A train helped bring a high-speed pursuit to an end Wednesday after Lancaster County deputies arrested an Omaha man accused of bringing more than 13 pounds of cocaine into Lincoln. Lancaster County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Ben Houchin says criminal interdiction deputies stopped a Chevrolet Silverado around 11:30 a.m. near Highway 77 and West Van Dorn Street for failing to signal.
Houchin says the driver initially stopped, but took off when a deputy asked him to step out. A pursuit followed, eventually moving into a residential area near 14th Street and Old Cheney Road. Houchin says the Silverado went through a homeowner’s yard, causing about $500 in damage.
The pursuit was eventually discontinued near Clearview Boulevard and Old Cheney Road. But the suspect soon encountered another obstacle. “There was a train going near 14th and Old Cheney, and traffic was backed up,” Houchin says.
Deputies were able to block the Silverado in and take the driver into custody. He is identified as 51-year-old Clinton McGhee of Omaha. During the pursuit, Houchin says McGee tossed a backpack from the pickup. Deputies recovered the backpack and found six kilos of cocaine, about 13 pounds, with an estimated street value of $600,000.
“We have a witness that saw it and we have video of watching him throw it out of the pickup,” Houchin says. “It’s going to be very hard for him to try to say it didn’t come from his vehicle.” Houchin says investigators believe the cocaine was obtained in Denver, Colorado, and was being brought to Lincoln to be sold.
“That’s a lot of dope to get off the street,” Houchin says. McGhee was booked for possession with intent to deliver cocaine, felony flight to avoid arrest, criminal mischief, driving under suspension, a drug stamp violation and possession of currency. Deputies also found about $4,600 in cash in his possession.
(Photos: Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office)