Armed Colorado Car Thief Caught in Nebraska

(NORTH PLATTE, Neb.) — A suspected carjacking in Idaho Springs, Colorado, led to a high-speed pursuit across Nebraska on September 2, ending when deputies stopped the suspect vehicle near North Platte and arrested the driver.

The Idaho Springs Police Department said officers responded at approximately 10 a.m. to a reported carjacking involving a guest at a motel in the 2700 block of Colorado Boulevard. Investigators alerted authorities that the suspect was believed to be driving a stolen maroon 2018 Kia Optima and might be armed with a handgun.

Lincoln County deputies were notified that the stolen Kia could be traveling eastbound on Interstate 80. Deputies positioned themselves along I-80 near Sutherland, where they soon spotted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.

The driver failed to stop, initiating a pursuit eastbound at speeds reaching approximately 125 mph, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies deployed tire spikes about one mile west of North Platte, successfully disabling the vehicle. The Kia then exited the interstate and struck a boundary fence. The driver, who was the vehicle’s lone occupant, was taken into custody.

Authorities identified the suspect as 45-year-old William Williams of Westminster, Colorado. Idaho Springs police are seeking an arrest warrant for Williams in connection with the reported carjacking.

Williams was lodged in the Lincoln County Detention Center on charges of:

• Theft by Receiving Stolen Property
• Operating a Vehicle to Avoid Arrest
• Willful Reckless Driving
• Driving During Revocation

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said the operation was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte Fire Department.

The Idaho Springs Police Department had asked the public not to approach the suspect or vehicle if spotted, but instead to call 911 and provide the vehicle’s location, direction of travel and any information that could be safely observed.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Idaho Springs police said additional information will be released when appropriate.