A traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 80 in Lincoln County led to a pursuit and two arrests after the driver took off in the Trooper’s patrol unit.

At approximately 3:23 p.m., Thursday, April 30, a trooper stopped an eastbound 2015 Toyota Camry for speeding 112mph in a 75 mph zone two miles west of the North Platte exit on I-80. As the trooper was conducting a probable cause search of the Toyota, the driver who had been handcuffed and placed in the front seat of the patrol unit, took control of the patrol vehicle and drove off. A female passenger, who was also handcuffed, was in the backseat of the patrol unit.

A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy and another Trooper who were called to assist on the initial traffic stop began a pursuit of the stolen patrol unit. The pursuit which reached speeds of 130 mph ended just east of the Cozad exit after stop sticks were used to flatten three of the vehicles tires.

The male driver, Jacob J. Barrickman, 24, of Henderson, Nevada, and the female passenger, Brianna M. Hampton, 23, of Bullhead City, Arizona, were both taken into custody without incident.

A subsequent search of the Toyota involved in the initial traffic stop led to the seizure of 1.1 lbs. of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was located in a duffle bag on the rear seat of the vehicle.

Barrickman was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail, on charges to include Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Vehicle Theft, Escape, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving and Speeding.

Hampton was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail, on charges to include Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.

The Nebraska State Patrol was assisted by the Lincoln and Dawson County Sheriff’s Offices.