Troopers Arrest Three After Pursuit Near Gothenburg

OCTOBER 9, 2024 (NORTH PLATTE, NEB.)  — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, has arrested three people following a pursuit and search near Gothenburg on Tuesday.

At approximately 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, troopers were notified that a Kia Soul was being sought in connection with a stolen property investigation in Lexington. A trooper then saw the vehicle on Interstate 80 headed westbound. The trooper attempted a traffic stop near mile marker 219. The vehicle began to slow down, but then accelerated and fled at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The Kia fled westbound, with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The driver exited I-80 at the Gothenburg interchange and began traveling north into town. The trooper discontinued the pursuit out of concern for public safety. A short time later, another trooper saw the same vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 30. Another pursuit began and the vehicle fled northbound on Road 409, west of Gothenburg. The pursuit continued until the vehicle came to a stop in a field several miles northeast of town. The two occupants then fled on foot.

Troopers and deputies utilized drones, an NSP K9, and an NSP Aircraft to search the area. The two subjects were eventually located on a nearby farmstead and were taken into custody.

The driver, Steven Conner, 37, of Omaha, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer, criminal mischief, numerous traffic violations, and outstanding warrants. The passenger, Skyanne Christensen, 24, of Omaha, was arrested for obstructing a peace officer, criminal mischief, and an outstanding warrant. Troopers discovered that a third occupant has been dropped at a farmhouse just west of Gothenburg. That person, Kayla Tatum, 29, of Omaha, was located walking along Highway 30 and arrested for obstructing a peace officer.

All three were lodged in Dawson County Jail.