The person suspected of stealing a car late Tuesday morning in Atlantic and leading authorities on a high speed chase faces multiple moving violations. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says a 54-year old male resident of the Willow Heights Residential Care Facility, was being held at the Behavioral Health Unit at the Cass County Memorial Hospital, but he was not placed under arrest. The man’s name cannot be released because of HIPPA rules.

Officials say he allegedly stole a 2002 Dodge Intrepid belonging to Jon and Darcy Schwanke, of Atlantic, while the couple was fixing a fence near Willow Heights. The incident began at around 11-a.m. Tuesday. A chase ensued, ending on Highway 71 near Newport Road, when the driver of the stolen vehicle lost control, and the car entered the east ditch. No injuries were reported. The driver was subsequently transported to CCMH for evaluation.

The man received six citations, including: Unsafe Passing; 2 counts of Failure to Obey Stop signs; Reckless Driving; Excessive Speed and Failure to Maintain Control. Additional charges are possible, pending completion of the investigation. Officials say the Schwanke vehicle sustained an estimated $2,600 damage, while a 2009 Dodge Charger driven by Cass County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jon Westering, sustained about $400 damage, when Westering attempted to stop the stolen car.