NSP AirWing helps end 120 mph chase of stolen motorcycle

LINCOLN, Neb. — A Lincoln man is in custody following a high-speed pursuit that spanned from Beatrice to Lincoln, ending with the assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol AirWing. On Thursday at around 10:55 p.m., NSP troopers initiated a traffic stop on a speeding motorcycle observed on southbound Highway 77, south of Pickrell. The rider, identified as Tyler Yates, 28, refused to yield and led authorities on a dangerous chase.

The pursuit took a perilous turn as the motorcycle, reaching speeds ranging from 40 to over 120 miles per hour, at times traveled northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 77. Upon entering Lincoln, the NSP AirWing took command from the air, guiding ground units through the Haymarket, over a pedestrian bridge, and across city streets and trails.

The chase concluded near Antelope Park on the Billy Wolff Trail shortly after midnight, where the motorcycle came to a halt. Yates was apprehended without further incident, and subsequent investigations revealed that the motorcycle was stolen.

Tyler Yates now faces a litany of charges, including theft by receiving stolen property exceeding $5,000, flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, defacing a vehicle identification number, possession of a controlled substance, driving under suspension, and various traffic violations. Additionally, Yates had an outstanding warrant. He has been lodged in the Lancaster County Jail.

Collaborative efforts from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Lincoln Police Department were crucial during the incident.