DWU football player involved in chase with local police

A 21-year-old Dakota Wesleyan student led Mitchell police on a high-speed chase on residential streets late last month.

Denet Victor Wani Christopher, of Mitchell, was arrested after being involved in a high-speed police pursuit on residential streets in Mitchell early in the morning on Feb. 19.

The chase began after Mitchell Patrol Officer Dan Fechner attempted to stop Christopher after he allegedly failed to stop completely at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Havens Street, then fled after Fechner activated his emergency lights and siren.

According to the police report, Christopher’s vehicle, a 1990 Pontiac Sunbird, allegedly went airborne after accelerating through an intersection and sustained damage after driving over a positive median, with several cars moving toward the curb to avoid him as he ignored stop signs and speed limits.

The report goes on to state Christopher evaded the pursuing officer, parked his vehicle and fled on foot, but was arrested later in the day.

He is charged with reckless driving and eluding a police officer. Each charge carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Christopher was on the roster of the 2011 DWU football team.

He is scheduled to appear in court later this month.

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