Centralia Police arrested an 18-year-old Centralia teen for aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude police after the ATV he was driving was involved in a crash involving two Centralia squad cars on Saturday night.
Aiden Brasel of North Maple Street was formally charged with the felony offense in Marion County Court on Monday and had bond set at $5,000.
Police say an officer had located an ATV traveling in the alley between Condit and Kell Street after earlier complaints of two ATVs driving in a fast manner in the 100 block of Johnson Street and one of them earlier successfully eluded police. When the officer attempted to stop the four-wheeler, another pursuit ensued into the Burlington Northern rail yards.
Centralia Police say the driver lost control causing the four-wheeler to tip on its side. When the officer tried to make contact, Brasel was reportedly able to get the four-wheeler back on four wheels and flee again. When a second officer arrived on the scene, the fleeing ATV drove behind the first officer and into the path of the second officer. The second officer then collided with the four-wheeler as well as the first squad car at the scene.
Centralia Police say the officer quickly checked the status of the fleeing driver and called for EMS. Officers rendered aid to the driver, but the driver refused help from police as well as treatment from EMS.
Chief Chris Locke says all police department pursuits are reviewed. After the initial review of this incident, one officer was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
During his first court appearance, Brasel had a public defender appointed to represent him. A preliminary hearing is set for February 9th.
