Colorado man steals pickup, arrested after pursuit in Lincoln County

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team arrested a Colorado man Saturday following a pursuit near Brady, Nebraska.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded just after 1 p.m. to reports of a vehicle fire on Interstate 80 near Hershey.

A witness said the driver of the vehicle was running away from the scene, according to the state patrol.

The suspect identified as Abraham Pacheco, 32, and was seen breaking into, and stealing a pickup with a camper attached, the state patrol said.

Pacheco then ran over the owner of the pickup while fleeing the scene, according to the state patrol.

Officials said the owner of the pickup has serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Deputies began a pursuit in the eastbound lanes of I-80.

The state patrol took over the pursuit as Pacheco passed the North Platte exits.

Pacheco then crossed the median and was driving at a high rate of speed against traffic in the westbound lanes, according to the state patrol.

Officials said Pacheco almost hit a trooper and was driving against traffic for several miles before exiting the interstate at Brady.

Pacheco parked the pickup in a parking lot and fled on foot into a wooded area, according to officials.

Troopers and deputies established a perimeter and the NSP SWAT Team was activated.

The state patrol said drones and a helicopter were used to search the area.

Once Pacheco was located, the SWAT team used a light armored vehicle and a K-9 to track Pacheco to a muddy pond, the state patrol said.

The dog took down Pacheco and he was taken into custody at 7:25 p.m., according to officials.

Pacheco was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail on multiple charges.

The investigation remains ongoing.