By Scott Carlson
North Platte Post
Update Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m
Kearney police said Jeffrey Smith was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following an hours-long standoff.
On Monday, August 16, 2021, at approximately 11 a.m. Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office received information that 33-year-old Jeffrey Smith was at 1823 2nd Avenue, Apartment B in Kearney. Smith was being sought by the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office in reference to the shootings of two females in Elm Creek earlier this morning and believed to be armed. Kearney Police Officers, Buffalo County Sherriff’s Deputies, and Nebraska State Patrol Troopers responded to the location and spoke with an adult female who was able to confirm Smith was inside alone.
Members of the Kearney/Buffalo County Emergency Services Unit and Nebraska State Patrol S.W.A.T. responded to the scene. Negotiators were able to establish communication with Smith by cell phone. 2nd Avenue was closed from both directions, from 21st Street to 17th Street, due to the proximity of the home to 2nd Avenue. Area homes were also notified to shelter in place via Buffalo Watch and several other streets were closed. Additional assistance and equipment were requested from Grand Island Police and Hastings Police Departments. As a precaution, all Kearney Public Schools were placed in Secure status throughout the day.
Trained negotiators communicated with Smith for several hours in order to reach a safe resolution. With the use of two armored vehicles and a police tactical robot, officers began delivering less lethal chemical munitions inside the residence. During the negotiations, a police officer heard what was believed to be a gun shot inside the residence. With the use of a police tactical robot, entry was made inside the residence. Jeffrey Smith was located deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
This case is being investigated as an in-custody death. The Kearney Police Department has requested Grand Island Police Department and the South-Central Law Enforcement Services (SCALES) to lead the investigation.
No officers fired a service weapon during this incident and no officers were injured.
Members of Kearney Police Department were assisted by Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Hastings Police Department, Grand Island Police Department, the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, Nebraska Game and Parks, Kearney/Buffalo County Emergency Management, and City of Kearney Street Division.
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Update Aug. 16, 3:00 p.m.
The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the standoff with Jeffrey Smith has ended, but has not released any other details.
This is a developing story.
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Update Aug. 16, 2:00 p.m.
Jeffrey Smith, the suspect in a shooting in rural Elm Creek on Monday, is currently in a standoff with law enforcement in Kearney.
Smith is currently holed up in a residence at 18th Street and 2nd Avenue in Kearney.
The Kearney Hub reports that Smith was released from prison last month after serving nine years for assault, theft and methamphetamine possession.
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KEARNEY, Neb.-Law enforcement authorities in Buffalo County are searching for a suspect in a recent shooting.
Authorities are seeking to locate Jeffrey Smith, 33, who they say is a suspect in a recent shooting and home invasion in rural Elm Creek.
An adult mother and daughter were shot and critically injured during a home invasion felony assault case that occurred at a rural Elm Creek residence at approximately 2:40 AM this morning.
The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a person of interest in this case, Jeffrey D. Smith, age 33 of Kearney.
The evening prior to this incident, Smith had been issued a citation for misdemeanor charges of intimidation by phone and disturbing the peace.
The victims, in this case, were an ex-girlfriend Amber Schade, age 35 and her mother Lena Rouse, age 63, both of rural Elm Creek.
A preliminary investigation indicated Smith forced his way into the residence and shot both women. Several children were present at the time of the shooting, however, none were physically injured.
After the assault, Smith departed in an unknown vehicle to an unknown location.
The shooting occurred at the mother’s rural residence west of Elm Creek, NE. Both women were transported from the scene by ambulance to a Kearney hospital.
Authorities say Smith should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by the public.
If you have any information on Smith's whereabouts or have contact with him, call 911 immediately.