NORTH PLATTE, NE – North Platte Police Department along with county and state law enforcement responded to the report of a person firing a rifle around Burlington and McCabe in North Platte Monday afternoon that prompted a RAVE Alert and safety protocols activated at nearby schools.
According to a NPPD news release, the suspect, a 52-year-old male, 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 quicky retreated into his residence after officers asked to talk with him. Officers were able to contact the suspect via telephone, but he was uncooperative and there was evidence 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.
The news release reports that the suspect exited the house around 4:10pm with the shotgun and retreated back into the house again. 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, forcing the suspect out the front door carrying the shotgun. He complied with orders to put the weapon down and was taken into custody. The suspect was transported to Great Plains Health for evaluation and remains hospitalized. There were no injuries to law enforcement nor the suspect.
A search of the home after the arrest revealed an additional loaded shotgun and two rifles. NPPD says criminal charges are likely after the case is submitted to the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office.
The North Platte Police Department received assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Game and Parks.
