Two Arrested in Pursuit
On February 19, 2022 around 5:00 p.m. an officer with the North Platte Police Department attempted to stop an SUV for various violations. Officers pursued for a short time and then terminated the pursuit. About 5:15 p.m. a Deputy observed the vehicle driving westbound on Interstate 80 between North Platte and Hershey. The vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed and swerving in and out of traffic. The Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver refused to pull over. The Deputy pursued the vehicle on the interstate into Keith County and then north into Paxton, NE. Keith County Deputies, Nebraska State Patrol Troopers also joined into assist.
The driver of the SUV continue to drive reckless going off road and driving through fences, eventually ending up about two miles west of Paxton, NE in some rugged hills. The driver crashed the vehicle which started a range fire. Deputies and Troopers apprehended the driver, but a male passenger ran off on foot. A large man hunt was conducted by Keith and Lincoln County Deputies, State Troopers and Conservation Officers from Nebraska Game and Parks. Eventually the passenger was spotted near NPPD Canal North of Paxton by a Game and Parks Officer. Deputies and the Conservation Officers were able to catch the subject and he was taken into custody.
The Driver was identified as forty five year old Brad Leeper of North Platte, NE. The passenger was identified as twenty eight year old Ivan Krell also of North Platte, NE. Both individuals were taken to the Lincoln County Detention Center and incarcerated. Mr. Leeper was charged with Driving Under Suspension 6th Offense, Felony Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving and Felony Tampering with Evidence. Mr. Krell was charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer and Resisting Arrest. Additional Charges in Keith County and Lincoln County are likely. Narcotics appear to be a contributing factor in the pursuit.