According to reports, officers with the Beatrice Police Department provided assistance to Nebraska State Troopers in ending a pursuit involving a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The incident occurred on Jan. 11 shortly after 8:30 p.m. in Fairbury.
An 18-year-old man allegedly stole a 1996 Jeep Cherokee from a driveway on 6th Street. Officers reported that the Jeep was first spotted on U.S. Highway 136 and that it was traveling at a higher speed than the posted 60-mph speed limit. Police began to pursue the vehicle, and they claim the driver went onto the shoulder but then accelerated and went back on the highway.
Shortly after, the driver pulled over a second time, but he allegedly sped away again. The pursuit continued into Beatrice with speeds reaching up to 95 mph. However, the car’s tire blew out near Cedar School property, and the 18-year-old then attempted to flee on foot. He was later apprehended and charged with possession of stolen property. His bond was set at $5,000.
In addition to professional sanctions, individuals facing charges for theft and other crimes may be facing serious legal repercussions that include significant jail time and fines. The penalties may also increase if a defendant attempts to flee from police or resists arrest. With the representation of a criminal defense lawyer, however, it may be possible to have some of the penalties mitigated. A lawyer could review all available evidence in a case to determine if the charges should be contested at trial or if a plea deal is preferable.
Source: KWBE, “Two arrested in vehicle theft, from Fairbury area,” Doug Kennedy, Jan. 12, 2015