SIDNEY - Authorities with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested a Nebraska Panhandle woman on child endangerment and flight to avoid arrest charges following a vehicle pursuit through neighborhoods and downtown Sidney early Monday morning.

State Patrol Spokesman Cody Thomas says Karla Fernandez, 27, of Sidney, was driving a GMC Terrain on 6th Ave. at 2:10 a.m. when she was accused of nearly rear-ended a state trooper's patrol unit. 

According to Thomas, the trooper contacted Fernandez and observed a strong odor of alcohol. The trooper also saw a child in the backseat of the vehicle. The trooper attempted a traffic stop to conduct a DUI investigation, but the driver refused to comply, accelerated, and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

Fernandez fled in the vehicle on residential streets in Sidney, with speeds at nearly 50 mph. She eventually started traveling westbound on Highway 30 through Sidney. After approximately two miles, the vehicle ran out of fuel and came to a stop. Troopers were able to take Fernandez into custody and found two young children in the backseat, without car seats or seat belts.

Fernandez is also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol .15+ and obstructing a peace officer. She was lodged in Cheyenne County Jail.

The children were placed with other family members.