The Nebraska State Patrol is proud to welcome a new four-legged member to the team. NSP’s newest K9, Scooter, is now on the job with a unique skillset. Scooter is the only active police service dog in Nebraska trained in electronics storage detection (ESD). ESD K9s are trained to detect a common chemical found in electronics such as computers, hard drives, flash drives, SD cards, cell phones, and other devices capable of storing or transmitting electronic data. “Scooter will be an incredible...

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Illinois man wanted in connection with a Chicago homicide investigation. Wednesday afternoon, NSP was alerted that a homicide suspect was believed to be traveling through Nebraska, driving a semi. Troopers were able to find the specific semi just after it had exited I-80 and parked at a business south of the interstate. Troopers located the driver, Essian McGinnis, 34, of Tinley Park, Illinois, and took him into custody without incident...

Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Carrier Enforcement Sergeant Matt Ramsey has claimed first place honors for the second year in a row at the Nebraska Inspector Championships. NSP Investigator Kris Hunzeker took second place in the competition that was held in conjunction with the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships in Grand Island this weekend. Sgt. Ramsey is a 24-year veteran of NSP, stationed in the Omaha Metro. Investigator Hunzeker is a 22-year NSP veteran, stationed in Lincoln. Both serve in...

The Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles are warning about a scam that has targeted numerous Nebraskans today. The scam involves a text message purportedly from the Nebraska DMV claiming that the recipient has unpaid traffic fines and that several penalties are possible unless the recipient clicks a link to pay the supposed fines. “None of these text messages are legitimate,” said DMV Director Rhonda Lamm. “The Nebraska DMV does not send any such official notice via...

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Arizona man after locating over 20 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills and methamphetamine during a traffic stop on I-80. Friday, at approximately 3:10 p.m., a trooper saw a Nissan Altima speeding while traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 near York. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance in the vehicle. Troopers searched the vehicle and found numerous packages of suspected fentanyl pills and...

Colonel Bryan Waugh took the oath of office today as the 19th Superintendent in the history of the Nebraska State Patrol. “I am honored, committed and prepared for this opportunity,” said Colonel Waugh. “The Nebraska State Patrol is a storied organization with professional men and women who are first class, dedicated, committed, and driven to provide the highest level of public safety and professional services for the entire state of Nebraska.” Waugh comes to NSP from the Kearney Police...

Today, members of the Nebraska Legislature voted 43-0 to confirm the appointment of Colonel Bryan D. Waugh as Superintendent of Law Enforcement and Public Safety for the state of Nebraska. Colonel Waugh was appointed by Governor Jim Pillen to serve as the 19th Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. He will begin his service with NSP on June 2, 2025. “I’d like thank the members of the Nebraska legislature for their confirmation vote today,” said Colonel Waugh. “I believe that the future is...

Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested three inmates for their roles in an assault on several Nebraska Department of Correctional Services personnel in 2023. Tuesday, investigators arrested Eric Ramirez, 33, John Meyers, 39, and Jonathan Gonzalez Salas, 23. All three are currently inmates at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, when the inmates attacked staff members at the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln...

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle overnight in Cheyenne County. At approximately 12:45 a.m. MT Tuesday, a trooper observed a Chevrolet Silverado speeding on Interstate 80 eastbound near mile marker 64. The trooper attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the pickup initially slowed down but then accelerated to approximately 100 miles per hour. The trooper initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, NSP dispatchers were...