Motorcyclist crashes, dies after fleeing traffic stop in southwest Omaha

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A motorcyclist died Saturday night after fleeing a traffic stop in southwest Omaha.

A trooper tried to pull over a motorcycle that was speeding and had no license plates just before 8:15 p.m. on Interstate 680 near Pacific Street.

As soon as the trooper’s lights turned on, the motorcyclist sped up and refused to stop, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Officials said the motorcycle started driving west on Interstate 80 at speeds over 110 miles per hour.

Omaha Police Department’s helicopter followed the motorcycle as it exited I-80 at Giles Street, and then got back on I-80 to drive east, officials said.

The motorcycle got off I-80 at L Street and then turned northbound onto 120th Street.

Officials said the motorcycle ran a red light at the intersection of 120th and I streets and crashed into a van.

Paramedics were called to the crash, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene, according to law enforcement.

Two people in the van were taken to Bergan Mercy Hospital with minor injuries, officials said.

OPD is still investigating the crash, but said the entire pursuit lasted five minutes.