FEBRUARY 8, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Beatrice man following a crash in Gage County.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper was on patrol in Cortland when he observed a Jeep Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed on southbound Highway 77. The trooper turned around to attempt a traffic stop.
As the trooper was attempting a traffic stop approximately one mile south of Cortland, he observed the Jeep attempt a U-turn on Highway 77. As the vehicle entered the northbound lanes, it struck a Cadillac DTS that was turning northbound from a private driveway.
The trooper arrived on scene seconds later. The drivers of both vehicles, as well as a passenger in the Jeep, all suffered minor injuries. All were transported to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln where they were treated and released.
Following the crash, NSP received information that the Lincoln 911 center had received a report that the Jeep had been driving recklessly north of Cortland as well.
The driver of the Jeep, Michael Flowers, 23, of Beatrice, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol – 2nd offense, willful reckless driving, driving under revocation, flight to avoid arrest, open alcohol container, and several traffic violations. He was lodged in Gage County Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing.
