OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – First Alert 6 has the headlines you need to know to get your Thursday started.
4 arrested, 4 wanted in connection to Omaha metro gravesite thefts
Four suspects have been arrested and four suspects are still at large in an investigation of recent thefts at cemeteries in the Omaha metro.
Shane Jackson, 52, Kenneth Meyerott, 66, Frankie Diaz-Lopez, 26, and Miranda Shamblin, 27, were all booked Wednesday on charges of first-degree theft and possession of stolen property, the Council Bluffs Police Department shared in a news release early Thursday.
Law enforcement officials are still looking to arrest Kristin Davenport, 44, Tracey Klahn, 50, Patty Vance, 59, and Larry Trusler, 58 — all from Council Bluffs.
If you have any information on any of the suspects still at large, contact 911 or 712-328-4728. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867 or leave an online tip.
The arrests come as part of an investigation into multiple reports of thefts happening at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery and at least one other metro-based cemetery. There will be a news conference held by Council Bluffs police at 1 p.m. Thursday for more.
Police make arrest after man shot in North Omaha apartment
One person has been arrested in connection to a shooting Wednesday night at an apartment in Omaha.
42-year-old Monrea Harrington was arrested on charges of first-degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony, police said in an update Thursday.
Police officers responded at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday to an apartment northeast of 30th and Fort streets, according to OPD.
Officers found that a 27-year-old man had been shot in one of the apartments. He was taken to the hospital with injuries that were serious, but not life-threatening.
Harrington was detained at the scene. He was taken to the hospital for treatment before he was booked into Douglas County Corrections.
The incident is still under investigation.
Nebraska State Patrol to play role in ICE detention facility
First Alert 6 has learned of a new partnership between ICE and the Nebraska State Patrol for a newly-announced detention center in McCook.
The Department of Homeland Security will work to turn the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) in McCook into a facility called “Cornhusker Clink.”
The facility will come with a new partnership with NSP through the 287(g) program. A representative of the patrol said six troopers will “collaborate with ICE as secondary duty.”
According to a news release from the governor’s office, the plan is part of a series of new state-federal partnerships to support President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson said Wednesday he supports increased immigration patrols and the new holding facility. He says, however, his office has no plans to join in with what the state patrol is doing.
The facility, which can house 200 inmates, will make room for 300 minimal to low risk detainees, officials say. The current inmates at the facility will be rehoused at different NDCS facilities in the state.
Watch Thursday’s 7 a.m. streaming newscast
Suspect in death of vulnerable adult at Omaha home appears in court
The suspect in the death of a vulnerable 67-year-old woman in an Omaha home appeared in court Wednesday.
Nicky Budlong, 53, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, abuse of a vulnerable adult, and three counts of theft by unlawful taking in excess of $5,000.
In court, Budlong’s bond was set at $300,000 and her preliminary hearing was set for Sept. 22. She was also appointed a public defender.
In court, prosecutors alleged that Budlong stole $51,000 from one victim, $21,000 from another victim, and $11,000 from a third victim in the home.
Prosecutors said Budlong is power of attorney of the victim, 67-year-old Kathy Snider. They also said Budlong saw Snider the night before she died on February 12.
Two taken to hospital after three-vehicle crash in southwest Omaha
Two people were taken to the hospital after a crash involving three vehicles in southwest Omaha.
Omaha police officers were called to the crash at 180th and Harrison streets, in the Millard area, shortly after noon Wednesday.
An initial investigation from police found that a 2014 Ram pickup ran a red light and crashed into a 2018 Subaru Outback and a 2012 Ford Escape.
The driver of the Subaru, a 33-year-old woman, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Ram, a 69-year-old man, was also taken to be evaluated, according to police.
The Ram was involved in another crash shortly before the crash at 180th Street. OPD says the investigation is ongoing.
Events for Greek Festival in Omaha to start Thursday evening
The Omaha Greek Festival will begin Thursday evening and will be celebrating its 47th year.
The festival will feature historical exhibits, Greek food, live entertainment, and activities for kids, according to the event website.
Admission is $6 for adults and free for students and kids under 12 years old. Head to the event on the corner of St. Marys and Park avenues near Midtown.
Here is the schedule
- Thursday: 5:00 – 10:45 p.m.
- Friday: 5:00 – 10:45 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.
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