York County, Neb. — Traffic stops in rural York County have led to the arrests of two subjects and the seizure of homemade explosives.
On Friday, June 19, at 8:12 p.m., a K9 unit sergeant stopped a car on Highway 81 near Road 22 for a traffic violation. The sergeant searched the vehicle and found a homemade bomb about six to seven inches long. The driver, James Winter of Benedict, Nebraska, was arrested. He faces charges for possessing and carrying a concealed weapon as a prohibited person, and unlawful possession of explosive materials.
On June 21, 2026, at 10:59 p.m., a K9 unit deputy stopped a car on Highway 34 near Road L. A search revealed a PVC pipe bomb about four inches long. Troy E. Pfeil (FEYE uhl) of Saint Paul, Nebraska, was arrested. His charges include possessing a deadly weapon as a prohibited person, possessing a deadly weapon during a felony, possessing a destructive device, and carrying a concealed weapon as a prohibited person.
The Sheriff’s Office warns that homemade bombs are unstable and can cause death or property destruction. Finding these items during routine stops demonstrates how patrols protect rural areas, as deputies are often the first to stop dangerous activity.
The Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad assisted in safely handling and disposing of the explosive devices.
