BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 December 20, Friday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
Monday, December 16, 2024 A series of escalating incidents marked the week in Washington County, beginning Monday with a midnight traffic stop on Highway 133 that led to the discovery of a concealed handgun after deputies detected marijuana odor. That same morning at 7:51 AM, deputies assisted a U.S. Marshal task force with warrant service in Herman.
Monday’s most dramatic incident occurred at 10:19 PM in Fort Calhoun, where Barry Fries (DOB 1/21/61) was arrested after deputies witnessed him attempting to open an unoccupied vehicle’s door. When stopped, Fries refused to identify himself or roll down his window, leading to a vehicle breach and his extraction. He faces multiple charges including failure to identify, obstruction, resisting arrest, driving under suspension, and registration violations.
Two other Monday arrests included Carlos Gutierez-Pol (DOB 1/10/03), taken into custody at the sheriff’s office when he arrived to pay a traffic ticket but was found to have an active Washington County warrant, and Wyatt Sumey (DOB 4/9/88), arrested for DUI following a traffic stop at Highway 133 and County Road 35.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Tuesday brought an unusual report when a resident observed 4-5 drones near Highway 133 and County Road 32 the previous night, noting similarities to recent New Jersey incidents. Arlington Valley Fire Department responded to a field fire caused by downed power lines at County Road 9 and Highway 30.
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – No reports…
Thursday, December 19, 2024 Thursday saw multiple weather-related calls, including a driving complaint on Highway 30 where high winds affected a Jeep pulling a trailer. Deputies also investigated what was initially reported as vandalism to a flag pole at 5800 High Pasture Drive, determining it had been broken by wind. The day concluded with a car-coyote collision near Highway 133.
Throughout the week, deputies maintained regular business checks in Arlington and Fort Calhoun, with 14-16 properties checked nightly in Arlington and 15-18 in Fort Calhoun. School patrols continued at both locations, and officers responded to various calls including two rescue incidents requiring transport, multiple fraud attempts, and several traffic hazards including a large filing cabinet on Highway 75’s shoulder and grain spillage on County Road 15.
Thursday, December 20, 2024 Early Friday operations in Washington County centered on routine overnight patrols and a sensitive call regarding stalking charges. Deputies conducted building security checks in Fort Calhoun just after midnight, finding no issues. At 12:22 AM, officers fielded questions from an intoxicated subject regarding prior stalking charges, providing guidance and options. The early morning concluded with routine business checks in Arlington at 2:50 AM, all secure.
NOTABLE ARRESTS:
- Fries, Barry (DOB 1/21/61) | Multiple charges including failure to identify, obstruction, resisting arrest, DUS | Fort Calhoun | 10:19 PM 12/16
- Gutierez-Pol, Carlos (DOB 1/10/03) | Active Washington County warrant | Blair | 2:11 PM 12/16
- Sumey, Wyatt (DOB 4/9/88) | DUI | Hwy 133 & CR 35 | 4:31 PM 12/16
SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS:
- Concealed weapon discovery during traffic stop | Hwy 133/CR P26 | 12:11 AM 12/16
- U.S. Marshal warrant service assist | Herman | 7:51 AM 12/16
- Drone activity report | Hwy 133 & CR 32 | 11:27 AM 12/17
- Field fire from downed power lines | CR 9/Hwy 30 | 1:55 PM 12/17
- DoorDash account fraud | WCSO | 8:09 AM 12/19
- Car/Coyote accident | Hwy 133 & MM 10 | 8:34 PM 12/19
