NSP Investigating Fatal Crash That Claims Life of Ceresco Police Officer

(Ceresco, NE)  — The Nebraska State Patrol is heartbroken to announce the passing of Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett. Bartlett also served as an investigator for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. Officer Bartlett died Friday evening after his patrol until was struck by another vehicle while he was performing a traffic stop.

At approximately 7:37 p.m. Friday, a 911 call came in regarding a multi-vehicle crash that had just occurred near the intersection of Highway 77 and Little Salt Road, about one mile south of Ceresco on Highway 77. Responding agencies began arriving within four minutes and found bystanders assisting Officer Bartlett and the others involved in the crash.

Officer Bartlett, 54, was life-flighted to Bryan Health West Campus by Star Care. Despite the efforts of many bystanders, first responders, and medical personnel, Officer Bartlett succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased Friday evening at the hospital.

Preliminary investigation shows that the crash occurred when Officer Bartlett was conducting a traffic stop on southbound Highway 77. Officer Bartlett’s patrol vehicle and a Nissan Altima were parked on the shoulder of Highway 77. While both Officer Bartlett and the driver of the Nissan were seated in their own vehicles, a southbound Ford F-150 struck the Ceresco PD cruiser from the rear, causing it to hit the Nissan.

The driver of the Nissan, Ke’vion Hill, 27, of Lincoln, suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Bryan Health West Campus. The driver of the Ford, Tony Pierce, 49, of Crete, was not seriously injured.

The Nebraska State Patrol is conducting a full crash reconstruction investigation. Once complete, the findings will be presented to the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office.

Officer Bartlett has served with NDCS and Ceresco PD since 2017. He also 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. Funeral services are pending.