By Allison Peck
The Kearney Police Department arrested a 29-year-old man Monday morning following a reported threat against a Kearney Public Schools staff member near Bright Futures Preschool.
According to KPD, officers responded to the area of Bright Futures Preschool, 1511 5th Avenue, at approximately 8:15 a.m. September 28 after an unknown man reportedly threatened a school staff member with physical violence.
The incident happened while employees were waiting for school buses to arrive. The man left the area on a bicycle before officers arrived, and officers immediately began searching for him.
Police located a man matching the description near 12th Street and 3rd Avenue. When officers attempted to arrest him, KPD said the man became verbally confrontational and physically aggressive in an attempt to evade arrest.
Officers gained control of the man and took him into custody.
The man was identified as Michael Scott, 29, who police described as transient. He was transported to the Buffalo County Jail on charges of terroristic threats, possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine, assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
Kearney Police Chief Gabe Kowalek said threats involving the safety of schools, students and staff are taken seriously by the department.
Kowalek also said officers sustained only minor injuries during the incident.
The Kearney Police Department thanked school personnel and community members for reporting concerning behavior and threats to law enforcement, saying those reports allow officers to assess situations and take appropriate action.
The charges are allegations, and Scott is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.