A Lexington man thought he was doing a good deed in helping bring a suspect into custody but, he soon found himself in handcuffs on his way to jail.
Shortly before 11:00pm Friday September 13, 2024, Lexington Police Department officers were looking for a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident in a Lexington residential area(300 block East 9th Street). An officer later located the suspect vehicle in a lot near Scooter’s Coffee with an open alcohol container. Several other officers arrived to assist in locating the driver who was later located in the south side of the Walmart parking lot and engaged in a physical altercation with another motorist in a semi-truck, according to the Police report.
As officers approached the driver, he apparently fled on foot. After a distance of about 200 yards, the officer observed a pickup striking the fleeing driver causing him to be thrown to the ground.
The pickup driver, later identified as 29-year-old Christian Garza later told the Officer “You’re welcome”. A female juvenile was also in the pickup at the time. Medical assistance was summoned to the scene for the driver that was struck.
In a later interview Garza said he observed officers chasing the suspect and wanted to help stop him.
Garza was arraigned in Dawson County Court Monday, on a charge of 2nd Degree Assault. Bond was set at 10% of $10,000. His next court hearing was scheduled for September 25, 2024 at 11:00am in Dawson County Court.
The fleeing driver, identified as 23-year-old Joshua Haruo of Lexington was transported to Lexington Regional Health Center where he was treated and released. He was then transported to the Dawson County Jail where he was booked on multiple charges.
Haruo was arraigned in Dawson County Court Monday on charges of Resisting Arrest, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, No Operator’s License and Driving Under the Influence- 1st Offense, all misdemeanors. His bond was set at 10% of $5,000 and next court hearing to be held September 26, 2024 at 9:30am in Dawson County Court.
Lexington Police Chief Paul Schwarz expressed his appreciation for the assistance of Nebraska State Patrol and Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.
