High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Ditch

On November 25, an officer reportedly observed a westbound vehicle on Woodland that ran a stop sign at Broadway. The officer attempted a traffic stop, and the vehicle gave pursuit southbound on Broadway, west on State Street, and then onto Old 40, reaching speeds of 110 mph. Concerned for public safety, the officer opted to terminate the pursuit.

The vehicle continued northbound on Burma Road, ultimately veering off the roadway into a ditch, rendering it disabled. The driver, identified as 18-year-old Styles Benson, was apprehended at the scene. A 17-year-old runaway passenger was also in the vehicle.

Officers allegedly discovered marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and an open container during a search of the vehicle. Benson now faces requested charges of fleeing and eluding, DUI, minor in consumption of alcohol, transporting an open container, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no proof of insurance.