Lincoln officer risks life during robbery investigation

Lincoln Police officers investigating a reported robbery March 9 at McBean Park Drive and D Street led to a suspect driving four blocks with an officer hanging halfway outside his driver side window, according to Lincoln Public Safety Chief Matt Alves. During the start of the investigation, 38-year-old Christopher Venable of Sacramento was accused by a reporting party of robbing him. After contact with Venable, Alves said, the officers found the robbery accusation to be inaccurate and Veneble left the scene. It was later discovered through "interviews and evidence left at the scene" that Venable provided a false name to officers, according to Alves. Alves said Venable, for unknown reasons, returned to the scene where he was contacted again by officers. A Lincoln Police Department Facebook post stated, "during the interaction, Venable ran from officers, got into his vehicle and attempted to drive away. A pursuing Officer attempted to stop Venable from leaving, however Venable began to drive away with the pursuing officer half way inside the vehicle. The vehicle was driven approximately four city blocks with the lower portion of the officer hanging out of the vehicle." A witness said the situation was scary. "My daughter and I were right in the middle of this when it happened and saw the car drive away with the door wide open. It was horrifying," said Angee Casiano in a Facebook post. "It could've been catastrophic if not for the officer's quick reaction." Gold Country Media requested the name of the officer who was stuck in the window but Alves declined. "We would prefer to not publish the officer's name. One of the parties involved in this incident was significantly harassing our staff after Venable's arrest," Alves said. "Due to the nature of the incident, they will not be participating in an interview." The unidentified officer tased Venable and was able to get the vehicle to stop, according to Alves. The officer was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries sustained and was released. During a search of the Venable's vehicle, according to the Lincoln Police's Facebook post, a loaded firearm was found in the center console. Venable was arrested on charges of kidnapping, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, felony resisting an officer, concealed firearm in a vehicle and providing a false name to a peace officer. Venable was booked into the South Placer County Jail. "Incidents like this are rare in our community but they serve as a reminder that even Lincoln is not immune from situations that threaten the safety of our officers and the public," Alves said. "Our dispatchers and officers handled this incident with courage and professionalism. Although the potential for tragedy was very real, they were able to resolve it without anyone suffering serious injuries. Since this incident, we have received an outpouring of support and well wishes from the community. We can't express how grateful we are for the bonds we have with our citizens."