BCSO: Driver eludes, arrested

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BROOKINGS – A Brookings man allegedly refused to pull over and, after a pursuit that reached 110 mph, was arrested on several charges, including DUI, according to the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

A report came in at 12:38 a.m. Sunday when a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Julio Mercado on Medary Avenue and Eighth Street for an equipment violation, Assistant Sheriff Scott Sebring said.

“The vehicle fled, heading north on Medary Avenue, running through the stop light at the Highway 14 bypass at a high rate of speed. The vehicle continued north on 471st Avenue at speeds of up to 110 mph. The vehicle stopped on 471st Avenue and 202nd Street,” Sebring said.

“The driver, 20-year-old Julio Cesar Mercado of Brookings was found to be under the influence of alcohol and narcotics. Several open containers of alcohol along with methamphetamine was found in the vehicle,” Sebring said.

Mercado was arrested for aggravated eluding, possession of a controlled substance, ingestion of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, DUI-second offense, driving while revoked, speeding 26 mph and above, underage consumption, open container in a motor vehicle, no insurance, lane driving, stop light violation, and an equipment violation, Sebring said.

He is currently being held in custody at the Brookings County Detention Center on a $3,500 cash-only bond, he added.