SALEM-A Dolton man was arrested last week for allegedly eluding police in a car with a flat tire and escaping into a cornfield overnight before authorities found him with his 3-year-old son.
On the night of Oct. 7, according to court documents, a sheriff's deputy saw 23-year-old Jesse Mitchell, of Dolton, run a stop sign on U.S. Highway 81. Mitchell, whose 3-year-old son was in the back of the car, reportedly did not stop when the officer activated his emergency lights, instead accelerating and beginning a pursuit that also involved officers from the McCook and Hutchinson county sheriff's offices and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Mitchell allegedly continued the pursuit even after getting a flat tire. Eventually, he stopped in a cornfield and fled the scene with his son.
Authorities eventually found and arrested Mitchell at about 10:30 the next morning.
Mitchell is charged with abuse of a minor less than 7 years of age, a Class 3 felony. He is also charged with aggravated eluding, a Class 6 felony, and driving with a revoked license, a Class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted on all charges, he could spend up to 18 years in prison and pay fines of up to $36,000.
