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Panora Today
By the People, for the People
Guthrie County Sheriff Arrests Driver in High-Speed Chase
Suspect faces multiple charges after fleeing police at over 100 mph
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The Guthrie County Sheriff's Office reported that a deputy observed a red Ford Bronco traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 44 early Sunday morning. When the deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver fled, leading to a pursuit that reached speeds up to 113 mph before being stopped by a spike strip deployed by an Audubon County deputy.
Why it matters
High-speed police chases pose a serious risk to public safety, and this incident highlights the need for law enforcement to carefully balance the need to apprehend suspects with the dangers such pursuits can create on public roads. The charges against the driver also suggest potential substance abuse issues that may have contributed to the reckless behavior.
The details
According to the Guthrie County Sheriff's Office, the deputy observed the red Ford Bronco traveling westbound on Highway 44 between Panora and Guthrie Center at a high rate of speed. When the deputy activated his emergency lights and sirens, the driver fled, continuing westbound into Audubon County at speeds up to 113 mph. An Audubon County deputy was able to successfully deploy a spike strip, bringing the pursuit to an end.
- The incident occurred early Sunday morning.
The players
Lee Pickrel
A 42-year-old resident of Urbandale who was arrested and charged in connection with the high-speed chase.
Guthrie County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that initiated the pursuit and made the arrest.
Audubon County Sheriff's Office
The neighboring law enforcement agency that assisted in stopping the pursuit by deploying a spike strip.
What’s next
The suspect, Lee Pickrel, is being held at the Guthrie County Jail, and charges including eluding, possession of methamphetamine, and operating while intoxicated are pending further investigation and lab results.
The takeaway
This high-speed chase underscores the dangers that reckless driving and potential substance abuse can pose to public safety. It also highlights the need for close coordination between law enforcement agencies to safely apprehend suspects and protect the community.
