THEDFORD, Neb. - Two men are behind bars after separate high-speed pursuits in western Nebraska. According to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), a trooper witnessed a vehicle driving more than 100 miles per hour Monday afternoon on Highway 2 near Dunning. When the trooper attempted to stop the Ford Edge, NSP says the driver accelerated. As the vehicle approached Thedford, another trooper deployed stop sticks, and the driver pulled over and came to a stop.

Jeffrey Zitek, 58, of Grand Island, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest and traffic violations.

The second chase happened Sunday afternoon when the Ogallala Police Department notified NSP of a pursuit on Highway 30. A trooper joined the pursuit as the Toyota sedan allegedly reached speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour. A Keith County deputy was able to deploy stop sticks, but NSP says the driver continued fleeing.

The chase ended near I-80’s mile marker 133 when NSP says the vehicle drove off the road and the driver fled on foot. Christopher Mitchell, 26, of Sarasota, Florida, was arrested after a brief pursuit on foot. He faces charges including flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and traffic violations.