At 1:05 PM today, the Kearney Police Department responded to a series of events leading to the apprehension of a burglary suspect east of Walmart.
Around noon, the 911 Communications Center received a report of a suspicious male hiding under vehicles in the Walmart parking lot. KPD Officers were dispatched to the scene and conducted a thorough search but were unable to locate the individual.
Less than an hour later, KPD received a call from a residence near Parklane Drive and East 54th Street. The homeowner reported an unknown male had entered their residence and was attempting to steal their vehicle. The suspect was chased out of the house by the homeowner. In an effort to escape, the suspect attempted to steal a car from a nearby home, however, the homeowner intervened and managed to pull the suspect out of the vehicle.
As KPD Officers arrived on the scene, the suspect fled on foot. A Police K9 unit was immediately deployed, which successfully tracked and located the suspect hiding under an evergreen tree a few houses away. The suspect was promptly taken into custody and transported to the Buffalo County Jail.
The suspect has been identified as Justin Coccorese, a 36-year-old transient from the Gibbon area. He is facing multiple charges, including Robbery, Burglary, Attempted Theft, and 1st Degree Trespassing.
The Kearney Police Department would like to commend the quick thinking and decisive actions of the residents involved, as well as the swift response of the officers and K9 unit. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods.
Kearney Police Department continues to investigate this incident. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Investigator Taillon at the Kearney Police Department at (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers at (308) 237-3424, or by using the See Something Send Something App.
