

According to the Stanton County Sheriff's Office, just before midnight the Stanton County Sheriff’s 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 accelerated away at high speeds.  The Mercedes continued eastbound on Hwy 275, nearly striking an SUV at the Hwy 275/Hwy 15 junction due its reckless driving. 

The Mercedes continued to flee at high speeds through Wisner, Beemer and into West Point where he turned onto side streets trying to elude pursuing units. The driver then re-entered Highway 275 and again proceeded eastbound out of West Point where his vehicle was spiked with a tire deflation device by the State Patrol, according to law enforcement. 

The fleeing Mercedes continued a couple more miles east before coming to a stop.  The driver, Benny P. Morales, 22, of Fremont was taken into custody on charges of Speeding 130/65, Driving under the Influence, Window Tint Violation, Willful Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia 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.