Arrest made in Sunday high-speed pursuit

The Mitchell Police Division has arrested a man believed to be involved in a high-speed pursuit with two Mitchell police officers Sunday night.

Justin Jonathon Hofer, 30, of Ethan, was arrested Wednesday on charges including aggravated eluding, reckless driving and driving with a revoked driver’s license.

Hofer allegedly fled from Mitchell Police Officer Dan Kopfmann at approximately 6:50 p.m. Sunday after Kopfmann attempted to stop Hofer, who was allegedly driving a red Ford F-350 pickup, near the intersection of Havens Avenue and Burr Street in Mitchell.

The Mitchell Police Division alleges Kopfmann spotted Hofer swerving in and out of his driving lane on Burr Street before Kopfmann attempted to stop Hofer.

Hofer allegedly fled in his vehicle, and Kopfmann was joined by Officer Pat Marler shortly after the pursuit began.

Detective Lt. Don Everson, of the Mitchell Police Division, said the police have an idea about Hofer’s motive for fleeing.

“He had been drinking alcohol before the pursuit,” Everson said, “so we assume he was trying to avoid a DUI charge.”

The two officers chased the suspect south on state Highway 37 and onto Davison County’s 264th Street with speeds exceeding 100 mph and Hofer allegedly nearly striking several vehicles and driving through red lights in his attempt to elude police.

The officers terminated the pursuit after about 15 minutes because of the level of danger. The pickup was discovered in Lake Andes on Monday morning.

Hofer reported his vehicle as stolen on Monday and claimed he was not driving it the night of the pursuit. For that report, he was charged with false reporting to a law enforcement officer.

Aggravated eluding is a felony punishable by two years in prison and a $4,000 fine. Hofer has also been charged with three misdemeanors, each punishable by one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The incident was investigated by the Mitchell Police Division and the Davison County Sheriff’s Office.

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