City of Kearney & Kearney Police Department
On Friday, September 15, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a credible tip was received that 24 - year-old Jacob Ellingson, wanted for two separate counts of Felony Child Abuse, was inside a residence in the area of 115th and Grove Road, Buffalo County, NE. Members of KPD and BCSO Uniform Patrol responded to the address with KPD/BCSO Emergency Service Unit (SWAT). Officers were able to contact Ellingson via cell phone and negotiated with him for several minutes. Ellingson voluntarily exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. Ellingson has been booked into the Buffalo County Jail.
“The tireless efforts from our Investigators, Police Officers, Deputies, allied law enforcement partners, and support staff, to locate and apprehend this fugitive has been exceptional. I appreciate the patience from our community and more importantly, the willingness to report information, as officers followed up on countless leads with professionalism and commitment. I am incredibly thankful and relieved this fugitive is in custody. Our Investigators will continue to work this case and anyone found to have aided or knowingly harbored this fugitive will be held accountable.” – Chief Bryan D. Waugh
We continue to work closely with the family, doctors, Health and Human Services, and KPD Victim/Witness Services. We share the concern of a caring community and offer our sincere thoughts and support for the children and family. The one-year old child remains hospitalized at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. Details on the medical condition of the child will not be released at this time.
This remains an ongoing investigation; the Kearney Police Department will provide updates as new information becomes available. We greatly appreciate the assistance and teamwork from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office with this case and arrest.
The Kearney Police Department continues to work in partnership with the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office in this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kearney Police Department (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers (308) 237-3424, or through the See It Say It Send It App.