North Platte Police Department
North Platte, Neb. - After a nearly six-hour standoff in North Platte on Monday ended with the suspect in police custody according to officials.
At approximately 1:40 PM on April 29, 2024, police officers responded to a report of a person firing a rifle around Burlington and McCabe. The suspect was a resident of the 1500 block of Burlington Blvd. A safe perimeter was established and shortly after police arrival, the man came outside but quickly retreated into his residence after officers asked to talk with him. Telephone contact was established with the suspect. He was uncooperative and there was evidence that he was under the influence.
The suspect made it clear that he would not voluntarily exit the house and hours of negotiations did not produce positive results. At 4:10 PM, the suspect exited the house with a shotgun and then retreated into the house. The suspect told the police negotiator of his intent to have the police shoot him.
At approximately 7:45 PM, a contact team of officers introduced a chemical agent into the suspect’s home. Shortly thereafter, the suspect came out the front door of his home carrying a shotgun. He complied with orders to put the weapon down and was taken into custody. The 52-year-old suspect was taken to GPH for evaluation, and he remains hospitalized at this time.
During a search of the home, officers located an additional loaded shotgun as well as two rifles. Criminal charges are likely after the case is submitted to the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office.
There were no injuries to law enforcement nor the suspect. The North Platte Police Department received assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Game and Parks.
A RAVE Alert was issued shortly after the incident was reported and the appropriate safety protocols were activated by staff in the nearby schools.
These situations are dangerous for curious people coming to the area. They place themselves in danger and cause a distraction for law enforcement. Please remain out of the area when asked to do so.