A Colorado man was arrested Thursday after a pursuit that reached speeds above 110 mph on Interstate 80 before Nebraska State Patrol pilots tracked his vehicle to a northeast Lincoln neighborhood.
The State Patrol says the incident began just after noon with a report of a Chevrolet Impala involved in a hit-and-run on I-80 near Lincoln. The vehicle reportedly was speeding when it struck the back of a trailer and continued east.
Around 12:15 p.m., a trooper spotted the Impala traveling east on I-80 in Lincoln and attempted a traffic stop. Authorities say the driver accelerated and reached speeds exceeding 110 mph before exiting onto southbound 56th Street. The trooper discontinued the pursuit as the vehicle approached heavy traffic, citing concern for public safety.
Another trooper later spotted the vehicle speeding east on Highway 6 out of Lincoln. The State Patrol says the driver again refused to stop, and its AirWing took over tracking the vehicle from above as it headed toward Waverly before turning around and returning to Lincoln.
During the pursuit, the driver is suspected of throwing a gun from the vehicle onto Highway 6 near 98th Street. Troopers recovered the firearm, according to the State Patrol.
Pilots tracked the Impala to the area of 71st and Douglas streets, where it parked and the lone occupant got out and began walking away. They directed troopers on the ground to the location, and the driver was taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities identified the driver as James Bernard, 44, of Thornton, Colorado. He was arrested on suspicion of flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony, possession of a controlled substance and other offenses.
The State Patrol says the pursuit lasted approximately 12 minutes.