On Friday night 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. He 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. 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 Operating a Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest, 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. UPDATED: Both men also face charges of possession of Controlled Substance after illegal drug contraband was found along Hwy 275 that had been thrown from the vehicle. It was recovered after daylight, following a review of car video of the pursuit.
