CHEYENNE COUNTY, NE — An Illinois man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he led them on a chase on I-80 in the Nebraska panhandle. 

28-year-old Stephen Purvis of La Grance, Ill., was arrested Saturday afternoon after the chase.  

Court documents say the Sidney Police Department received a tip from On-Star there was a stolen vehicle in the Walmart parking lot in Sidney. 

Using On-Star's description, police were able to identify the truck in the lot with one person, Purvis, inside. 

Not long after identifying the truck, Purvis left the parking lot, according to court records. He turned onto Link 17J southbound, where police say they attempted to pull Purvis over. 

According to the arrest affidavit, Purvis didn't stop and turned onto I-80 westbound. At this point, the Nebraska State Patrol took the lead on the pursuit. 

Police set up spike strips near mile marker 44 to stop Purvis. Court records indicate Purvis tried to avoid them, but the driver's side tires were hit by the spikes. 

According to police, Purvis continued to drive until reaching the Potter exit (mile marker 38). Police then took him into custody and confirmed via the pickup's VIN it was the truck reported stolen. 

Purvis refused to identify himself to police, but an Illinois Firearm Owners ID was found in the car. 

Later, the Countryside Police Department in Illinois contacted Sidney authorities and told them Purvis was a suspect in an auto theft case. According to court records, the Illinois department said Purvis took the vehicle on a test drive from a dealership, but never returned. 

The truck, a 2021 Dodge Ram with a lift kit, aftermarket rims and decals, had a purchase price of $80,000, according to unsigned dealership paperwork found inside the car.

Purvis faces charges of theft over $5,000 and using a motor vehicle to avoid arrest. Both are felonies. 

He was arraigned Monday in Cheyenne County Court and is scheduled for his next appearance next week. 

The Sidney Police Department, Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol all responded to the incident.