GOSHEN COUNTY – A Goshen County deputy was treated and released at Banner Community Hospital in Torrington on Sunday for minor injuries received while arresting a suspect following a high-speed chase that started in Nebraska.
Deputy Sheriff and K-9 handler Herbert Irons suffered a dislocated finger during the arrest, Goshen County Sheriff Kory Fleenor told The Telegram on Monday.
Irons was one of several officers from both states involved in capturing Steven Benjamin Willis, 37, of Granbury, Texas. Willis was arrested on charges of drug possession by Goshen County deputies on Sunday following a high-speed vehicle chase, according to a joint press release distributed by Fleenor and Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman.
According to the press release, law enforcement responded to a report of a tan colored Nissan SUV “driving all over the road.” A Scotts Bluff County deputy located the vehicle near Mitchell, Neb., and a pursuit ensued when Willis refused to stop. The Scottsbluff Police Department took over the pursuit as the vehicle entered their area.
According to the release, Willis fled westbound on Highway 26 at speeds of up to 100 mph, and Wyoming authorities were notified. Responding officers made multiple attempts to deploy spike strips, and a Lyman, Neb., officer was successful as the vehicle neared the Nebraska and Wyoming state line. The vehicle stopped a short distance into Wyoming and the driver was taken into custody by GCSO deputies, assisted by SPD officers and a SBCSO deputy.
The release stated Willis was wanted on a Colorado felony warrant for a parole violation and was in possession of suspected methamphetamine, suspected heroin, prescription pills and a “large amount of cash.”
As of press time, Willis was being held at the Goshen County Detention Center without bail. According to the release, Nebraska charges are pending and a warrant will be requested.
Agencies involved included the Scott Bluff County and Goshen County Sheriff’s Offices, Scottsbluff Police Department, Mitchell Police Department, Morrill Police Department, Lyman Police Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, Morrill Fire Department, AirLink, Valley Ambulance and the Torrington Ambulance Service.
