Local news- Press Release
City of Kearney Nebraska - Stolen Vehicle Recovered Following Crash 03 January 2024 ( news )
City of Kearney , state Nebraska ( By Press Release office)
Jan 03,2024
| 6| 1
On Wednesday , January 3 , 2024 at 10:30 a . m . , Kearney Police received a report of a vehicle theft in progress from the East Lawn Mobile Home community in east Kearney . The stolen vehicles owner called reporting they were following the vehicle . KPD Officers responded to the area and location of the vehicle provided by the owner and witnesses . An Officer observed the stolen vehicle at 34
thStreet and I Avenue traveling at a high rate of speed . Before Officers could attempt to stop the vehicle , the driver of the stolen vehicle lost control and struck a parked GMC pickup on the west side of Avenue I . The stolen vehicle continued south hitting a power pole and driving into yards in the 3300 block of Avenue I . After striking the front porch of a home and another power pole , the vehicle came to rest in a yard . At no time did the Kearney Police initiate a vehicle pursuit of the stolen vehicle .
The driver of the stolen vehicle climbed out of the wrecked vehicle and ran from the scene . KPD officers immediately observed the suspect on foot and were able to apprehend him quickly . The driver and only occupant of the stolen vehicle was transported to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital where he was treated and released for non - life - threatening injuries . Witnesses reported this same stolen vehicle struck a parked 2017 Jeep Wrangler and collided with a residence in East Lawn before officers located it on Avenue I .
The driver of the vehicle is a 14 - year - old male from Kearney . Officers are working with Juvenile Probation and the County Attorney’s Office on pending criminal charges to include Felony Theft , Felony Criminal Mischief , Felony Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident , Obstructing a Peace Officer , Resisting Arrest , Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol , Willful Reckless Driving , Leaving the Scene of an Accident , and Unauthorized use of a vehicle .
Members of KPD believe this stolen vehicle as well as another stolen vehicle recovered this morning are related to a recent spike in vehicle thefts in Kearney . Over the past four weeks , KPD has taken 17 reports of stolen vehicles . The keys were in at least 15 of the 17 stolen vehicles and the vehicles were unlocked . Most of these vehicles were recovered in Kearney within 24 hours . In nearly every case , personal property was also stolen from inside the vehicle . Often these stolen vehicles were involved in other crimes such as vandalism , property thefts and other vehicle thefts .
“We have seen an alarming rise in vehicle theft over the past several weeks and have taken proactive measures to prevent theft through public outreach , selective deployment of patrol resources , use of technology , and follow - up investigation . As with any crime , our goal remains to partner with our community toward prevention and solving these crimes . We are certain other individuals are involved and someone has information which may lead to arrests in each of these cases . I appreciate the hard work from our Uniform Patrol Officers and Investigators and remain thankful there were no injuries in the incident this morning . If you have information , please contact the resources listed . ” – Chief Bryan Waugh
While the Kearney Police Department is working to prevent and solve vehicle theft , we need the help of our community . You are encouraged to take simple proactive measures to protect your vehicle from being stolen . Vehicle thefts are not only a financial loss to the owner , but also a serious safety concern to the rest of the community . By following some simple precautions , you can significantly reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen . KPD remains committed to partnering with our citizens to provide a safe and secure community .
Tips to Prevent Vehicle Theft:
Turn it off: Never leave your car running unattended .
Take your keys: Never leave your keys or remote key fob in your vehicle . This is the easiest way to prevent your car from being stolen .
Lock it up: Always lock your vehicle , even if you are just running a quick errand . Unlocked vehicles are an easy target for thieves .
Be Vigilant: Report all suspicious activity you see by contacting Kearney Police Department at ( 308 ) 237 - 2104 , Buffalo County Crimestoppers ( 308 ) 237 - 3424 , or through the See It Say It Send It App .
This remains an on - going investigation . Witnesses or anyone with information on this investigation or video in these areas are asked to contact the Kearney Police Department ( 308 ) 237 - 2104 , Buffalo County Crime Stoppers ( 308 ) 237 - 3424 , or through the See It Say It Send It App .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information :
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
