Three Lincoln YRTC Absconders Apprehended in Omaha

JUNE 15, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)  — The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Omaha Police Department and Lincoln Police Department, apprehended three juveniles who had absconded from the Youth Rehabilitation Treatment Center (YRTC) in Lincoln Friday evening.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. Friday, Nebraska DHHS informed law enforcement that three youths had absconded from YRTC. Multiple agencies responded and searched the area for the three but did not locate them in the area around YRTC. The Lincoln Police Department learned that a vehicle had been stolen in the area.

At approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday, a trooper located the suspected stolen vehicle as it was traveling on Interstate 680 in Omaha. The trooper attempted a traffic stop as the vehicle exited I-680, but the driver refused to yield. The vehicle ran a red light near 30th and Florence in Omaha and fled. The Omaha Police Department’s Able-1 was already overhead and took over the pursuit from the air.

Pilots tracked the vehicle to the area of 31st and Curtis, where the three fled on foot. Two of the juveniles were quickly taken into custody without incident. An OPD K9 was used to apprehend the third juvenile. That person was treated for minor injuries and all three were lodged at Douglas County Youth Center for multiple charges.