Woman accused of DUI, child endangerment after pursuit in western Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)  — A Sidney woman led troopers on a chase Monday with children in her car, the Nebraska State Patrol says.

Around 2 a.m., a trooper was on patrol when a GMC Terrain nearly rear-ended the trooper’s patrol unit on Sixth Avenue in Sidney.

The trooper contacted the driver of the GMC, 27-year-old Karla Fernandez, and smelled alcohol, according to the patrol.

The trooper also saw a child in the backseat of the vehicle.  Fernandez drove off after the trooper tried doing a DUI investigation, the patrol said.

Troopers chased Fernandez through residential areas at speeds of around 50 mph.  She eventually drove onto Highway 30.

About two miles later, the vehicle ran out of fuel and stopped, the patrol said.

Troopers took Fernandez into custody and found two children in the backseat.  Both children were without car seats or seat belts, according to the patrol.

Fernandez was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment, flight to avoid arrest, driving under the influence and obstructing a peace officer.

She was lodged in the Cheyenne County Jail, and the children were placed with family.