Ely man accused of leading Johnson County deputies on drunken chase

WEST BRANCH - An Ely man is accused of leading Johnson County sheriff's deputies on a drunken chase.

At 10:18 p.m. Saturday. a deputy encountered Andrew R. Louvar, 38, who had pulled his vehicle over on the side of a road, according to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said the deputy went to check on Louvar, and he fled.

The sheriff's office said Louvar drove through yards, over tire deflation devices used in pursuits and on flat tires for five miles.

He eventually stopped on Interstate 80 near the 254 mile marker. Authorities said Louvar was 'very impaired” and had a liquor bottle under his seat. A handgun was found in the vehicle.

Authorities said Louvar's blood alcohol content was 0.199 percent.

He faces charges of drunken driving, eluding and possession of a dangerous weapon while intoxicated. Each offense is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

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