By Sam Lovato, Interim Police Chief Sidney Police Department
At approximately 3:55 AM this morning, the Sidney Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit. An officer traveling southbound on 11th Avenue observed a van strike a street sign near Creast View Apartments, nearly colliding with the officer's vehicle. The van then accelerated northbound on 11th Avenue at a high rate of speed, estimated to exceed 90 miles per hour.
The officer activated emergency lights and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit concluded when the suspect vehicle collided with the Rolling Pin Bakery and Sonny's Super Foods. The officer immediately rendered medical aid to the driver and requested assistance from Emergency Medical Services and the Fire Department.
The Sidney Police Department adheres to strict pursuit policies, emphasizing a thorough risk-to-benefit assessment before engaging in a pursuit. In this instance, the driver demonstrated a disregard for public safety prior to police involvement, having already collided with a street sign.
During the pursuit, the officer requested supervisor notification, and provided updates on traffic conditions and safety concerns. The entire incident, from initial contact to the vehicle collision, lasted less than 60 seconds.
The Nebraska State Patrol has been requested to conduct an accident reconstruction using drones. The incident remains under investigation. Officers will be canvassing the area to gather any available video footage.
We are also compiling a list of any other objects that may have been struck by the suspect vehicle prior to police contact. If you have observed any damage to your property that may be related to this incident, please contact the Sidney Police Department so that we can document and address any claims.