The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a Council Bluffs man for assaulting a state trooper during a confrontation in the parking lot of the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall near Gretna.
The patrol says around 7:30 Wednesday night they were told about a vehicle suspected in a hit and run crash near 108th and L streets in Omaha. The Dodge Dakota was traveling westbound on I-80 toward Gretna.
Investigators say witnesses then reported a second hit and run in the parking lot of Nebraska Crossing. The trooper found the vehicle in the parking lot and found the driver to be sleeping.
According to the patrol the trooper knocked on the window several times, at which point the driver woke up and immediately threw open the door, striking the trooper in the chest. Investigators say the man got out of the vehicle and charged at the trooper, resulting in a physical altercation.
A patrol spokesman says after several verbal and non-verbal commands went ignored by the suspect, the trooper deployed a taser and 44 year old Jared Raymon of Council Bluffs was taken into custody.
Troopers searched the vehicle and discovered an open alcohol container, a firearm concealed in a backpack and several containers of marijuana. Investigators say Raymon's blood alcohol content was .171.
Raymon was arrested for assault on an officer, hit and run, driving under the influence of alcohol, open container, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce and carrying a concealed weapon.
Raymon was medically cleared by EMTs on scene and taken to the Sarpy County Jail.
Photo courtesy of 6 News.