Omaha highway shooter found insane due to insanity

OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – The driver arrested last summer after police say he shot at another vehicle and then fled the scene near the Interstate 680/Interstate 80 intersection has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Charles Stuart was acquitted on May 15 of charges of second-degree assault, use of a firearm to commit a felony and illegal discharge of a firearm.

During his trial in Douglas County District Court, two doctors concluded that Stuart met the criteria for insanity. The doctors said Stuart was so mentally impaired that he did not understand the consequences of his actions and did not know that what he was doing was wrong.

Stuart’s mother reportedly told police after the incident that he refused to take his medication for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

According to court documents, on the morning of August 7, 2023, a tire on Stuart’s pickup truck blew out, causing him to crash into a concrete barrier near the intersection. He then exited his vehicle with a handgun, ran toward traffic and fired at another motorist. The bullet grazed his cheek.

Stuart then stripped off his clothes and ran into a nearby wooded area before Omaha police could arrest him. The area was cordoned off for hours while police investigated.

Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that Stuart poses a danger to himself and others – and will continue to do so in the near future. The Lincoln Regional Center will evaluate him and present the court with a detailed treatment plan.

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