21-year-old drives 130 mph in attempt to elude police

A 21-year-old Deforest man led Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputies on a 10 mile pursuit early Sunday morning, January 28, 2024.

Shortly before 2 AM, a deputy observed a car traveling in excess of 80 mph in a 55 mph zone on State Highway’s 16/60 in the town of Elba, a few miles east of Columbus. The deputy attempted to stop the car but the driver accelerated to speeds in excess of 130 mph, and continued eastbound.

The pursuing deputy briefly lost sight of the car and stopped pursuing, however a deputy responding to assist found the car and was able to stop it on State Highway 60 in the town of Clyman.

The driver, Payton Lopez, was arrested, and is being held in the Dodge County Jail until charges are reviewed by the Dodge County District Attorney’s Office for fleeing a traffic officer and THC possession. A 19-year-old female passenger was released from the scene without charges.