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...

The Nebraska State Patrol is raising awareness about multiple overdose cases in southwest Nebraska. In the last three days, there have been two overdose cases in the area. NSP has been in contact with several local agencies regarding the potential of a connection between these cases. Both cases are believed to involve similar counterfeit pills, made to look like legitimate prescription pills. Investigators believe the pills contain synthetic opioids which can be lethal with a very small dose...

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...

Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have conducted alcohol compliance checks in Hall and Red Willow Counties in recent weeks. During the afternoon and evening hours of Thursday, February 29, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Hall County. This project was supported by grant #2447 from Tobacco Free Hall County. In total, 10 businesses were checked. Two of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor for a compliance rate of 80%. One business failed to check the minor’s ID...

Troopers have arrested a Hastings man after he fled a traffic stop Wednesday evening near Grand Island. At approximately 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Chevrolet Silverado speeding on Highway 34, just north of the I-80 Interchange in Grand Island. During the traffic stop, a passenger of the vehicle fled on foot, jumping over a fence and running toward the Platte River. Additional troopers traveled to the scene. After approximately 90 minutes, a trooper saw the subject crawling across...