High-speed pursuit ends with arrests

Two fugitives with outstanding warrants or charges are behind bars after a high speed chase.

Close to midnight on January 3, 2017, deputies noticed a vehicle matching the description of a fugitive from justice. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle in a mobile home park on Cambell Street, the driver sped up and continued onto East Highway 44.

Speeds reached 100 miles per hour on Highway 44 with the vehicle swerving into oncoming traffic. Supervisors approved a tactical vehicle intervention which was performed near the intersection of Highway 44 and Saint Germaine Road. The vehicle spun around and came to a stop.

The driver, Andrew Cortez, 23, of Box Elder, was arrested for driving on the wrong side of the road, reckless driving without a valid license, eluding law enforcement, false impersonation, and speeding. Cortez was also wanted on charges for aggravated assault, rape and kidnapping. Female passenger Markita Rath, 27, of Sioux Falls, was also arrested with outstanding warrants for drugs and forgery.