In a dramatic week that saw bullets flying in Arlington and multiple fugitives taken into custody, Washington County deputies demonstrated their commitment to public safety under fire. The week’s events included an officer-involved shooting where three patrol cars were damaged but an infant escaped unharmed, five arrests on various warrants, and a series of vehicle incidents that kept deputies busy across the county. Despite the high-stakes situations, no deputies were injured, and all suspects were successfully apprehended.
Monday, January 6 – Monday’s relative calm was shattered when an officer-involved shooting occurred in Arlington. David Boettcher, 48, was wounded after shooting at deputies in the afternoon hours. Though three patrol vehicles were damaged in the incident, Boettcher was transported to UNMC for surgery and is expected to survive. An infant in the vehicle escaped unharmed, and the Nebraska State Patrol was called to investigate the shooting. Earlier that day, deputies had made multiple arrests, including Samantha Phillips for driving under revocation and outstanding DCSO warrants. Her boyfriend, Damani Penney, who arrived at the scene, was also arrested on a Sarpy County warrant.
Tuesday, January 7 – Tuesday brought a mix of community service and emergency response. A heartwarming moment occurred when a citizen on County Road P4 flagged down a deputy specifically to express gratitude for their service. Deputies handled various calls throughout the day, including a vehicle fire on Pioneer Road that was managed by the Fort Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department. School resource activities resulted in one citation during Fort Calhoun’s morning patrol.
Wednesday, January 8 – Wednesday’s activities centered around community safety and routine patrols. Deputies started their day by documenting a large burn pile, sending photos to the Blair Fire Chief for review. The day took a somber turn when officers responded to an unattended death on County Road P39. Throughout the day, law enforcement maintained their presence at local schools and responded to various community needs.
Thursday, January 9 – Thursday saw active enforcement across the county. Deputies mediated a juvenile situation in Kennard and made two arrests: Mahaja Humphrey for driving under suspension on Highway 133, and Cameron Svenguard on a probations authorization. The evening concluded with several service calls, including separating Marties at a West Lakeshore disturbance and responding to a rescue call on Cattle Gate Lane.
Friday, January 10 – Friday morning kept deputies busy with several vehicle-related incidents. Officers handled two separate accident reports and assisted with a vehicle that had ended up on its side in a ditch. After leaving a voicemail for the owner, deputies red-tagged the vehicle and continued their regular patrol duties.
Arrests
- Samantha Phillips (11/15/98): DUR and DCSO warrants
- Damani Penney (7/25/95): Sarpy warrant
- Jack Winchel (8/20/87): Pott County Warrant
- Mahaja Humphrey (3/7/94): DUS
- Cameron Svengard (4/23/99): per probations authorization
Notable Incidents
- Officer-involved shooting in Arlington with suspect wounded but surviving; three patrol cars damaged
- Unattended death investigation at 4800 CR P39
- Vehicle fire handled by FCVFD
- Emergency Protective Custody at Grant Street
- Multiple vehicle incidents requiring deputy response
- Continuous school safety presence maintained throughout the week
