OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska State Patrol troopers and Omaha Police officers teamed up Friday evening into Saturday morning on an operation focused on catching speeding motorcyclists.
Two riders in separate pursuits were arrested during the effort.
“This was a great team effort to start the summer-long enforcement campaign surrounding excessive speeding,” said 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 pursuit happened around 10:15 p.m. when a trooper noticed a group of motorcycles with no license plates heading eastbound on I-80 near 84th St. A trooper attempted a traffic stop when the motorcycles accelerated to 120mph.
OPD's Able One then took over the pursuit and followed one rider to the 7800 block of Raven Oak drive. The rider pulled the motorcycle into nearby bushes.
The rider, 24-year-old Devin Gaines, was arrested for felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension and no registration, according to Nebraska State Patrol.
The second pursuit happened at approximately 11:30 p.m. when a trooper noticed a motorcycle driving 120mph on west Dodge Road near 168th St.
The NSP helicopter followed the rider several miles until it stopped near Riverfront Dr. and 8th St.
Eighteen-year-old Bennett Slater was arrested for felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving and many traffic violations.
NSP and agencies across the Omaha metro will continue working together over the summer to enforce and promote awareness of excessive speeding.
