Man arrested following police chase

Monday, Oct 13, 2008 - 10:49:00 am CDT

A police pursuit led to the arrest of a Beatrice man early Saturday morning.

Joseph A. Styers, 41, was arrested for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, open container violation and false reporting early Saturday morning after he led police on a pursuit through Beatrice and Gage and Lancaster counties.

At 1:40 a.m. a Beatrice Police officer attempted to stop Styers, driving a black Chevrolet Blazer, in Beatrice for traffic violations, according to the Beatrice Police Department. Styers failed to pull over and led police through Beatrice at speeds exceeding the posted speed limit.

The pursuit continued, with the assistance of the Gage County Sheriff’s Office, east out of Beatrice to the Gage and Johnson county line before Styers headed back west and north toward Lancaster County at a high rate of speed, officers reported.

The pursuit ended after Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office disabled Styers’ vehicle using a tire deflation device at Southwest Second and Wittstruck roads in Lancaster County.

Styers fled from his vehicle on foot before law enforcement officers eventually tracked him down and arrested him.

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SAFETY
Oct 13, 2008 4:21 PM
My only comment on this story is what about the safety of the other drivers on the road?? I understand that this person was breaking the law, but are there not other ways of catching him rather than put all the rest of us at risk through a high speed chase??
time
Oct 14, 2008 9:37 AM
It happened at 1:40 am so I would imagine there weren't loads of people on the roads so I would imagine the risk to others is less.
better idea
Oct 14, 2008 11:29 AM
If you are going to make a comment maybe you could have a suggestion. It is ease to sit at your desk and second guess but do you think that this person may have drove down the road and endangered people all on his own May people are killed or hurt by drivers that are not being chased by law enforcement. Does that mean that if someone runs they should stop chasing and hope that nothing happens later that could have been prevented.
wait what
Oct 14, 2008 11:35 AM
To Safety:

What the heck are you worried about? Were you out driving around at 1:40 in the morning?

The Police Dept. acted correctly to handle the matter and stop him before he was able to hurt himself or anyone else. If he had, you'd probably be complaining about the Dept not doing enough to stop him. Gees, get a grip.
OMG
Oct 14, 2008 12:12 PM
Just where did it say "high speed chase" at? It said speeds higher than those posted.

I would much rather be reading important news about Kelleys next court appearance and updates on the "ongoing" search for Anne.
Well done
Oct 14, 2008 12:55 PM
I have had it with this community! You complain when they don't catch the bad person, can't find the missing person,.........but when they are successful and do a job well done..... you still complain. I say job well done and if anyone should pay the consequences of a high speed chase it should be the person or persons who lead the police on this chase. They should be dealt a harsher punishment.
Again, hats of the the police and sheriff's departments on a job well done.
Insider
Oct 15, 2008 12:31 AM
Safety,

Just to let you know, there was never another car observed or encountered during this pursuit. As far as Mr. Styers is concerned, obviously he didn't care about others safety anyway.
tony
Oct 15, 2008 12:13 PM
Its to bad, the police had to catch him...he probably was in a hurry to get somewhere....i always speed to get where I'm going especially when others drive to slow. Hopefully this was not an emergency and the police didn't stop him from an emergency situation.
Speeders
Oct 15, 2008 5:16 PM
I hope they throw the book at him, and fine him good in both counties. They should make him pay for the gas used in the chase too, and the hourly wages of the law enforcement. There's nothing better to do then to go speeding at 1:40 am is there? In the article too, like someone mentioned, the chase was above the posted speed limits. So, maybe he was doing 70 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Mr. Question
Oct 17, 2008 9:12 AM
Hey is this the same deputy chasing this guy that hit and killed the dog on Grant street?
Dog Answer
Oct 17, 2008 2:15 PM
The dog should have been in its house, caged area or tied up. It certainly would not be the deputies fault.
red
Oct 17, 2008 4:30 PM
dog was not hooked up. thats what happens.
sa
Oct 18, 2008 12:22 PM
I feel as if I am reading a bunch of childrens comments, the only one I feel sorry for is the dog.
dog gone
Oct 18, 2008 10:12 PM
It was the dogs fault, and the owner for not having the dog under control.
bow wow
Oct 19, 2008 2:21 AM
It certainly isnt the dogs fault he was out running the streets.
R U KIDDING
Oct 20, 2008 2:36 PM
The article is about a police pursuit. Keep your comments on subject please. But to Mr. Question..........
I would bet the deputy did NOT intend to hit the dog....guess what, a dog running loose has a chance of getting hit by a car. Keep those dogs on leashes, fenced, or in the house if you live in town. Dogs like to do what dogs like to do, run. No fault or anyone but the owner!!!!!!!!!
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