Driver hits 160 mph attempting to escape troopers on interstate, state patrol says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN/Gray News) - A driver in Nebraska is accused of reaching triple-digit speeds while attempting to evade state troopers.

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, a trooper was patrolling Interstate 80 southeast of Lincoln Airport Wednesday night when a BMW sedan was spotted traveling at more than 95 mph while in a 65 mph zone.

The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated and a pursuit began. NSP said the BMW driver reached speeds of more than 160 mph before taking the exit at 56th Street.

The pursuit was discontinued out of concern for public safety, but the suspect vehicle was located a short time later. Law enforcement deployed stop sticks to help slow down the vehicle.

The BMW ended up stopping near Highway 77 in northern Lancaster County, with the man behind the wheel bailing from the car.

Troopers said they eventually were able to track the driver, later identified as 20-year-old Nathanael Campbell, down at his residence.

Campbell was arrested on suspicion of flight to avoid arrest, second-offense willful reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer and other traffic violations.

The 20-year-old was booked into the Lancaster County Jail.