A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy was involved in a pursuit Monday afternoon at 2:10 near MM 97 on US Highway 83, about 10 miles north of North Platte. The deputy attempted to stop a reckless driver but the vehicle refused to stop reaching speeds of over 100 MPH, almost causing several collisions.
The vehicle turned onto rural county roads into Logan County where the driver threw out at least two bags. The deputy was able to stop the vehicle west of Stapleton, NE where 36-year-old Joseph Duran of Logan County was arrested.
During the pursuit, it was discovered Duran contacted his wife to pick up the bags thrown out. 36-year-old Alissa Duran was stopped by Nebraska State Patrol and the Logan Co. Sheriff. A search of the bag revealed almost a pound of suspected Marijuana. A Nebraska State Patrol Trooper recovered another bag with at least four ounces of suspected Methamphetamine.
Later, a search was conducted at the couple’s residence revealing 10 lbs. of suspected marijuana, a homemade pipe bomb, multiple firearms, a stolen ATV from Washington State and suspected THC products.
Joseph Duran was charged with Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Tampering with Evidence. Alissa Duran was arrested for multiple charges in connection to this case. The investigation is ongoing.
This was a multiple agency effort between Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Logan County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol.
