Rickman Sentenced For Suicide By Cop Attempt

NEBRASKA CITY – Jay Rickman, 39, of Eagle was sentenced to six years in prison Wednesday for what he described as a “suicide by cop” attempt in April. Rickman told District Judge Julie Smith that he was suicidal when a police pursuit began in Iowa. Rickman drove into Otoe County at speeds up to 112 mph. The pursuit ended when he  rammed a sheriff’s deputy vehicle near Palmyra. Rickman reportedly yelled, “shoot me, shoot me” before he was taken into custody. At sentencing, Rickman apologized for putting motorist and law enforcement at risk. “I was suicidal and I tried to make them take my life,” he said. He said he is sorry for how his actions might affect the thinking of sheriff’s deputies and asked the judge to hold him accountable. Rickman was also sentenced to 18 months post release supervision. He told the judge he does not expect to be able to comply with post release supervision. “It is a set up for me,” he said. He also said he probably will not pay the court costs. Judge Smith put an Otoe County hold on Rickman, so, upon his release from corrections, he can sit out the court costs in jail. She said he will serve another 18 months in prison, if he does not comply with post release supervision. Deputy Otoe County Attorney John Palmtag did not prosecute for  restitution for damage to patrol cars.  
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