Lincoln police were called to the Smoker’s Corner at 1440 S. 17th Street at 9 a.m. Thursday morning on a shoplifting report. The suspect was identified as 28 yea told Zacharia Hughes who was seen leaving the area in a stolen Toyota Solara.
About 30 minutes later, police were called to another shoplifting call at Casey’s on N 27th Street where the same suspect and vehicle were identified. Hughes was wanted on a felony warrant and on several other charges. With the help of State Patrol Air, investigators found that vehicle in the Super Saver parking lot near 48th and O at 3 p.m. When investigators approached Hughes, he ran toward the vehicle and took off, aiming the car at the two investigators. One jumped out of the way but another was struck in both legs and arm causing non-life-threatening injuries.
Hughes took off and was followed by State Patrol Air. At 33rd and Cotner, Hughes got out of the Toyota and into 2018 Chevy Colorado, another stolen vehicle that was a work truck. Hughes then took off in that vehicle and caused a number of accidents, was seen driving on sidewalks and into oncoming traffic. As he crossed the intersection of 48th and Highway 2, he became involved in an accident but continued south until he was in another injury accident at 48th and Old Cheney. That disabled Hughes’ vehicle so he took off on foot.
Hughes was taken into custody around 3:30 p.m. After being checked at a hospital, he was booked into the Lancaster County Jail
Hughes was arrested for his felony warrant, 2nd Degree Assault on a Police Officer, Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony, Theft by Receiving $1500-$5000, Theft by Unlawful Taking $5000 or more, Operate Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest, Leave Scene of an Injury Accident, Shoplifting 3rd Subsequent Offense. (all felony charges)
Hughes was also arrested for:
-Possession of Stolen Property regarding his participation in an auto theft reported on May 3rd.
-Theft by Unlawful Taking $1500-$5000 regarding his participation in an auto theft reported on May 29th.
-Theft by Unlawful Taking less than $1500 regarding his participation in an auto theft reported on June 2nd.
-Leave the Scene of an Accident (misdemeanor) and Negligent Driving for a hit and run accident that occurred on June 3rd
-Leave Scene of an Accident (misdemeanor) for a hit and run accident that occurred while driving a stolen vehicle on July 22nd.
Further charges are pending.