Man arrested in case involving stolen car, police chase, restaurant assault

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — A Nebraska man is behind bars after police say he drove a stolen car, ran away from police and hit a restaurant employee.

Grand Island Police say officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle around 5:45 Saturday evening. Officers say Erik Loya ran away from the car and into La Flor, a restaurant and grocery store on 4th St. In the restaurant, Loya hit an employee with his body and ran into the bathroom. According to a news release, officers forced the door open and arrested Loya. Officers say he resisted arrest in the bathroom and continued to resist by refusing to walk to the police cruiser using his feet to stop officers from closing the cruiser doors.

Police say the vehicle was confirmed to be stolen from Hastings. There were several open alcohol containers in the car.

Loya is lodged in the Hall County Detention Center for theft by receiving stolen property, two counts of resisting arrest, obstruction, third-degree assault and open alcohol container.