Woman faces felony escape charges after leading officers on high speed chase

HARTINGTON - The woman who escaped from Cedar County jail and then led officers on a pursuit through two counties is facing three felony charges and many misdemeanors.

A jailer was serving Samantha Fredericksen breakfast when she pushed past her, out of the cell and left the jail. Fredericksen then allegedly entered a Cedar County Emergency Management pickup, started it and left the area.

At times, Fredericksen allegedly drove 105 mph through Cedar County and into Wayne County where Nebraska State Patrol and Wayne County officers became involved in the pursuit. Stop sticks were deployed and Fredericksen eventually drove the vehicle into a cornfield near Carroll, and the vehicle struck a tree. She then fled on foot.

When a deputy approached Fredericksen, she held out a pencil in a “stabbing stance,” according to court documents. The deputy powered on his Taser but Fredericksen complied with his orders and was taken into custody without incident.

She was medically cleared and taken back to the Cedar County jail.

Fredericksen, 32, Sioux City, Iowa, has been charged with felonies of escape using force, theft by unlawful taking, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and misdemeanors including obstructing a peace officer and driving violations.

Her court appearance was set for Sept. 14.

In other court news, a Yankton, S.D., man faces a felony driving under the influence charge after he was pulled over by a Cedar County deputy for a broken headlight.

The arresting officer checked the driver’s record which indicated Ray Marcus, 42, was driving on a suspended license and also was wanted on outstanding warrants in Oklahoma.

When placed under arrest, the officer smelled an odor of alcohol on Marcus, and once booked at jail noticed his red, watery eyes. Marcus refused to submit to testing and was found to have three previous driving under the influence convictions.

Oklahoma indicated they would not seek extradition of Marcus due to jail overcrowding.

His Cedar County charges include driving under the influence of alcohol (high test) - fourth offense, refusal to submit to test, driving under suspension, no operator’s license, improper vehicle lighting and refusal to submit to pretest.

Marcus was set to appear in Cedar County Court Sept. 14 but his proceedings may be delayed due to receiving medical treatment.