(Update 4:55)

An investigation into suspicious behavior early this morning in Cass County quickly evolved into a pursuit that ended with the vehicle in a ditch east of Wiota, and one person being taken into custody. Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Bartholomew told KJAN News he was passing an SUV while on routine patrol a little after 1-a.m., when he noticed the vehicle made a sudden turn onto a gravel road in the vicinity of 720th and Fairview Road, west of Anita.

When he attempted to catch up to vehicle, it sped-off, with the chase traversing down gravel and dirt roads. The vehicle, a 2002 Mitsubishi, eventually made its way onto 690th and turned west onto Whitepole Road (Highway 6) toward Wiota, with speeds approaching 85-90 miles per hour. The deputy used his Dodge Charger in a PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver. The move caused the SUV to enter the south ditch off Whitepole Road, where it came to rest facing northeast. The chase ended at around 1:20-a.m.

The driver of the SUV, Denise Chamberlain, of Atlantic, was taken into custody on charges that include OWI/drugged, felony eluding and other, moving violations. A passenger in the vehicle was not charged. The Sheriff’s cruiser sustained damage to its right front quarter panel and left rear bumper/valance area. The rear damage was sustained when the car was on a dirt road and struck several deep ruts.

No injuries were reported.

(Photos by KJAN News Director Ric Hanson)