Hit-and-run driver claimed a thief crashed his vehicle, Nebraska police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Authorities say a man involved in a hit-and-run crash tried to convince officers that a thief was behind the wheel.

Bradye Lawrenze is accused of colliding with another vehicle in Grand Island just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

A passenger in the other vehicle was injured, according to the Grand Island Police Department.

Police said Lawrenze drove off, but his license plate remained on the scene near West Third and Noth Walnut Streets.

Lawrenze called police almost two hours later and claimed that someone stole his vehicle.

But GIPD said Lawrenze eventually admitted that he was lying and that he gave the vehicle to someone to repair the damage.

Lawrenze is charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident and tampering with physical evidence.

Police said the injured passenger was taken to CHI Health St. Francis, but they did not reveal the extent of their injuries.