Two Arrested, Including One From GI, in Separate Pursuits in Western Nebraska

December 24, 2024 (Ogallala, Neb.)  — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people following two pursuits in western Nebraska.

Sunday, at approximately 12:40 a.m. MT, troopers were notified that the Ogallala Police Department was in pursuit of a Toyota sedan westbound on Highway 30. A trooper joined the pursuit as the vehicle exited Ogallala westbound. The vehicle continued westbound with speeds over 130 miles per hour until it reached Big Springs. The vehicle then turned south on Highway 138 and then began fleeing eastbound on Interstate 80.

As the pursuit continued eastbound, a Keith County deputy was able to deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle, but the driver continued fleeing. The vehicle eventually exited I-80 at mile marker 133 and drove off the road, coming to a stop in the ditch. The driver then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.

The driver, Christoper Mitchell, 26, of Sarasota, Florida, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and traffic violations. Mitchell was lodged in Keith County Jail. The Ogallala Police Department is the investigating agency.

Monday, at approximately 2:00 p.m. CT, a trooper observed a Ford Edge driving westbound at over 100 miles per hour on Highway 2 near Dunning. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

As the vehicle approached Thedford, another trooper successfully deployed stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The driver then pulled over and came to a stop. Troopers took the driver into custody without further incident.

The driver, Jeffrey Zitek, 58, of Grand Island, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Custer County Jail.