A western Nebraska man has been charged with willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, speeding, and flight to avoid arrest after being pulled from the Platte River in a failed attempt to run from state troopers.
The Nebraska State Patrol reports 35-year-old Kade Brenna of Minatare fled from troopers this weekend, eventually driving through a ditch into the Platte River west of Grand Island.
NSP reports the pursuit began in Keith County early Saturday afternoon. A trooper approached a pick-up parked on County Road 207, blocking both lanes of traffic about 10 miles east of Lewellen near the Garden/Keith County line. When the trooper returned to his vehicle to check the driver’s information, the pick-up took off.
The initial pursuit traveled east through Ogallala on Highway 30. The trooper ended the pursuit west of Paxton after an attempt to spike the pick-up tires failed.
Another trooper picked up the pursuit eastbound on I-80 near the Maxwell Exit. He dropped off near Brady.
A third trooper spotted the vehicle speeding east on I-80 near Minden. When Brenna failed to stop, the pursuit began again eastbound on I-80. This time spike strips worked, though the pick-up tried to keep going, leaving the interstate, driving through a south ditch, and splashing into the Platte River.
Brenna was fished from the river and taken to St. Francis Medical Center. He was treated and released into the custody of Buffalo County.
Speeds during the pursuit reached 85-90mph. Sheriff’s deputies from Lincoln and Hall assisted the patrol in the pursuit.
