Lincoln Police were called to 20th and Cornhusker Highway around 3 p.m. Monday, January 31st after witnesses reported seeing a Ford F150 launch into the air and hit a pole. The driver then took off running.
Police were directed by witnesses to an apartment complex at 18th and Knox where they located 21 year old Carter Cole. He was taken into custody without incident. Cole appeared to be intoxicated.
A short time later, a man arrived and confirmed that Cole had stolen the F-150 pickup that had been parked in a business parking lot in the 3200 block of N. 20th Street. The owner also admitted he had left the keys in the ignition.
Video surveillance showed Cole in the pickup and striking a Chevy Colorado and a Chevy Silverado and an enclosed trailer that were in the same business lot where the stolen pickup had been parked.
Cole was taken to a hospital to be checked out for minor injuries. He was then booked for theft by unlawful taking, criminal mischief, DUI, driving on a revoked license, willful reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Damage to the F-150 pickup is estimated at $7,000.