Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol and officers from the Omaha Police Department worked together Friday evening into Saturday morning on an operation focused on excessively speeding motorcycles. During the effort, troopers arrested two riders following separate pursuits in Omaha that saw speeds reach 120 miles per hour.
NSP and OPD also used their helicopters in the enforcement effort. “This was a great team effort to start the summer-long enforcement campaign surrounding excessive speeding,” says Captain Jason Scott, Commander of Troop A. “The speeds we saw last night are dangerous for both the rider and other motorists. As the summer progresses, troopers will work with local law enforcement to proactively address excessive speeding.”
The first chase began around 10:15 p.m. Friday when a trooper noticed a group of motorcycles with no license plates traveling east on I-80 near 84th Street. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, the motorcycles accelerated to 120 miles per hour.
OPD’s Able One took over the chase and followed one of the riders to the 7800 block of Raven Oaks Drive where the bike wound up in the bushes. 24 year old Devin Gaines was arrested for Felony Flight to Avoid Arrest; Willful Reckless Driving; Driving Under Suspension and No Registration.
A little more than an hour later authorities crossed paths with 18 year old Bennett Slater moving 120 miles-per-hour on West Dodge Road near 168th Street. NSP's helicopter followed for several miles until Slater stopped near Riverfront Drive and 8th Street. That's where he was arrested for Felony Flight to Avoid Arrest; Willful Reckless Driving and several traffic violations.
NSP is teaming up with agencies throughout the Omaha metro area this summer in an enforcement and awareness effort focused on excessive speeding.