Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Sioux Falls man leads I-90 chase

A Sioux Falls man previously convicted of a fourth count of driving while under the influence in Crook County led local law enforcement on a high speed chase on Friday.

According to an incident report from Crook County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was patrolling in Pine Haven when he heard a member of the Moorcroft Police Department on the radio attempting to execute a traffic stop on a minivan matching the description of a vehicle Wyoming Highway Patrol was attempting to locate. The officer advices that the vehicle did not stop and drove off along I-90 eastbound at speeds over 100 mph.

The deputy joined the pursuit near milepost 167. A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper deployed spike strips near milepost 174 that successfully deflated the front driver side tire, but the suspect vehicle allegedly continued traveling east on three tires and again refused to stop.

The vehicle continued towards Sundance and a second Sheriff’s Office deputy deployed spike strips near milepost 184, deflating the remaining three tires. Nevertheless, the vehicle allegedly continued on, still refusing to stop.

According to the incident report, the trooper positioned his patrol vehicle near the rear right of the suspect vehicle and performed a tactical vehicle intervention. This caused the suspect vehicle to slide sideways and come to a stop near milepost 187.

The deputy reports that he exited his patrol vehicle and approached the suspect vehicle, observing an adult male later identified as Michael Popkes. The deputy approached him at gunpoint and ordered him to the ground, but after multiple verbal commands had been issued, Popkes allegedly failed to comply.

Instead, the deputy reports that Popkes dropped both hands to his waist and began backing away. The deputy deployed his taser, taking Popkes to the ground, where he was placed in handcuffs.

The deputy allegedly smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage around Popkes’ person.

Popkes was sentenced in January, 2019 for a fourth count of driving while under the influence within the last ten years after being pulled over in Crook County and asking to be taken to jail. He was sentenced to between 30 and 60 months of jail time with credit for 173 days served.

The sentence was suspended pending completion of four years of supervised probation. Popkes was also issued a suspended $5000 fine and various costs and fees.