Man who hit deputy with car appears in court

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) -On March 8, a 33-year-old North Platte man appeared in Lincoln County district court before Judge Birch for a status update on his charges following his arrest last year.

During the status hearing, Mitchell’s attorney made a motion to release Mitchell’s car from evidence. The state denied the motion due to the use of the vehicle in the charges brought against Mitchell.

Mitchell faces four felonies including operating a motor vehicle to avoid felony arrest, assaulting an officer using a motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.

Last year on Feb. 25, North Platte police say officers responded to the Kansas Point campground at Lake Maloney to arrest 37-year old Aaron Kirts, who was wanted for robbery, felony assault, and failing to appear on a second-degree trespassing charge.

While they were on the scene, police spotted another wanted man entering the campgrounds in his vehicle. The driver, 33-year old, James T. Mitchell, refused to get out of the car after officers spotted marijuana and what appeared to be methamphetamine in his vehicle.

Deputies were aware that Mitchell had a warrant for possession of marijuana, over an ounce.

Mitchell struck a deputy and sheriff’s patrol vehicle trying to flee from authorities. The deputy suffered minor injuries.

Fearing for their well-being, deputies shot at Mitchell after he struck the deputy and he was disabled by the gunshots. Deputies tended to Mitchell until ambulances appeared at the scene. Mitchell was transported to Great Plains Health and then to a hospital in Omaha for his injuries.

Mitchell’s next court date is scheduled for May 17th at 10 am in Lincoln County District Court.