By Joe Bachman

A 22-year-old man faces charges of eluding police after he sped away from officers, allegedly without reason.

Christopher Bowden, of Marshfield, is charged with attempting to flee or elude a traffic officer.

According to police reports on Apr. 15, an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of County Highway Y in Marshfield after observing a driver with no front license plate, and traveling 74 m.p.h. in a 55 m.p.h. zone.

The officer activated his emergency lights, but the vehicle rapidly accelerated. The vehicle allegedly accelerated even more once the officer activated his sirens. It was reported that the vehicle was traveling in excess of over 100 m.p.h. during the 4.3 mile chase.

The officer had planned to end the chase due to safety concerns, but the vehicle suddenly turned north onto Shady Rd. and pulled into a driveway of a residence. The driver was identified as Christopher Bowden.

According to Bowden, he stopped because he observed a sign that stated that he could go no further. Bowden later stated that he did not know why he didn’t stop for pursuing police and that he was “sorry”. Later, Bowden changed his story and stated that he never saw the pursuing police car at any time.

If convicted Bowden faces up to three years and six months imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines. His pre-trial conference is scheduled for May 6.