Omaha Police Department helicopter, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
OMAHA — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from several partner agencies, have made an arrest following an aerial pursuit of a motorcycle in and around the Omaha area Sunday evening.
At approximately 8:35 p.m. Sunday, a trooper observed a motorcycle with no license plate driving near 30th Street and Interstate 480 in Omaha. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the rider accelerated and fled. The trooper did not pursue and notified the Omaha Police Department’s ABLE-1, which immediately began following the motorcycle from the air.
ABLE-1 pilots monitored the motorcycle as it drove recklessly throughout areas of Omaha and Council Bluffs over the next 75 minutes. Pilots relayed information to troopers and officers on the ground. At times, the motorcycle drove on sidewalks and medians as well as in the wrong lane of travel. The motorcycle reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.
At approximately 9:50 p.m., the motorcycle was traveling at low speeds on Marcy Street near 46th Street, where it struck a parked vehicle. Troopers discovered that the motorcycle was stolen, and the rider had an active warrant. The rider was also found to be in possession of 81 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The rider, Dakota Culbertson, 33, of Lincoln, was transported to UNMC and treated for minor injuries. He was then lodged in Douglas County Jail for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver, theft by receiving stolen property – $5,000+, numerous traffic violations, no motorcycle license, and the active warrant.
