In a bizarre and tragic incident, a 23-year-old man from Wisconsin led authorities on a dangerous wrong-way chase across state lines, driving a car tied to a missing person case.
The car, reportedly owned by 67-year-old Dorinda Segebrecht, who was reported missing earlier that week, contained the woman’s lifeless body in the back seat.
The Chase and Arrest
Gavin Thompson, a resident of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase in the early hours of Wednesday. Nebraska State Patrol received an alert from the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin, warning that Segebrecht’s car — a black Hyundai Kona — might be heading westbound in Nebraska.
When authorities spotted the vehicle at around 1:50 a.m., they noticed the driver did not match Segebrecht’s description.
Troopers attempted to pull the car over, but Thompson allegedly refused to stop, fleeing the scene and driving recklessly. At one point, he turned onto the wrong side of Interstate 80, heading into oncoming traffic inside a construction zone.
Thompson crashed the vehicle into a creek after failing to navigate the lane shift. Despite the crash, he managed to flee on foot.
Discovery of the Body
As authorities approached the wrecked car, they made a grim discovery. In the back seat of the vehicle was the body of a woman who appeared to match the description of Dorinda Segebrecht. Although the Nebraska officials have not yet officially confirmed the woman’s identity, they stated that it was clear she had died before the crash.
Manhunt and Arrest
Authorities launched a large manhunt involving several law enforcement agencies, including SWAT teams and the use of drones and helicopters. About four miles from the crash site, a Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputy found Thompson and arrested him without incident.
He is currently being held in the Lancaster County Jail, facing charges of reckless driving and resisting arrest.
No Known Connection Between Suspect and Victim
According to officials, there is no known connection between Thompson and Segebrecht. Local law enforcement described the alleged act as a “random act of violence.” Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson expressed the grief of the community, calling the loss of Segebrecht “tragic and senseless.”
Next Steps for Thompson
Thompson is currently being held without bond and is expected to be extradited to Iowa County, Wisconsin, where further charges related to Segebrecht’s death may be filed. Investigations into the case are ongoing, and authorities are continuing to piece together the details surrounding the woman’s death.
This incident serves as a chilling reminder of how quickly dangerous situations can unfold. The arrest of Gavin Thompson, after a reckless chase, raises questions about the tragic and senseless death of Dorinda Segebrecht. Authorities continue their investigation, and more details will likely emerge in the coming days.
