Arizona man sentenced following high-speed chase

Christopher Elman of Arizona will serve up to ten years on charges related to an incident last year in which he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase along I-90, crossing the border into South Dakota and eventually crashing his vehicle near Spearfish.

At around 3:15 p.m. on April 6, 2020, a Crook County Sheriff’s Department deputy received a report of a pickup truck speeding and swerving in and out of its lane, eastbound on I-90. Around milepost 172, observed the truck straddling both lanes and clocked its speed at 92 mph in the 75 mph zone.

The deputy was unable to read the license plate due to dirt covering it. He attempted to execute a traffic stop but the truck allegedly did not yield.

Near milepost 177, the deputy reports that Elman put his hand out of the window and began waving. The deputy’s emergency lighting and audible siren were on, but the truck allegedly picked up speed.

The deputy reports he used his PA system to order Elman to pull over, but he did not comply. A second deputy joined the pursuit, with Elman still allegedly straddling both lanes and traveling at speeds of 90 mph or higher.

A Wyoming Highway Patrol lieutenant advised he would set up spike strips ahead of the pursuit. The deputy reports that Elman swerved and was able to avoid them.

The lieutenant was able to pass the truck and get in position to deploy the spike strips again. While he was in the process of passing the truck, Elman allegedly swerved towards his patrol vehicle in an attempt to push it off the roadway to the left.

Spike strips were deployed a second time near milepost 202. As Elman approached, he allegedly drove through the median at speeds at or above 90 mph and entered the westbound lanes still traveling east.

The deputy reports that Elman met several vehicles that were allegedly forced to exit the road to avoid crashing.

Near milepost 204, the deputy reports that Elman crossed the median again and entered the eastbound lanes. He then allegedly applied his brakes several times in an attempt to crash into the deputy’s patrol vehicle.

The deputy was given clearance to continue the pursuit over the state line. South Dakota Highway Patrol set up near milepost 2 with spike strips.

As Elman approached the milepost, however, he allegedly turned onto the exit ramp at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the intersection. He re-entered I-90 eastbound on the on ramp.

The deputy was advised to terminate his pursuit. A South Dakota trooper continued to follow Elman eastbound into the area of Spearfish.

The deputy was advised by dispatch that Elman eventually crashed his vehicle and was apprehended.

Elman has been sentenced on felony charges for interference with a peace officer and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, as well as misdemeanor charges of driving while under the influence (second offense), fleeing or attempting to elude and three counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Judge Stuart S. Healy III sentenced Elman for between five and ten years on the first felony charge and between 4.5 and five years on the second. He received 180-day sentences for the misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence and fleeing or attempting to elude.

Elman received 365-day sentences for each misdemeanor charge of possession.

Elman will receive credit for 386 days already served. All sentences shall run concurrently.