Chad Kelley, 38, of Alliance, was taken into custody following a pursuit in Scottsbluff on Friday evening.
According to a release from Sergent Tyler Filam of the Scottsbluff Police Department, officers received the report of a stolen vehicle at approximately 6:35 p.m. on Aug. 19 in the 1200 block of 11th Avenue in Scottsbluff. Officers located the stolen vehicle at 6:51 p.m. traveling near Seventh Avenue and East Overland Drive. When officers attempted a stop, the driver failed to stop and led officers on a vehicle pursuit.
“The suspect drove around the Uptown Scottsbluff Mall and ran through barricades that were already setup in the K-Mart parking lot before traveling West towards the Scottsbluff High School. The suspect drove through the parking lot of the Scottsbluff High School and drove through another barricade that was already set up at the school. Law Enforcement did not create any barricades. The pursuit was called off at that time due to school activities taking place,” said Filam.
The pursuit resumed near Broadway and 23rd Street after the vehicle drove through a stop sign. Filam said the driver abandoned the vehicle in the 300 block of West 21st Street, leaving the scene on foot. They located the suspect in a vacant apartment in the 1900 block of 3rd Avenue, with assistance from K-9 Duke and citizens.
The suspect, who was identified as Chad Kelley, was arrested without incident for theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, flight to avoid arrest, criminal mischief, obstructing an officer and trespassing. There were also three outstanding warrants for Kelley out of Box Butte County for burglary, theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
The Scottsbluff Police Department received assistance from the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office and the Gering Police Department.
Prior to this incident, Kelley was facing a number of criminal cases filed in Box Butte County.