One Arrested After Pursuit in Omaha

December 13, 2024 (Omaha, NEB.)  —  Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one man following a pursuit early this morning.

At approximately, 12:22 a.m., a trooper observed an eastbound Ford Escape speeding on Interstate 80 near 42nd Street in Omaha. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and continued to accelerate. The trooper initiated a pursuit. 

The vehicle exited I-80 at Martha Street, accelerating at a high rate of speed, and entered I-480. The trooper continued the pursuit as the vehicle fled onto Highway 75. The vehicle ran a red light and nearly struck another vehicle. Out of concern for public safety, the trooper ended the pursuit.

At approximately 12:35 a.m., the trooper saw the same vehicle as it entered Highway 75 heading south. Additional troopers responded to the area. Troopers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle again fled. Troopers initiated another pursuit.

A trooper preformed a tactical vehicle intervention, but the suspect was able to continue fleeing westbound on Chandler Road. The vehicle drove over a median, cause damage to multiple tires, and then continued fleeing westbound in the eastbound lane of Chandler Road. After approximately one minute, the driver lost control and crashed near 36th and Chandler. The driver was then taken into custody without further incident.

The driver, Kobe Baker, 28, of Omaha, was transported to UNMC for treatment of minor injuries. He was then lodged in Douglas County Corrections for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence of alcohol (2nd offense), and several traffic violations.