Cass County Sheriff Robert Sorenson advised that on Sunday, October 08, 2023 at 5:22 p.m. Cass County Deputies, along with Plattsmouth Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, LifeNet, Plattsmouth Fire & EMS, and Murray Fire & Rescue responded to a three-vehicle injury accident just north of Osage Ranch Rd. on Highway 75, Plattsmouth, NE.  

Stephen M. Lako (24, of Omaha) was northbound on Highway 75 in a Blue 2007 Toyota Yaris when he crossed over the center line of Highway 75. This caused a White 2011 Ford F350 driven by Harley H. Jacobsen (74, of Nora Springs, IA) to swerve to avoid the collision, coming to rest on the new portion of Highway 75. The third vehicle, a silver 2007 Toyota Corolla was traveling southbound on Highway 75 behind Harley's vehicle driven by Bryan D. Dewilde (19, of Omaha). Dewilde applied his brakes to attempt to avoid the collision with the Lako vehicle. The Lako and Dewilde vehicles collided head-on. This caused the Lako vehicle to come to rest on the northbound shoulder of Highway 75 and the Dewilde vehicle to come to rest, straddling the gap between the southbound shoulder and the new section of Highway 75.  

 The occupants of both vehicles had to be extricated with serious injuries. Lako was flown by LifeNet Helicopter, and Dewilde was transported by ambulance. Alcohol is suspected as being a factor in this collision. Highway 75 was closed from Highway 66 to Osage Rand Rd for approximately 2 hours during the investigation. The Nebraska State Patrol assisted with the investigation, and the investigation is complete. Charges are pending.