Overnight shooting in north Lincoln sparks police chase, multi-agency manhunt

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Three people were arrested after an overnight shooting that began as an argument in north Lincoln, according to the Lincoln Police Department.

On Sunday, Lincoln police officers were in the area of Portia and Knox streets on an unrelated call for service when they heard two gunshots shortly after 11:45 p.m. According to Lincoln police, 911 calls reported that two men had fired at an apartment building and driven off in a black vehicle.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the black Hyundai Sonata, but the driver sped off, ran multiple red lights and drove recklessly, police said. The Sonata eventually hit a construction barrier and crashed near 48th Street and Cornhusker Highway. Three people then exited the vehicle and ran from the scene.

The Sonata and a traffic barrier suffered extensive damage in the crash. Lincoln police said the vehicle was deemed a disorderly vehicle and was towed.

The Nebraska State Patrol Air Wing was called in to assist with the search along with officers on the ground.

Officers were searching the area near the train tracks, shining flashlights into the trees. A train was stopped on the tracks as the search continued.

Police also brought in a K-9 unit and were seen carrying rifles while yelling into the wooded area.

Authorities located and arrested 23-year-old Raven Pierson of Omaha first. Lincoln police said she escaped her handcuffs and ran away while she was being escorted to a cruiser. She allegedly kicked an officer and violently resisted arrest.

Officers determined Pierson was intoxicated at the time. A preliminary breath test at a hospital showed a blood-alcohol content of 0.19, Lincoln police said.

The two other suspects, 19-year-old Aris Phillips and 20-year-old Owen Kazena, both of Lincoln, were arrested after a lengthy search.

All three suspects were lodged in the Lancaster County Jail.

Phillips was arrested on suspicion of discharging a firearm near a building, obstructing government operations and use of a firearm to commit a felony.

Kazena is accused of aiding and abetting discharging a firearm near a building and obstructing government operations.

Pierson is accused of aiding and abetting discharging a firearm near a building, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, third-degree assault on an officer, escape, obstructing government operations, resisting arrest and DUI.

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