LPD: Man steals truck, witness calls police after seeing it go airborne

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Lincoln Police Department arrested a man they say stole a Ford F150 truck.

LPD said around 3 p.m. on Monday, officers were dispatched to the area around 20th Street and Cornhusker Highway after a witness reported seeing a green Ford F150 launch into the air, strike a pole, then the driver runs away.

Police said bystanders directed responding officers to an apartment complex off 20th and Knox Streets.

According to police, officers did find 21-year-old Carter Cole in the apartment complex and arrested him without incident.

LPD said Cole appeared to be intoxicated at the time.

Soon after, a 38-year-old man arrived on the scene and confirmed Cole had stolen the green F150 from a commercial parking lot near 20th Street and Cornhusker Highway after the victim left the keys in the ignition, according to police.

LPD said video surveillance showed Cole hit a white Chevy Colorado and a white Chevy Silverado, as well as an enclosed trailer, in the same commercial lot as he drove away from the theft scene.

Cole was transported to a local hospital, as he had some minor injuries from the crash with the pole.

Police said after a medical examination, Cole was arrested and is facing theft by unlawful taking (over $5,000) charges, criminal mischief (over $5,000), DUI, driving on a revoked license, willful reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.