NSP investigating crash after discontinued pursuit

BIG SPRINGS, Ne. -- The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash that resulted in a fatality in western Nebraska. The vehicle had previously fled attempted traffic stops.

Just after 12:00 a.m. MT Monday, NSP received information about a vehicle that had fled a pursuit with deputies in central Nebraska several hours earlier. The vehicle, a Lexus GS, was believed to be in western Nebraska. At approximately 12:13 a.m., a trooper saw the Lexus traveling 95 miles per hour on I-80 near Big Springs at mile marker 111. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The trooper pursued for approximately five minutes before discontinuing the pursuit as the suspect vehicle exited I-80 and appeared headed into Colorado on I-76. The Lexus was traveling more than 140 miles per hour.

Several minutes later, the trooper saw what appeared to be a vehicle crash just off I-80 near mile marker 102. The trooper found the Lexus approximately 75 yards away from I-80 in a field and found the driver deceased. The driver had been ejected from the vehicle.

Additional units were called to assist. The Deuel County Sheriff’s Office and EMS also responded to the scene. The crash remains under investigation. Authorities are attempting to make family notification.