A man who lived in Palm Springs as recently as last week was arrested after police found a woman’s body in his SUV following a high speed pursuit in South Dakota.
Police say they saw an SUV driving at speeds over 100 mph on I-90 in South Dakota on New Year’s Day, according to CBS News. A pursuit ensued which reached speeds of 118 mph until spike strips were used to stop the vehicle.
Tosten Walsh Lommen, 30, was arrested after he tried to flee the scene. Police say his blood alcohol level was 0.142 and a growler smelling of alcohol and prescription bottles were found in the SUV.
Authorities searched the vehicle and found a woman’s body wrapped in a blanket in the rear of the SUV. Police have identified the body as being the suspect’s mother.
“There was a deceased person found in the vehicle,” Assistant State Attorney General Gina Nelson told the Rapid City Journal. She added that the cause of death remains unexplained and under investigation. Nelson said Walsh Lommen has a history with drugs, firearms and assault.
The Desert Sun reports that Lommen’s last known address was inside the Escena development in Palm Springs.
Lommen faces charges including aggravated eluding and drunken driving.
