Motorist reports of a pickup headed the wrong way on Interstate 80 in Lincoln County led to the arrest of a Hershey man for Second Offense Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Just before 5:00 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Nebraska State Patrol Troop D- North Platte communications received several calls from motorists of a pickup traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 between Hershey and North Platte.

A trooper was able to locate and stop the vehicle. Upon contact with the driver the trooper smelled a strong odor of alcohol.  The driver of the vehicle, Kenneth Morrison, 25, of Hershey, was arrested and lodged in the Lincoln County Jail on a charge of Second Offense Driving Under the Influence.

“Fortunately we were able to take this driver off the road before he harmed himself or someone else,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We want to thank the motorists who called, and encourage the reporting of impaired or reckless drivers.”

Beginning December 12-through-Jan. 1, 2015, the Nebraska State Patrol will take part in the national “You Drink & Drive You Lose” enforcement campaign. Troopers and communications specialists will work overtime hours during the holiday time period in an effort to help reduce the potential for serious injury and fatality crashes by removing impaired drivers from our roadways.

Motorists wanting to report an impaired or reckless driver can call the NSP Highway Helpline when safe to do so, at (star) *55 from any cellular phone or 1-800-525-5555 from any landline. Emergencies should be reported to 911.