UPDATE - Arrest made in fatal crash Hwy 43 & Pella
C0001123
Date:
April 24, 2020
For More Information:
Drew A. Bolzer, DBolzer@lancaster.ne.gov
UPDATE - Arrest made in fatal crash Hwy 43 & Pella Rd
On February 15, 2020, at 2334 hours, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office was dispatched along with Firth Rescue and Lincoln Fire and Rescue to a two-vehicle crash directly north of Pella Road on Highway 43.
An in-depth investigation reveals that the two vehicles involved were traveling in opposite directions on Highway 43 and collided head-on. The driver of a southbound 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 34 year-old Jeffrey Woutzke of Auburn, was found to be driving in the northbound lane and collided with a northbound 2013 Ford Focus, driven by 20 year-old Morgan Rodgers of Lincoln. As a result of the collision, Morgan was pronounced deceased at the scene and Woutzke was transported to Bryan Health West Campus for non-life threatening injuries.
Further investigation revealed at the time of the collision, Woutzke was under the influence of a controlled substance. A search warrant was conducted on the vehicle being operated by Woutzke which resulted in the recovery of 3.6 grams of a controlled substance. An arrest warrant was issued for Woutzke for felony motor vehicle homicide and possession of a controlled substance. Woutzke was arrested by the Metro Fugitive Task Force on Thursday, April 23, 2020, and lodged in the Lancaster County Adult Detention Facility for his arrest warrant.
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and are continuing to investigate the details of the crash.
UPDATE - Names involved in fatal crash Hwy 43 & Pella Rd
On February 15, 2020, at 2334 hours, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office was dispatched along with Firth Rescue and Lincoln Fire and Rescue to a two-vehicle crash directly north of Pella Road on Highway 43.
The initial investigation reveals that the two vehicles involved were traveling in opposite directions on Highway 43 and collided head-on. The driver of a southbound 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 34 year-old Jeffrey Woutzke of Auburn, was transported to Bryan Health West Campus for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of a northbound 2013 Ford Focus, 20 year-old Morgan Rodgers of Lincoln, was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no other occupants of either vehicle.
The Lancaster County Attorney's Office has ordered an autopsy. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash. Seatbelt usage is still under investigation. The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and are continuing to investigate the details of the crash. Next of kin have been notified.
ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE
On February 15, 2020, at 2334 hours, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office was dispatched along with Firth Rescue and Lincoln Fire and Rescue to a two-vehicle crash directly north of Pella Road on Highway 43.
The initial investigation reveals that the two vehicles involved were traveling in opposite directions on Highway 43 and collided head-on. The driver of of one vehicle was transported to Bryan Health West Campus for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Lancaster County Attorney's Office has ordered an autopsy. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash. Seatbelt usage is still under investigation. The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and are continuing to investigate the details of the crash. Release of names is pending notification of next of kin.
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