More info. released on Atlantic chase/crash

March 12th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green today released more information about a chase and crash which occurred Sunday morning.

Picture of the vehicle at the scene of the crash Sunday morning

Green says the Cass County Communications Center received a call at around 3:30-a.m. from a citizen who witnessed a subject break the window out of a vehicle. A Police officer noticed a vehicle matching the caller’s description and that the vehicle had a “code violation.” The officer attempted to stop the silver 2008 Chevy HHR in the vicinity of 7th and Walnut.

Green says the driver initially refused to pull over, but finally stopped in a local business parking lot. The officer called for backup because of “the unusual behavior” of the driver. As he was waiting for his backup to arrive, the driver of the car – 25-year old David Tyler Anderson of Atlantic – took off in the vehicle. As the officer pursued the car westbound on 7th Street, the Chevy’s speed reached near 100-miles per hour.

When Anderson failed to negotiate a curve in the road, the car left 7th Street to the north, crossed a curb and hit a large grain hauler and tillage equipment belonging to Lindeman Tractor, Incorporated. Anderson left the car and fell to the ground, suffering from head and other injuries.

Daylight picture of the vehicle which crashed Sunday morning

The officer advised him to lay on the ground until rescue personnel could arrive on the scene. Anderson was then transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital and later flown to Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. A report on his condition is not available.

Chief Green says alcohol and/or controlled substances were believed to have been connected to the incident, and numerous charges were expected to be filed as soon as test results are received. Green said an airbag which deployed upon impact, likely saved Anderson’s life.

Fred Lindeman, with Lindeman Tractor, told KJAN News the used grain hauler sustained an estimated $50,000 damage, while damage to the new tillage equipment was estimated at $40,000.