Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh is responding to a video clip circulating online showing an individual being taken into custody by Kearney Police Officers at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds during the Buffalo County Fair. Chief Waugh says the arrest on Thursday July 25, 2024 related to an adult male involved in physical disturbance and assault reported at the Fairgrounds.
The circulated video clip depicts a handcuffed male subject with his back on the ground and being struck by an officer. The video clip is 5 seconds long and does not indicate any previous activity leading up to it. Chief Waugh says the incident was captured by multiple Kearney Police Officer’s body-worn cameras. He says their officers are trained to use the least amount of force necessary to affect a lawful arrests, while also defending themselves and others from harm.
-O-
A Kearney Police Department report indicates that officers were summoned to the Fairgrounds in reference to an assault. An officer reported that the suspect had spit in his face. Another officer observed the alleged victim as having lacerations to his eye, which was covered in blood. The victim stated he tried stopping the subject, identified as Issac Whiteface, from taking his pitbull dog. Whiteface them punched the victim three times in the face. A female subject at the scene, who had possession of the dog, stated Whiteface approached her and the victim in a confrontational manner demanding they hand over the dog.
Whiteface, age 19 of Kearney, was arraigned in Buffalo County Court on Friday July 26, 2024. He pled “not guilty” to charges of Assault-causing bodily injury, Assault on a Public Safety Officer with bodily fluid and Resisting Arrest. All are misdemeanor offenses. Bond was set at 10% of $5,000. His next court hearing is scheduled for August 22, 2024 at 1:30pm in Buffalo County Court.
