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A 46-year-old Omaha man will spend the next eight to 12 years in prison for a theft that led to an assault on a Lincoln police officer in February.

Robert Mello was trying to steal a drill and return it for money from the Menards in south Lincoln on Feb. 4.

He was walking to his car when he saw an officer arrive, and he took off running, then struggled with the officer and managed to get into his car, police said. Mello pulled a fixed-blade knife from a sheath on his right hip and then drove his car forward and backward 10 to 15 feet in both directions, dragging the officer with him. The officer was left with minor injuries including abrasions on the knees.

A passerby tried to block Mello's vehicle, but just hit the side of it with his truck.

Mello drove off and was stopped later by the Nebraska State Patrol in Nebraska City. He pleaded guilty on June 28 to second-degree assault on an officer.

Wednesday, he told Lancaster County District Judge Lori Maret he feels nothing but shame and guilt.

"I am terribly sorry that I hurt a police officer," Mello said. "I grieve. I have no excuses. There are no excuses for what I've done. I should be punished."