OXFORD, NE – Two men were arrested this week by the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office following a violent assault that occurred in Oxford on Sunday, May 10th, 2026.
The FCSO became aware of the incident after a 44-year-old victim was transported by private vehicle to Phelps Memorial Hospital in Holdrege for treatment of significant injuries.
According to a news release, investigation revealed that two suspects, 22-year-old Blake P. Waters of Holdrege, and 66-year-old David R. Herrick of Oxford allegedly confronted the victim near his home in Oxford. Waters tackled the victim and strangled him, dislocating the victim’s right shoulder, rendering his right arm immobile. Herrick is alleged to have struck the victim at least twice in the head with a baseball bat, causing the victim to fall to the ground. Both suspects then allegedly continued to punch and kick the victim while he was on the ground.
Prior to fleeing the scene the suspects allegedly removed a 12-gauge Remington 870 shotgun from the victim’s vehicle.
The news release states that the assault was preceded by a series of threatening messages sent to the victim and a third party in the days leading up to the incident.
On May 11, 2026, Waters was arrested on charges for 3rd Degree Assault, a Class I Misdemeanor, and Felony Assault by Strangulation. Waters was initially booked into Phelps County Jail before being transferred to the Furnas County Jail. He subsequently posted a $150,000 bond at ten percent and was released.
On May 13, 2026, Herrick was arrested at his Oxford residence by the FCSO with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol. Herrick was charged with 2nd Degree Assault, a Class IIA Felony, and Felony Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Prohibited Person.
The Furnas County Sheriff’s Office would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Holdrege Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol for their valuable assistance
throughout this investigation and in the execution of the arrest and search warrants.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office at (308) 268-2245.
