High Speed Chase Through McCook

On July 24, 2025, McCook Dispatch received a call concerning a vehicle driving erratically on B St. McCook officers were dispatched to the area of B St., where the vehicle was reported. McCook officers located this vehicle and attempted to stop the driver. The driver failed to yield, and McCook officers initiated a pursuit.

The pursuit continued westbound through McCook and ultimately turned northbound on Highway 83 heading out of town. McCook officers continued to pursue while McCook dispatch asked for additional help from the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol. During the pursuit, the driver's vehicle and a Red Willow County Sheriff's Deputy vehicle made contact with each other.

The driver, who was later identified as Joel Rasmussen, 46, came to a stop at around mile marker 26 on Highway 83 north of McCook. Rasmussen was arrested and lodged in the Red Willow County Jail. Charges, among others, of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, flight to avoid arrest, and driving during a period of suspension, revocation, or impoundment were forwarded to the Red Willow County Attorney's Office.