Driver in crash that killed Ceresco officer appears in court for first time

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The man charged in a crash that killed a Nebraska police officer made his first appearance in court Wednesday.

Tony Pierce, 50, of Lincoln was arraigned in Lancaster County Court, where Judge Timothy Phillips set his bond at $3,500.

Pierce quickly posted bail to remain out of jail.

SEE ALSO: Hundreds pay their respects during Officer Ross Bartlett’s funeral procession

On April 12, Officer Ross Bartlett with the Ceresco Police Department was killed during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 77.

The Nebraska State Patrol said Pierce was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck and rear-ended Bartlett’s patrol car.

The impact sent the patrol car into the Nissan that Bartlett had pulled over.

SEE ALSO: ‘Go rest high on that mountain’: Fallen officer remembered at Lincoln funeral

Pierce and the driver of the Nissan suffered minor injuries.

Bartlett, who was inside his vehicle, died later that night.

Troopers think phone use was a factor in the crash.

Pierce is charged with motor vehicle homicide. He is due back in court Jan. 22.

SEE ALSO: ‘Outpouring of support’ seen at visitation for fallen Ceresco Police officer