NSP helicopter assists Lincoln PD in pursuit, arrest

LINCOLN, Neb. — A joint effort by the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) and the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) led to the arrest of one person following a high-speed pursuit in north Lincoln.

At around 10:15 p.m. on Monday, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper attempted to stop a Ford Focus on Superior Street near 14th Street for driving without taillights. The driver refused to yield and accelerated westbound on Superior Street before turning southbound on 1st Street, reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. After running a red light at 1st and Cornhusker, the NSP Helicopter took over the pursuit, allowing the ground trooper to discontinue the chase.

NSP pilots tracked the fleeing vehicle as it headed northbound and eventually stopped in a parking lot near 14th and Adams. The driver then attempted to flee on foot and hid in a tree line.

Troopers and LPD officers arrived on the scene, utilizing an LPD K9 to track the suspect. At approximately 11:00 p.m., the driver, identified as Tajzier Johnson, 21, of Lincoln, was located and taken into custody without further incident. Johnson was arrested for felony flight to avoid arrest, failure to obey a lawful order, and several traffic violations. He was lodged in Lancaster County Corrections.