Crime
Deputies Seek Identity Of Person Struck During Illegal Car Meetup In Omaha
Authorities in Nebraska are searching for an individual who was seen on video being struck by a vehicle that was doing donuts during an illegal vehicle sideshow over the weekend.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said its Community Action Team responded after multiple 911 callers reported street racers in the area of 134th and F Streets in southwest Omaha Saturday night. They arrived to find a white Dodge Challenger and a gray BMW 335 racing on F Street.
The driver of the Challenger, 22 year-old Liam Barlow, was arrested. He allegedly had a Glock handgun in his waistband and an MKE pistol “within reach.” He was also found to be in possession of illegal drugs, making the firearm possession a felony.
The driver of the BMW, a 17-year-old who was not named, was cited for exhibition of speed and willful reckless driving. Both vehicles had 360-degree cameras mounted on the rear windshields, and both cameras were seized, along with Barlow’s phone.
Joshua Barragan, 20, was cited and released for unlawful presence at a sideshow. Another individual described as being “unlawfully present” at the sideshow was captured on video being struck by an orange Camaro that was doing donuts.
The video, shared by the sheriff’s office, shows the female victim of unknown age being struck hard and flying through the air before landing on the pavement of a parking lot near 135th and F Streets.
The sheriff’s office said investigators are aware who owns the Camaro, “but will be withholding that to allow them the opportunity to come forward.”
The victim has not been identified, leaving authorities concerned about her condition.
“These sideshow events are not just ‘kids’ out ‘having fun’. They are illegal, and they are dangerous, often involving drugs, weapons, and alcohol, not to mention the reckless driving behaviors,” the sheriff’s office said.
Anyone with information about the individual who was struck by the Camaro is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at DCSOTips@douglascounty-ne.gov or 402-444-6000, or submit an anonymous tip to OmahaCrime Stoppers at 402-444-7867 or via the P3Tips mobile app.
