Crime & Safety

Police: High-Speed Chase Ends When Drunk Driver Hits Snowbank

Wylie Christopher Cephas faces several criminal charges for his alleged role in the incident, which occurred on March 10 in Apple Valley.

A high-speed chase in Apple Valley came to an abrupt end when an intoxicated 25-year-old allegedly crashed his car into a snowbank, disabling the vehicle.

Wylie Christopher Cephas, of Lonsdale, faces one felony count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, one gross misdemeanor count of driving while impaired and one misdemeanor count of fleeing a peace officer. If convicted on the felony charge, Cephas could face a maximum of three years plus one day in prison and $5,000 in fines.

At 3:20 a.m. on March 10, an Apple Valley police officer saw a vehicle driving erratically without its headlights or tail lights on, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office. As the officer began following the vehicle, the driver allegedly sped up, began weaving and driving on the shoulder.

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The officer turned on his emergency lights, at which point the driver, later identified as Cephas, allegedly sped away at a fast rate and made a sharp turn. Following the turn, police say Cephas nearly collided with a parked car, then overshot a 'T' intersection and plowed into a snowbank.

With his vehicle out of commission, police say Cephas fled on foot, but slipped on the snow and was apprehended.

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At the time of his arrest, police say Cephas had red, watery eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. Officers conducted a breath test on Cephas, whick registered as a .20 blood-alcohol level—more than two times the legal limit of .08.

Cephas allegedly admitted he had two beers and one shot a couple of hours before driving, and told police he did see emergency lights behind him during the pursuit.

Cephas, who was convicted in 2011 for impaired driving, had a revoked driver's license at the time of his March 10 arrest, according to the complaint.

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