Aug 19, 2019

Man dies from gunshot wound following western NE pursuit

Posted Aug 19, 2019 4:52 PM

OGALLALA — An Illinois man has died following an incident on Interstate 80 near Brule Sunday evening.


At approximately 3:30 p.m. MT, the Nebraska State Patrol received information regarding a potentially armed and dangerous person traveling on I-80 near Ogallala. The vehicle traveled westbound into Colorado.


Approximately one hour later, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruz reentered Nebraska traveling eastbound. A sheriff’s deputy located the vehicle on I-80 near mile marker 107. Moments later, a trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop. The trooper initiated a pursuit.


Working with OnStar, the vehicle was remotely slowed, bringing it to a stop near mile marker 116 at approximately 5:55 p.m. MT. Before authorities could approach the vehicle, they heard a single gunshot. The driver, Manuel Rangel, 21, of DeKalb, Illinois, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.


Troopers provided immediate medical care on scene. Rangel was flown by life-flight to Region West Medical Center in Scottsbluff where he was later pronounced deceased.


The Keith County Attorney will be reviewing the matter for a grand jury investigation.