Troopers Arrest LRC Escapee After Foot Pursuit on Coal Train

JULY 4, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)  — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from Butler and Seward County deputies, have arrested a man who had escaped from the Lincoln Regional Center on Tuesday.

At approximately 7:15 a.m. Thursday, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office reported that they believed Justin Daro was present at a residence in Ulysses. About ten minutes later, deputies reported that Daro had left the residence and fled as they attempted to make contact. Butler County deputies pursued Daro’s vehicle as he fled into Seward County, where the vehicle became disabled near a railroad crossing just west of Tamora, south of Highway 34.

Daro then climbed onto a coal train and began running on top of the train cars, which were loaded with coal. The train was stopped. An NSP K9 was deployed onto the train and Daro jumped onto another stopped train on an adjacent track. A trooper then deployed a bean bag round, which brought Daro to a stop. Daro continued to resist arrest, but he was taken into custody on top of the coal train. Seward County deputies assisted as well.

Daro was medically cleared at the hospital in Seward and has been lodged in Lancaster County Corrections. Charges are pending.