IMPERIAL, Neb. — A Denver man was arrested Thursday afternoon following a vehicle pursuit that traveled through rural areas of Chase County and the city of Imperial, according to the Chase County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the pursuit began around 2:39 p.m. when a sheriff’s deputy observed a dark-colored sedan traveling eastbound on Highway 6 west of Imperial at a speed exceeding the posted 65 mph limit. The vehicle, identified as a black Ford Fusion without license plates, failed to stop when the deputy attempted a traffic stop and instead accelerated.

Additional deputies coordinated efforts to stop the vehicle before it entered Imperial. Stop sticks were deployed east of the city, while officers with the Imperial Police Department positioned units near Broadway Street. The driver initially avoided the stop sticks and continued through Imperial before traveling onto Spur 15A and into the southern portion of Chase County.

Authorities said the vehicle later returned toward Imperial using county roads, where spike strips were successfully deployed. Despite damaged tires, the pursuit continued through Imperial and eastbound on Highway 6 before the vehicle left the roadway and traveled through multiple fields.

The pursuit ended after the vehicle re-entered Imperial and was stopped at the intersection of East Third Street and Highway 61. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Brian Foster of Denver, Colorado, and a passenger, 25-year-old Michelle Marie Fernandez of Florida, were taken into custody without incident.

Investigators determined the Ford Fusion had been reported stolen. Foster was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities said Foster is also wanted in Colorado on multiple felony charges, and additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.