(Omaha, NE) -- A Council Bluffs man is arrested in Omaha after reportedly fleeing from a traffic stop and causing a crash.
The Nebraska State Patrol says around 11:00 Friday morning, a trooper attempted to pull over a Kia Forte on Highway 75 near Ames Avenue that had expired plates. The NSP says the car exited Highway 75 at Ames, and pulled over on the exit ramp before the trooper activated his emergency lights. The state patrol says as the trooper attempted the traffic stop, the suspect accelerated, ran a red light, and turned westbound onto Ames. Investigators say the trooper initiated a pursuit but discontinued it seconds later due to traffic volume in the area.
The NSP says after a few blocks, the Kia ran a red light at 30th and Ames and hit another vehicle, that then collided with a third vehicle. Investigators say the driver, 34 year old Martel Toles of Council Bluffs, attempted to flee again in his vehicle, but the car was disabled. The state patrol says Toles then refused to exit the vehicle, so Omaha Police officers deployed pepper ball. Toles then exited the vehicle and was arrested. NSP says a handgun was found on Toles as he was being taken into custody. Toles was taken to UNMC with injuries suffered in the crash.
Two unrestrained child passengers, both two years old, in the Kia were transported to UNMC with non-life-threatening injuries. No occupants of either other vehicle involved reported injuries. The Omaha Police Department is investigating the crash.
Toles has an outstanding warrant from Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Charges from Friday’s incident are pending.