Lincoln man will stand trial in crash that killed Officer Ross Bartlett

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A judge found probable cause Wednesday to try a Lincoln man in a crash that killed a police officer.

Tony Pierce, 50, appeared in Lancaster County Court for his preliminary hearing, where the judge ruled that there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial.

Judge Timothy Phillips sent the case to district court.

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On April 12, 2024, Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett was conducting a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 77 in northern Lancaster County.

Court documents say he was in his patrol car when Pierce rear-ended it.

The impact sent Bartlett’s cruiser into the vehicle that he had pulled over.

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

Bartlett died later that night. Pierce and the other driver suffered minor injuries.

Investigators think phone use played a role in the crash.

Pierce is charged with motor vehicle homicide.

His arraignment in Lancaster County District Court is scheduled for May 21.

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