Kearney, Neb. — A Kearney man is facing multiple felony charges following a domestic assault investigation at approximately 10:50 Tuesday night that led to an extensive search involving several law enforcement agencies.
It began when Kearney Police Officers were dispatched to a reported domestic assault at 1013 West Third Street.
According to police, 31-year-old James Hughes of Kearney fled on foot into a nearby heavily wooded area when officers arrived.
Authorities say Hughes was believed to be armed with a handgun and a knife, raising safety concerns for officers and the surrounding community.
Officers established a perimeter and conducted a search, bringing in additional resources, including the Kearney Police Department and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Service Unit, crisis negotiators, K-9 teams and drones.
Police say crisis negotiators eventually made contact with Hughes and worked to resolve the situation peacefully.
Eventually, Hughes surrendered without further incident.
Hughes faces five felony charges, including first-degree domestic assault, assault by strangulation, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, terroristic threats and cruelty to an animal.
He also faces a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief.
The Kearney Police Department credited the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, UNK Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol for their assistance.
