By Harold Reutter
harold.reutter@theindependent.com

Sgt. Dan Bartling of the Nebraska State Patrol said the incident began with a motorcyclist fleeing to avoid arrest and being pursued by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper.

The chase went north, then turned westbound on Highway 34. It continued until the motorcyclist and trooper were just west of Blaine Street on Highway 34, Bartling said.

At that point, the motorcyclist hit loose gravel, lost control of his bike and skidded across the bridge until he ended up hitting the south guardrail on the west side of the bridge, Bartling said.

The trooper, not wanting to hit the motorcyclist, braked and hit loose gravel. The trooper's car hit the north guardrail and skidded, ending up on the west side of the bridge, Bartling said.

At that point, the motorcyclist began running south from Highway 34 into an area of sandpit lakes and ponds. The trooper pursued the suspect on foot and was helped by a Hall County Sheriff's deputy and a canine.

Bartling said the trooper, deputy and dog tracked the suspect to a pond.

"He attempting to stay under water to escape detection," Bartling said. "But the dog had a good nose."

As a result, the suspect had to surface and he was arrested.

Bartling said the motorcyclist and trooper were both taken to St. Francis Medical Center for treatment. He said the trooper had minor injuries. He said the motorcyclist had non-life-threatening injuries, which include road rash, cuts and bruises.

Bartling said the motorcyclist was booked into the Hall County Jail "on a variety of charges."