DATE & TIME: May 22, 2016 at 1938 Hours
LOCATION: Bike Trail on Locust RD, between South 36th RD and South 43rd DR
OFFENSE: ATV Rollover Accident
CASE #: 2016-2569
On May 22, 2016 at 1938 Hours, the Gage County Sheriff’s Office along with Beatrice Fire and Rescue, Wymore Fire and Rescue and Blue Springs Fire and Rescue responded to an ATV rollover accident near Locust Road, between South 36th Road and South 43rd Drive on the north side of the Bike Trail. The Beatrice Police Department also assisted with the accident upon request of the Gage County Sheriff’s Office.
The ATV, a Yamaha Grizzly Four-wheeler, was northbound on the Bike Trail when it approached Locust Road between South 36thRoad and South 43rdDrive. The ATV crossed over Locust Road and back onto the Bike Trail. The ATV lost control and began to rollover throwing the driver into the field east of the Bike Trail. The ATV then came to rest, just east of the Bike Trail.
The driver of the ATV, 46 year old James L. Wells of Beatrice, was thrown from the ATV during the accident. Beatrice Fire and Rescue transported Wells to Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln for life threatening injuries. Wells is currently being treated at Bryan West and is reported to be in critical condition. Friends riding ATV’s with Wells at the time of the accident did state that Wells had been drinking a couple alcoholic beverages earlier in the day. It is unclear at this time if alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident.
The accident is still currently under investigation by the Gage County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903
Sergeant Schley #9035
Deputy Bebensee #9039