Trooper fires shot during ‘dramatic, dangerous’ Waverly pursuit

WAVERLY, Neb. (KOLN) - A Nebraska State Patrol trooper fired one round during a pursuit in Waverly Tuesday afternoon, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

It all started with a report of a domestic disturbance at U-Save Pharmacy on Highway 6 around 12:15 p.m.

According to LSO, when deputies attempted to stop a Dodge flatbed pickup involved in the incident, the driver fled through multiple Waverly streets. Troopers joined the pursuit.

At one point, the pickup stopped, but the driver refused to get out. He fled again, and the pursuit continued until the pickup spun out at the intersection of Highway 6 and Amberly Road, the sheriff’s office reported.

As law enforcement tried to box in the vehicle, the driver accelerated in reverse, ramming into a state patrol vehicle while a trooper was inside. According to LSO, a trooper fired one shot, but it did not hit the suspect.

Additional law enforcement units were able to box in the vehicle, though the driver continued ramming patrol cars. Five patrol units were damaged between LSO and NSP.

Deputies and troopers then used tasers, pepperballs and foam projectiles to subdue the driver. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Trenton Engel of Lincoln, was taken into custody with minor injuries.

“We want to thank all of our law enforcement partners - deputies, troopers - that answered the call today that brought what was a very dramatic, dangerous situation to a safe and successful conclusion with relatively minor injuries given the severity,” LSO Capt. John Vik said.

The Lincoln Police Department will lead the investigation. More details will be released during a media briefing Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. You can watch it live here on 1011now.com.

A portion of Highway 6 at Amberly Road will remain closed as authorities continue to examine the scene. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and find alternate routes as the investigation proceeds.

Waverly schools were briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution but resumed normal activities within 15 minutes.

Lincoln Police said Engel broke into a home near 65th Street and Baldwin Avenue on Tuesday at 1:30 a.m. According to the police report, Engel was armed and threatened a 36-year-old man.

Seward County Sheriff Michael Vance confirmed that Engel was also arrested on Sept. 23 after being accused of holding a woman hostage in Pleasant Dale. He bonded out of jail following that arrest.

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