By APD
ALLIANCE, Ne- On Monday, October 19, 2026, at approximately 4:47 p.m., Alliance Police Sergeant David LaDuke observed a red Hyundai Elantra traveling at an extremely high rate of speed near 25th Street and Flack Avenue. The vehicle was being operated so recklessly that it nearly overturned.
Sergeant LaDuke initiated a traffic stop and observed occupants throwing items from the vehicle. During the initial investigation, the passenger failed to comply with commands to exit the vehicle, prompting additional officers to respond.
Officers secured both occupants and initiated a driving under the influence investigation. The driver provided a preliminary breath sample indicating a blood alcohol concentration of 0.265, more than three times Nebraska's legal limit of 0.08.
During the investigation, officers also recovered approximately five grams of suspected methamphetamine and marijuana.
The driver (pictured), Arlo Standing Bear (N/M, DOB: 08/27/1996), of Allen, South Dakota, was arrested on allegations of:
- Driving Under the Influence (BAC 0.15 or greater)
- Willful Reckless Driving
- Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Stop Sign Violation
- Possession of Marijuana
The passenger, Jeremiah Arthur Hopkins (N/M, DOB: 08/23/1997), of Kyle, South Dakota, was arrested on allegations of:
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Littering
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
Hopkins was subsequently cited and released after the detention facility declined to accept him.
Alliance Police Officer Michael Gomez and Box Butte County Sheriff's Deputy Mike DeCore assisted Sergeant LaDuke during the investigation. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
Alliance Police Chief David Leavitt emphasized the serious public safety implications of the incident.
“Reckless and impaired driving pose a serious threat to public safety, and we will not tolerate conduct that puts innocent people at risk. This incident underscores the importance of proactive enforcement and the need to hold those who endanger our community accountable. I commend Sergeant LaDuke, Officer Gomez, and Deputy DeCore for their actions and coordinated response.”
The Alliance Police Department remains committed to removing impaired drivers from the roadways, combating illegal drug activity, and protecting the safety of the community.
**All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.**