Public Records

Arrest made in Nebraska City pedestrian fatalityOn July 17, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m., the Nebraska City Police Department and Nebraska City Fire - Rescue were dispatched to the area behind the Nebraska City Veterans Memorial Building, 810 1st Corso, for a call regarding a pedestrian and vehicle accident. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a 6-year-old male child had been struck by the vehicle and was declared deceased at the scene. Several people were on location as the weekly Farmers Market was occurring in the Memorial Building parking lot. The driver of the vehicle, 59-year-old Vernon Christiansen of Percival, Iowa, was arrested and booked into the Otoe County Jail on the preliminary charges of suspicion of motor vehicle homicide, possess/consume open alcohol container, bald or improper use of tires, and obstructed view of driver.This investigation is ongoing, and charges will be reviewed upon completion of the investigation and return of evidence collected during and after the event. Assistance was provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Otoe County Sheriff's Office, and the Otoe County Attorney's Office. Anyone with any information regarding this incident, please contact the Nebraska City Police Department 402-873-6666.Otoe County ArrestsJuly 17: Girardo Gutierrez, Council Bluffs, Iowa, suspicion of operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and careless driving.July 16: Jessus Andres Murillo Lara, Nebraska City, warrant arrest, failure to appear (2).July 16: Zachary Scully, Lincoln, warrant arrest, contempt of court, failure to pay.July 11: John Morris, South Jacksonville, Ill., suspicion of driving under the influence.July 11: Timothy Bergdolt, Lincoln, suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (first offense) and lack of insurance.