A Cozad woman was seriously injured following a late-night disturbance at Big E’s Bar Friday. Cozad Police officers were dispatched just before 11:45 p.m. and found a 28-year-old woman lying unconscious near the entrance with visible facial injuries. Authorities reported the woman appeared to have difficulty breathing and may have suffered a seizure, prompting an urgent response from Cozad Rescue. She was transported by ambulance to Cozad Community Hospital for treatment.
Investigators say witness statements indicate 56-year-old Mario Olvera of Cozad struck the woman with a closed fist before also assaulting a second woman, who reported being hit twice in the face. Nebraska State Patrol troopers later located Olvera, who was taken into custody and transported to Lexington Regional Hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Dawson County Jail. Police say the victims indicated they would provide written statements as the investigation continues.
Olvera was arraigned in Dawson County Court Monday morning on charges of 1st Degree Assault and 3rd Degree Assault. His bond was set at 10% of $20,000. His next court hearing was set for June 30, 2026 at 11:00am in Dawson County Court.
