SIDNEY, Neb. — A high-speed chase in Sidney early Friday morning ended with a blue Chevrolet van crashing into Sonny’s Super Foods, causing significant damage to the grocery store and surrounding businesses.

Interim Police Chief Sam Lovato told News Channel Nebraska the incident began at approximately 3:55 a.m. when an officer traveling southbound on 11th Avenue observed a van strike a street sign near Crest View Apartments and nearly collide with the officer’s vehicle. The van then accelerated northbound on 11th Avenue, reaching speeds estimated to exceed 90 mph. The officer activated emergency lights and initiated a pursuit.

Lovato said the pursuit lasted less than 60 seconds and concluded near the junction of 10th and 11th Avenues, near Legion Park, when the suspect vehicle collided with the business front of Rolling Pin Bakery before slamming into the south side of Sonny’s Super Foods. The crash caused extensive damage to the store, including a cooler owned by the business, and left the vehicle with heavy front-end damage. Business owners affected were contacted by authorities.

The store was closed at the time of the crash and no one was inside the building. 

The male driver of the van was transported to Sidney Regional Medical Center by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. His name has not been released while the investigation continues. Officers remained with him at the hospital as the investigation continues. Lovato said the officer involved immediately rendered medical aid to the driver and requested assistance from Emergency Medical Services and the Fire Department.

Emergency responders, including the Sidney Police Department, Sidney Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Management, responded to the call. As a result of the crash, 10th Avenue from Toledo Street to the 11th Avenue junction (in front of Sonny’s Super Foods) remained closed Friday morning. Commuters were urged to avoid the area and find alternate routes.

Lovato emphasized the Sidney Police Department adheres to strict pursuit policies, including a thorough risk-to-benefit assessment before engaging in a pursuit. In this instance, the driver demonstrated a disregard for public safety prior to police involvement, having already collided with a street sign. During the pursuit, the officer provided updates on traffic conditions and safety concerns while requesting supervisor notification.

The Nebraska State Patrol has been requested to conduct an accident reconstruction using drones. Lovato said the incident remains under investigation, and officers will be canvassing the area to gather any available video footage. Authorities are also compiling a list of any other objects that may have been struck by the suspect vehicle prior to police contact. Residents who observe damage to their property potentially related to the incident are encouraged to contact the Sidney Police Department to document and address any claims.

This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel Nebraska for the latest.