Fairbury Robbery Leads To Arrest near Beatrice

FAIRBURY – Jefferson County authorities have arrested a suspect in a robbery and assault late Saturday night, at a Fairbury McDonald’s Restaurant.

Jefferson County 9-1-1 received a call from an employee at 11:19 p.m. Saturday, reporting a female worker had been assaulted during a robbery.   A Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy near the scene observed two black males running south through a parking lot, across U.S. Highway 135, then south on “J” Street.

The deputy observed headlights on a vehicle come on as he drove along “J” Street.   The officer tried to block the vehicle with his patrol unit, but it jumped a curb and sped away.   A pursuit began east on Highway 136. Deputies pursued the vehicle more than 25 miles to Beatrice, reaching speeds at up to 125 miles-per-hour.

Sheriff Nick Georgi says at times, the pursued vehicle drove with its lights off.

Beatrice Police deployed spike strips as the pursuit was entering the city limits.  The vehicle being chased went off a curve in the highway as it transitions to West Court Street.  The vehicle then crashed, with the driver fleeing on foot. 

Beatrice Police brought a department K-9 to the scene to aid sheriff’s deputies searching for the suspect.  Officers from Beatrice Police, Gage County Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also used a drone from Jefferson County Emergency Management to search a wide area.  After about 90 minutes, authorities found 34-year-old Marzeanis Coleman, of Lincoln, arresting him.

Georgi says two black males had entered the rear door of the McDonald’s Restaurant during closing time, while a money count was in progress.  A struggle between one of the suspects and the female employee ensued and she was assaulted.   The suspects then fled with a small amount of cash.

Georgi says officers are investigating the identities of additional suspects. 

Coleman was arrested for robbery, felony flight to avoid arrest, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a gun while committing a felony, assault and obstructing law officers.           

The female employee suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries.  She was taken to Jefferson Community Health Center for treatment.