Morrill County deputy arrests Minatare man after pursuit in Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Neb. — A Minatare man was arrested Tuesday night after a Morrill County deputy reported a brief pursuit through Bridgeport that included property damage and a near-collision with a patrol vehicle.

According to the Morrill County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a white Ford F-250 traveling east on Fifth Street at about 11:30 p.m. at an estimated 60 mph in a 30 mph zone. The deputy activated emergency lights to stop the truck, but it continued east and failed to stop at the intersection of Fifth and Main streets.

During the pursuit, the sheriff’s office said the truck swerved across the roadway, nearly collided with a parked Morrill County patrol vehicle, struck two mailboxes near Fifth and P streets, and then continued east and hit a gate at a residence at the end of Fifth Street.

The vehicle came to a stop in front of the residence, and deputies conducted a felony stop and arrested the driver, identified as Derek L. Thomas of Minatare, the sheriff’s office said.

Thomas was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, second offense; felony flight to avoid arrest; willful reckless driving; three counts of criminal mischief; two counts of leaving the scene of an accident; second-degree trespassing; open alcohol container; speeding 21-35 mph over the limit; failing to stop at a stop sign; and driving left of center.

All individuals arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.