Skid loader driver found not guilty by reason of insanity in Lincoln rampage

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A man who hit several vehicles with a skid loader in Lincoln earlier this year will not be held legally responsible, a judge ruled.

On Thursday, Lancaster County District Court Judge Darla Ideus said prosecutors proved that Samuel Peyrot, 35, committed the crimes.

But she found Peyrot not guilty by reason of insanity only on seven felony charges, including assault on an officer and second-degree assault.

SEE ALSO: Trial held for Lincoln man accused of ramming vehicles with skid loader

On Jan. 14, Peyrot was behind the wheel of a skid loader when he went on a rampage in southeast Lincoln, court documents say.

It started at the U-Stop at 73rd Street and Pine Lake Road, where he knocked down a donation box and hit a pickup truck.

He went to the nearby Taco Bell and rammed several more vehicles.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln man pleads not guilty to causing $114,000 in damage with skid loader

Peyrot then drove the skid loader to the Home Depot parking lot at 70th Street and Nebraska Parkway and hit more vehicles, police said.

He also damaged a liquor store.

When police arrived, Peyrot crashed into a cruiser.

Court documents say he caused $114,000 in damage, and a man in one of the vehicles suffered minor injuries.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln man caused over $100,000 in damage in skid-loader rampage, police say

Arresting officers said he appeared to be under the influence of a drug because of his “erratic behavior and nonsensical statements.”

Ideus has scheduled a hearing for Nov. 8 to determine whether Peyrot poses a threat to himself or the public.

WATCH: Man in skid loader damages several cars, LPD cruiser at Lincoln Home Depot