A Ceresco, Nebraska, Police officer was killed Friday night when his patrol vehicle was struck by another vehicle during a traffic stop.
Nebraska Officer Killed During Traffic Stop Crash
Officer Ross Bartlett’s vehicle was stopped and performing a traffic stop involving a Nissan sedan around 7:37 p.m. when a Ford pickup truck hit the rear of his patrol unit pushing it into the sedan.

Ceresco, Nebraska, Police Officer Ross Bartlett was killed Friday night when his vehicle was hit during a traffic stop.
Nebraska State Patrol
Officer Ross Bartlett’s vehicle was stopped and performing a traffic stop involving a Nissan sedan around 7:37 p.m. when a Ford pickup truck hit the rear of his patrol unit pushing it into the sedan.
Responding agencies began arriving within four minutes and found bystanders assisting Officer Bartlett and the others involved in the crash, the Nebraska State Patrol reported in a press release.
Officer Bartlett, 54, was life-flighted to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the sedan, Ke’vion Hill, 27, of Lincoln, suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the hospital. The driver of the Ford, Tony Pierce, 49, of Crete, was not seriously injured.
The Nebraska State Patrol in conducting a full crash reconstruction investigation. Once complete, the findings will be presented to the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office.
Officer Bartlett served with Nebraska Department of Correctional Services 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.
More Patrol

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III
Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.
Read More →