Welcome to the Scottsbluff Police Department 
2525 Circle Drive Scottsbluff, NE  


 
                          

Press Release

                        

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NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     Contact:  Capt. Brain Wasson

DATE:  August 19, 2008                                                                                                                    Telephone:  (308) 630-6262

 

Subject:  Back to School Safety in Scottsbluff

 

Motorists are cautioned to be aware of the increased number of children traveling to and from the schools.  Motorists must remain vigilant when approaching intersections controlled by crossing guards and stop when signaled.  Very important - If a guard is present in the intersection all traffic must halt until the guard and children have cleared the roadway.

 Parents in the community are reminded that school is in session and it is important for both parents and students to know the following recommendations for school safety:

 ·         Know the routes your children take to school and how long it takes them to get to and from school.  Do not allow them to take shortcuts that could be dangerous.

 ·         Have your children walk on sidewalks.  If there are no sidewalks, walk single file on busy roads and cross the street at intersections only.

 ·         Instruct your children to stay away from strangers and strange vehicles.  If someone who is a stranger should approach your child, have him or her report it immediately.

 ·         Direct your children to never accept rides from anyone other than persons you have designated beforehand.

 ·         Notify school officials and daycare providers who are authorized to pick up your children.

 ·         Have your school’s principal notify you immediately if one of your children is absent.

 ·         Teach your children how to use the phone to dial 9-1-1 and how to call home collect.  At the earliest age possible, have your children memorize their full name, phone number and address.

 ·         Take note of the clothes your children wear to school each day, so if necessary, you can describe what your child was wearing.

 ·         Know your children’s friends, their addresses, and how to reach them in the event your child fails to return home on time after school.

·         Have a plan in place for your children to follow if they get home and no adult is present. 

·         Have a list of people your child can call for advice, or if there is an emergency. 

·         Have a well-defined list of what your children can and cannot do when they are home alone.

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                      Contact:  Sgt. McFarland

                                                                                                                               

 

DATE:                   08/19/08                                                                                                                                                      Telephone:    (308) 630-6280

 

                On 08/19/08 at 0310 hours Officers responded to Smoker Friendly on S. Beltline East in reference to an alarm call. Upon arrival it was discovered the business had been burglarized. A search of the area was immediately conducted for suspects. Three suspects were located fleeing the crime scene on the Path Way located south of the YMCA. Officers took the three males into custody following a foot pursuit, which ended near the Silver Saddle Lounge. The males were identified as Michael Johnson 23 of Scottsbluff, Kacey Fox 18 of Scottsbluff, and Zachary Gessner 18 of Scottsbluff. The total damages and property loss is initially estimated at $1000.00.

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         Contact:  Sgt. PHIL MARTINDALE

 

DATE:  AUGUST 16, 2008                                                         Telephone  (308) 630-6261

 

On August 16, at 12:09 AM officer SHAWN WEST made a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven on W. 27th St. with no headlights.  During the course of the stop, CHELSEA COLLIER, age 15 was located in the vehicle. 

COLLIER had been reported as a runaway, having left from her home on 7-26-08.  She has been the subject of recent news articles.  It had been reported she may have gone to Iowa, with other sightings in the Scottsbluff area. 

As a result of the contact, COLLIER was charged with a curfew violation and providing false information.  She was placed under arrest and is currently being housed in the Scotts Bluff County Juvenile Detention Center. 

Also in the vehicle was 15 year old ELI MUMMERT.  He was likewise charged with a curfew violation and providing false information.  MUMMERT was released to a parent.

In addition, a 17 year old male purported to be COLLIER’S boyfriend was contacted.   A report will be forwarded to the Scotts Bluff County Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution for harboring a runaway. 




NEWS RELEASE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                          Contact: Sgt Philip H. Eckerberg

                                                                                                                               

 

DATE:                   08/12/2008                                                                                                                                                                                                           Telephone:    (308) 630-6280

 

                The Scottsbluff Police Department will participate in the statewide “You Drink & Drive. You Lose” enforcement campaign. This campaign will begin on Friday August 15TH, 2008 and end Monday September 1ST, 2008. The Scottsbluff Police Department will conduct saturation patrols on overtime for DUI and other alcohol related violations. We will also enforce other traffic and criminal law violations seen including Seat Belts and Child Safety Seat Laws. The overtime is being funded by a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety.

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         Contact:  Sgt. PHIL MARTINDALE

 

DATE:  August 3, 2008                                                 Telephone  (308) 630-6261

 

Officer Justin Hehnke responded to a bicycle/vehicle accident at W. 17th St. and Ave. F at 8:32 PM. 


It was learned that 7 year old Edward Gonzales, of Scottsbluff, was attempting to cross W. 17th St. on his bike and rode into the path of an eastbound 1998 Ford Mustang, driven by Ryan Rohnke, age 22, of Scottsbluff,.

Valley Ambulance was called, but Gonzales was not transported.  He received minor scratches to his arm and his bike had no damage to it. 

No citations were issued.