A 28-year-old Marshall man is facing a felony charge following a high speed chase.
During the early morning hours of April 30, 2020 Marshall Police Department K-9 Officer Valiquette advised over his patrol radio, a motor vehicle was fleeing from him at a high rate of speed, traveling north on U.S. Highway 65 and heading out of town. Once located by Saline County Deputies, the driver of vehicle failed to yield to the deputy’s and a high-speed pursuit ensued reaching speeds over 120 mph.
After a short time, deputies were instructed to end the pursuit. The vehicle traveled south on Highway 65 where it was had come to a stop at the intersection of U.S. Highway 65 and 268th road. The engine was still running, lights were on and the driver side door was open and smoke was coming from the engine and the wheels. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Brett Michael Ortega, had fled the vehicle. After a search of the area, the driver of the vehicle was not located and the vehicle was impounded.
Later that day, Marshall Police had received a call from Ortega, who was attempting to report his Infinity as being stolen. Ortega was reportedly not at his residence when officers arrived to take the report and just before 6 p.m. on April 30, Ortega walked into the Marshall Police Department to make a written statement regarding his vehicle being stolen. Ortega was later arrested at the police department after the deputy made a positive identification of Ortega as being the driver of the vehicle he was pursuing that morning.
Ortega is charged with a Class E Felony for Resisting Arrest, Detention, or Stop by Fleeing-Creating a Substantial Risk of Injury or Death to Any Person. Bond has been set at $15,000 only.
Ortega entered a plea of not guilty at his Arraignment on Monday, June 22. A Plea/Trial Setting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday, July 13 at Saline County Circuit Court.