A Council Bluffs Police Officer on patrol a little after 3-a.m. today (Wednesday) in the area of 35th and Avenue G, saw a silver 2001 Chrysler minivan that had been reported stolen on Jan. 15th. The officer kept the vehicle in sight, and forwarded information to Nebraska Authorities, as the van got onto I-480 West. While the vehicle was westbound across the I-480 Bridge, it stalled just before it reached the IA / NE state line. The Council Bluffs officer pulled in behind the stalled vehicle and activated his emergency lights. The driver – later identified as 51-year old Brian J. Hanson, of Omaha -abandoned the vehicle. He fled on foot into the east bound lanes of I-480.
The officer gave chase and caught Hanson. While officers were in foot pursuit of Hanson, the abandoned stolen van rolled backwards striking the push bumpers on the stopped / parked police cruiser. The cruiser sustained minor damage. Brian J. Hanson was arrested on a Felony warrant for being a Fugitive from Justice, and new charges that include Theft in the 2nd degree, Eluding, and Interference with Official Acts.