Damon Wilson

Vehic/Purs

17-year-old Damon Wilson's mother called 911 at about 5:15 p.m., saying her son had threatened her with a machete at their home and taken her Ford Taurus. She reportedly told 911 where she thought Damon was going, but asked that police not chase him since he'd only had his learner's permit for a week and had never driven alone. Deputies Ronald Boden and Sgt. Thomas Brookhouser pursued Damon at high speeds into Seward County, where he tried passing another car and hit a pickup truck. The Ford overturned and burst into flames. Damon died at the scene. Damon's mother said he'd struggled with mental illness and hadn't taken his medication that morning.