Authorities describe wild Lincoln chase: Man hit vehicles and tree, fled on lawn equipment

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A search by the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force led to a destructive chase on Monday afternoon.

That’s according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, which said it was looking for Nick Roberts near 20th and South streets.

The 49-year-old was a parole absconder accused of stealing things and causing “havoc,” according to Chief Deputy Ben Houchin.

Deputies found him in a stolen car parked behind an apartment complex and tried to box him in.

But he backed into the law enforcement vehicles, authorities said, beginning a wild chase.

Roberts drove in reverse on 20th Street and hit a tree and another vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.

He eventually ditched his car near 29th and Sumner streets.

The sheriff’s office said he then stole a $100,000 piece of lawn equipment and rode off on that.

Roberts was finally located with the help of Lincoln Police and Nebraska State Patrol, but not before they say he crashed into a couple more vehicles, including a patrol cruiser.

“We’re very thankful he did not hurt anybody seriously through this,” Houchin said. “He didn’t care about anybody other than trying to get away.” 

Neighbors were shocked by the scene.

“I’ve lived here for over eight years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Payne Ackerman said.

Roberts has been booked into the Lancaster County Jail.

He is facing a long list of charges that includes assaulting an officer and several counts of theft.

He will appear in court Wednesday at 2 p.m.