A 17-year-old male faces serious charges following a dangerous high-speed pursuit and crash early Thursday morning on the outskirts of Bennington, stemming from a dispute at a house party.
Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the intersection of 180th and Ida Streets just before 2:40 a.m. after receiving reports of one vehicle deliberately trying to force another off the roadway. Before officers arrived, the caller updated authorities that the two vehicles had collided and that an individual was seen with a gun.
Upon reaching the scene, deputies discovered a heavily damaged black Honda Accord in a ditch, with two young males nearby, and a white Chevrolet Silverado with rear-end damage in a nearby field, surrounded by three other juveniles. A replica firearm was found on the ground beside the Accord.
Interviews with the five juveniles revealed they had all attended the same house party earlier that evening, where a verbal argument broke out. The three in the Silverado departed first, only to be chased aggressively by the two in the Accord.
During the chase, the replica gun was brandished threateningly out the Accord’s window toward the pickup truck. The pursuing vehicle rammed the Silverado multiple times, eventually causing both to veer off the road and crash.
One occupant from the Silverado ran into a nearby wooded area but was located unharmed by deputies around 6 a.m. and later interviewed.
Two juveniles from the Accord sustained injuries in the wreck and ensuing altercation, requiring hospital treatment. The 17-year-old driver of the Accord, identified as the person who displayed the fake firearm, was subsequently booked into the Douglas County Youth Detention Center on charges of terroristic threats and second-degree assault.
The remaining juveniles were turned over to their guardians.
Authorities are seeking witnesses to the crash or preceding events. Tips can be submitted to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 402-444-6000 or DCSOTips@douglascounty-ne.gov. Anonymous information is also accepted through Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP (7867) or the P3 Tips app.
The investigation remains active.
Photo courtesy of DCSO
