A driver is in jail after his vehicle ends up in the Platte River following a pursuit that started near the Garden/Keith County line.

Around 1:40 p.m., a trooper drove up on a 2005 Chevy Silverado pickup parked just off of Highway 26 on County Road 207 blocking both lanes of traffic. The pickup was stopped approximately 10 miles east of Lewellen near the Garden/Keith County line. The trooper approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver. As the trooper was returning to check the driver’s information the pickup sped off and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit traveled eastbound through Ogallala on Highway 30. An attempt to spike the vehicle’s tires was unsuccessful and the trooper discontinued the pursuit just west of Paxton.

A short time later another trooper spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on I-80 near the Maxwell Exit (mm190) and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit traveled eastbound on I-80 before being discontinued near Brady.

Just before 5:00 p.m.., a trooper spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on I-80 near Minden. The trooper attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued with the vehicle continuing eastbound on I-80. An attempt to spike the vehicle’s tires was successful near the Alda exit. The vehicle continued eastbound before leaving the roadway, driving through the south ditch and coming to rest in the Platte River just west of the Grand Island exit (mm312).

The driver of the pickup, identified as Kade Brenna (M), 35, of Minatare, was pulled from the water and transported to St. Francis Medical Center where he was treated and released. He will be lodged in the Buffalo County Corrections on charges to include flight to avoid arrest, speeding, willful reckless driving, and driving under suspension.

The pursuit reached speeds of 85-90 mph. The Nebraska State Patrol was assisted by Sheriff’s Offices in Lincoln and Hall County.