Law Enforcement Executes Search Warrants on Multiple Homes

MIKE MOTZ

Sidney Sun-Telegraph

SIDNEY-- On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, multiple law enforcement groups executed search warrants on two houses, outside structures, and mobile homes on Elm Street near the former North Side Elementary School location. 10 individuals were taken into custody and detained at the Cheyenne County jail.

Interim Sidney Police Chief Sam Lovato spoke with the Sun-Telegraph. Although he was unable to give full details of the operation due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, he was able to add a few details to the original statement given by the Sidney Police Department on the day of the arrests.

Lovato said that the search warrants were obtained after tips from the community over the past few weeks led law enforcement to believe some type of drug operation was operating on Elm Street, near the former North Side Elementary School location. Due to the nature of the operation, Lovato said it was necessary to bring in a large force from multiple law enforcement agencies. Sidney Police, Cheyenne County Sheriffs, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Kimball Police Department participated in the action.

Lovato said that none of the individuals involved resisted arrest, and the operation went smoothly. He said the warrants involved two residences, outlying structures at the residences such as sheds, and more than one recreational vehicle that was searched. Lovato said the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department provided law enforcement with tools to open locked doors and panels, and that interagency cooperation was key to the successful operation. He said that the investigation was ongoing, so no other details could be shared with the public at this time, but he assured community members that there was no immediate threat in the area.

In other Law Enforcement news, on December 8, 2024, at about 8:40 pm, the Sidney Police Department responded to a report of an assault in progress at the Sioux Villa Apartments. The caller stated that an intoxicated male was involved in a physical altercation with another male and a female.

Upon arrival, the Sidney Police apprehended a male suspect who was intoxicated and transported to the Cheyenne County Jail. The suspect faces charges related to the assault. The victim was transported to Sidney Regional Medical Center by the Sidney Regional Ambulance Service due to the severity of his injuries. Interim Sidney Police Chief Sam Lovato said that the incident arose from one male having too much to drink and tempers flaring. The victim sustained facial injuries.

Lovato also noted that three new Sidney Police Department Officers had completed their academy training. Officers Stone, Meyer, and Parker have completed their academy training and now will partner with senior officers to complete the rest of their local training. Lovato also noted that Officer Stone was honored with the prestigious Academic Award for achieving the highest GPA in their class. Lovato said the localized training usually takes about 16 weeks, however, it will be shorter for Officers Stone and Meyer as they completed a substantial portion of their training before going to the academy. After completion, the Officers will be certified to patrol alone. Lovato said that Sidney had benefitted from an uptick in recruitment, and in addition to the Police Department's new headquarters, he believes that the Department mentality and changes with community focus and working with other departments have