Asshat: Joseph K. Black & One of His Psychotic Episode

Joseph K. Black

October 31, 2011

On October 31, 2011, Joseph K. Black was arrested by Nebraska police officers after a 35 minute car chase spanning four counties. When the chase ended, "troopers said Black got out of the car holding a small dog and pointed his finger at officers making shooting noises." This ended with Black getting tased by police for being uncooperative. We don't want to say "told you so", but...

KETV: Chase Takes Police From Omaha To Lincoln
KMTV: Police Chase Man In 4-County High-Speed Pursuit
WOWT: Police Apprehend Suspect in Four County Chase
Omaha man caught after early morning pursuit

Several police reports related to Black's incident are available:

• Incident Report - Victim: City of Omaha
• Incident Report - Victim: Joseph Black
• Incident Report - Victim: Lisa Downing
• Incident Report - Victim: Society
• Motor Vehicle Accident Report
• Stolen Vehicle Report

The police officer's descriptions of the event are entertaining. Each description offers more and more information, as well as laughs. The highlights, and then the reports:

• [Black] told [the responding officers] that it was "World War III and he had to get out of there to save his family."
• Black also told R/Os that when he was fleeing police, he gave the controls of the car to his dog so he could close his eyes.
• Black had [uncharacteristic] response to R/Os, such as laughing when he was being issued a citation.
• Downing told R/Os that Black is schizophrenic and has been having increasingly delusional psychotic episodes. Black was having delusions and was [placed into Emergency Protective Custody] for his safety.
• Black also would only respond to the name of "Neo", which is how Black signed his citation.
• Upon arrival, Elliott observed the suspect Black assaulting his mother with the driver's door of a 2009 Nissan Cube.
• Elliott and Wells transported Black to UNMC where Black was [placed into Emergency Protective Custody].

Stolen Vehicle Report

On Mon 31 Oct 11 at 0301 hours, R/O's Elliott #2131, Nells #2119, and Melton #2136 were dispatched to 4403 Douglas St While enroute, R/O's received an update that the suspect Black, Joseph (3-17-79) was having a psychotic episode. Upon arrival, Black was assaulting his mother. Black put the vehicle in reverse, rammed a police cruiser and sped off from the scene. The owner of the vehicle Dirgantara, Laura (7-13-81) stated she gave Black the keys out of fear. Black was apprehended and taken into custody a short time later. Sgt Ott #1479 and Lt. Sedlacek #1191 were on scene.

Omaha Police Department Incident Report - Victim: Black, Joseph K

On Mon 31 Oct 11 at 0301 hrs, Reporting Officers (R/O) Elliott #2131 and Wells #2119 were dispatched to 4403 Douglas for a disturbance and an out of control party. R/O Elliott arrived on scene and witnessed Black, Joseph (03/17/79) arguing with Downing, Lisa and slamming a car door against her. Black then backed into the police cruiser and fled the scene, engaging officers into a pursuit. Once Black was contacted by R/Os, he told them that it was "World War III and he had to get out of there to save his family." Black also told R/Os that when he was fleeing police, he gave the controls of the car to his dog so he could close his eyes. Black had [uncharacteristic] response to R/Os, such as laughing when he was being issued a citation. Downing told R/Os that Black is schizophrenic and has been having increasingly delusional psychotic episodes. Black was having delusions and was [placed into Emergency Protective Custody] for his safety.

Omaha Police Department Incident Report - Victim: Society

On Mon 31 Oct 11 at 0301 hours, R/O's Elliott #2131, Wells #2119, and Melton #2126 were dispatched to 4403 Douglas St for a disturbance. Upon arrival, R/O's observed the suspect Black, Joseph (3-17-79, W/M, 6-02/205, Bro/Bro) assaulting his mother Downing, Lisa (10-07-59). While making contact, Black started the above vehicle, put it in reverse, rammed Elliott cruiser, and then drove through Downing yard. A vehicle pursuit occurred in which Black was taken into custody a short time later by Nebraska State Patrol. Black was released back to the custody of Omaha Police. Black was transported and [placed into Emergency Protective Custody] at UNMC. Black was cited for flight to avoid arrest, driving under suspension, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Sgt Ott #1479 and Lt. Sedlacek #1191 were on scene. While enroute to 4403 Douglas St, R/O's were advised that the suspect was having a psychotic episode. Black also would only respond to the name of "Neo", which is how Black signed his citation.

On Mon 31 Oct 11 at 0301 hours, Reporting Officers Elliott #2131, Wells #2119, and Melton #2126 were dispatched to 4403 Douglas St. While enroute, Reporting Officers received information that the suspect may be having a psychotic episode. Upon arrival, Elliott observed the suspect Black, Joseph (3-17-79, W/M, 6-02/205, Bro/Bro) assaulting his mother with the driver's door of a 2009 Nissan Cube (RTP124/NE/2012). While attempting to intervene, Elliott pulled the victim out of the way of the door. Once out of the way, Black closed the door, started the vehicle, put the vehicle in reverse, and rammed Elliott's cruiser on the passenger side. Black then put the vehicle in drive and drove through the front lawn. A pursuit ensued. Black was apprehended by Nebraska State Patrol just outside of Lincoln. Black was transported back to Omaha by Nebraska State Patrol and turned over to the custody of Omaha Police. Elliott and Wells transported Black to UNMC where Black was [placed into Emergency Protective Custody]. Black was cited for flight to avoid arrest, driving under suspension (1-20-2011, violation of support order), and leaving the scene of property damage accident.

via attrition.org