Suspect wounded following pursuit

OGALLALA, Nebraska -- A pursuit in southern Keith County has left one suspect wounded and another in jail.

Just before 8 pm (MST), Tuesday, Dec.7, 2010, a Trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol Troop D Headquarters- North Platte, stopped a 1999 Dodge Durango for speeding, south of Ogallala on Highway 61 in Keith County.

After talking briefly with the trooper, the driver sped off and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit traveled county roads south and west of Ogallala lasting nearly an hour and ended when the driver crashed the vehicle approximately 5 miles southwest of Brule. Speeds during the pursuit averaged between 75-90 mph.

The driver of the vehicle, who was believed to be armed, fled on foot. A passenger in the vehicle was taken into custody.

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol were joined by Deputies from Keith and Perkins County in search of the driver. Approximately two hours later the suspect was located in a ditch, 400 yards east of the crash scene.

The suspect, who was armed with a .38 caliber handgun, fired two shots. Officers returned fire, wounding the suspect. He was transported to a hospital in Ogallala and was then airlifted to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.

The suspect, identified as Mark J. Phillips, (DOB 12/30/70), of Louisville, Colorado was listed in stable condition after undergoing surgery for gunshot wounds to the neck and both legs.

The passenger in the vehicle, Scott P. Suedekum, (DOB 4/13/77), Big Springs, was lodged in the Keith County Jail on a charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The investigation into the incident continues.