Arrest Made for Crash that Killed Officer Ross Bartlett

Cody Thomas

Nebraska State Patrol

October 15, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)  — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Lincoln man in connection with the crash that killed Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett earlier this year. Tony Pierce, 50, was arrested for felony motor vehicle homicide.

The crash occurred in the evening of Friday, April 12. Officer Ross Bartlett’s patrol vehicle was struck while he was performing a traffic stop on Highway 77 in northern Lancaster County, approximately one mile south of Ceresco. The Nebraska State Patrol has conducted a complete crash reconstruction.

During the traffic stop, Bartlett’s patrol vehicle and a Nissan Altima were both parked on the shoulder of Highway 77. Both drivers were seated in their vehicles when a southbound Ford F-150 struck Bartlett’s patrol vehicle from the rear, causing it to hit the Nissan.

Officer Bartlett died that evening from injuries suffered in the crash. The driver of the Nissan, Ke’vion Hill, 27, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at Bryan Health West Campus. The driver of the Ford, Tony Pierce, 50, was not seriously injured.

As a result of the crash investigation, troopers suspect phone use was a factor in the crash. In cooperation with the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, Tony Pierce turned himself in to troopers this morning and was cited for felony motor vehicle homicide.

Troopers also completed the investigation Officer Bartlett had started with the traffic stop. Ke’vion Hill has been cited for driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce. He was arrested and lodged in Douglas County Jail for an unrelated warrant.

Officer Ross Bartlett had served with Ceresco PD since 2017. He was also an investigator with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and served as a volunteer firefighter for Ceresco. Prior to those assignments, he served with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Police Department, and Newman Grove Police Department.