On July 2nd around 10:00 p.m., police observed a Ford Focus turn west on W. Main Street from Sheridan Lake Road with no headlights on. A traffic stop on the vehicle was conducted in the area of W. Main Street’s intersection with National Street. The officer made contact with the driver, identified as 21-year-old Nicholas Copeland of Rapid City. The officer noted that when asked for his driver’s license, insurance information, and registration, Copeland only provided a debit card. While speaking with Copeland, the officer also noted that strong smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. Dispatch advised the Copeland had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The officer asked Copeland to step out of the vehicle, but Copeland refused, put the vehicle into drive, and fled the traffic stop. The officer attempted to pursue the vehicle, but terminated the pursuit after losing sight of the suspect vehicle in the 2900 block of W. Main Street. The unoccupied vehicle was later located in the area of Whitewood Street and Omaha Street. A tow truck was requested for the vehicle, and a pre-tow inventory of the car turned up a marijuana pipe and empty cases of beer. In the meantime, dispatch received a call informing police that Copeland was at his residence in the 8600 Block of Highland Hills Road. Police located Copeland at the residence and placed him under arrest for Eluding Law Enforcement, DUI (4th offence), Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Proof of Insurance, Driving Without Headlight, and his Warrant.
