Omaha, Neb. – The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) announced the arrest of three people this week after two separate vehicle pursuits that threatened public safety on Omaha streets.
First pursuit – Oct. 28
At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, an NSP trooper attempted to stop a driver for speeding. The driver refused to yield, prompting Omaha Police Department Able 1 pilots to take over the chase. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped and both the driver and a passenger were taken into custody.
The second passenger fled on foot and concealed himself in a nearby bush. When the suspect refused to emerge, a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office K‑9 was released to locate him. The suspect, identified as Calib Willis, 24, of Omaha, was apprehended and charged with obstruction of an officer and possession of a controlled substance.
The driver, Dillen Shepherd, 25, of Omaha, faced charges of willful reckless driving and flight to avoid arrest.
Second pursuit – Oct. 29
Just before midnight on Oct. 29, NSP troopers observed a Mercedes sedan traveling at speeds exceeding 120 mph on an Omaha roadway. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, the driver immediately fled, initiating a second high‑speed pursuit.
Troopers deployed stop‑sticks, a device designed to puncture tires and safely bring a fleeing vehicle to a halt. The vehicle stopped, and the driver, Paul Deras, 20, of Omaha, was taken into custody.
Deras was charged with willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, driving under the influence, possession of an open alcohol container, and additional traffic violations.
Public‑safety impact
NSP spokesperson John Miller praised the coordinated effort between state troopers, Omaha police, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing that swift, inter‑agency cooperation helped prevent potential injuries to other motorists and pedestrians.
“These arrests demonstrate our commitment to keeping Omaha’s roadways safe,” Miller said. “When drivers choose to endanger the public, we will pursue them aggressively and hold them accountable under the law.”
Legal process
All three individuals were booked at the Douglas County Jail. Their cases will proceed through the local court system, where they face potential fines, license suspensions, and possible incarceration depending on the outcomes of their respective charges.
Residents are reminded to report reckless driving and to cooperate with law‑enforcement officials during traffic stops. The Nebraska State Patrol continues to prioritize traffic safety initiatives aimed at reducing high‑speed incidents across the state.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
