BEATRICE - Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Lincoln man after a pursuit that started near Beatrice and ended in Lincoln.

Thursday, just before 11 p.m., a trooper saw a motorcycle speeding on southbound U.S. Highway 77, south of Pickrell. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the rider refused to yield and continued south. 

As the motorcycle reached Beatrice on Highway 77, it turned and accelerated northbound. The rider continued northbound at speeds varying from 40 miles per hour to over 120 miles per hour and at times traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 77.

As the motorcylist reached Lincoln, the state patrol Air Wing took over the pursuit. An NSP helicopter followed the rider as it drove through the Haymarket area.... then over a pedestrian bridge, and continued driving on streets and trails for some time.

NSP pilots continued to direct units on the ground to the location of the motorcycle as it drove through Lincoln.

Shortly after midnight, the motorcycle came to a stop near Antelope Park on the Billy Wolff Trail. and the rider....28-year-old Tyler Yates, of Lincoln was taken into custody without further incident. Troopers discovered that the motorcycle was stolen.

Yates was arrested for theft by receiving stolen property, flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, defacing a vehicle identification number, possession of a controlled substance, driving under suspension, and several traffic violations. Yates also had an outstanding warrant.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Gage County Sheriff's Office, and Lincoln Police Department assisted during the incident.