BEATRICE – A police officer observing a motorist driving recklessly at an east Beatrice park ending up arresting him after a foot pursuit.

Just before 11:30 Monday night, a patrolling officer noticed a black sport utility vehicle driving recklessly through the Hannibal Park softball complex parking area, spinning donuts at a high rate of speed.

When the officer activated his patrol unit’s overhead lights, the SUV attempted to drive out of the park but spun out, coming to rest in an area of mulch in a median.

That’s when the driver got out and fled on foot to the east.  The officer pursued him on foot, catching up to him in a nearby softball field.  The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Michael Flowers, of Beatrice, was placed in handcuffs and taken back to the patrol vehicle.

Flowers showed signs of intoxication.   He was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a revoked license, flight to avoid arrest, reckless driving, criminal mischief and obstructing police.  Police said the flight to avoid arrest is a felony…allegedly Flowers’ second offense.

Police said there was damage to facilities at Hannibal Park from the incident. Flowers was first taken to Beatrice Community Hospital, then to the Gage County Jail.