Update:
On December 3, 2024 at approximately 1248 PM, the Communications Center received a report of a possibly armed subject potentially inside a room at the Best Western in Chadron. The report indicated the armed subject was threatening self-harm. The Communications Center notified local law enforcement of the report and an immediate response ensued.
Law Enforcement officers from the Chadron Police Department arrived on scene and began evacuation of the Best Western as a precaution, set up a perimeter around the area and sent out notifications to the public via Code Red. In addition, a request for additional resources was placed to area law enforcement. Law enforcement from the Nebraska State Patrol, Dawes County Sheriff’s Office, Gordon Police Department, and Sheridan County responded. Specialized trained negotiators from the Nebraska State Patrol were also called in to assist with negotiations if needed. The Chadron Volunteer Fire Department was called and staged in a safe area for a quick and immediate response if needed.
As the situation unfolded, additional information came into the Communications Center providing needed telephone numbers for the reported armed subject, as well as information to where the suspected armed subject may be located. Through investigation it was determined the suspected armed subject was not in a room at the Best Western, but in another state at the time, contrary to the initial report. Law enforcement in the other state was contacted to ensure the location of the reported armed subject and to check on the subject’s well-being. As a result, the information was confirmed that the subject was not in Chadron. The subject was reported to be ok. All law enforcement and additional responding resources were released from the scene without incident.
The Chadron Police Department would like to thank all of our partner law enforcement agencies for their quick response and for all the resources they provided to this situation.
As a reminder to everyone, Code Red is an emergency notification tool used in our area for notification of emergency events and severe weather. Anyone can sign up for Code Red which will provide up to date information to you in cases of emergency. A link to sign up for Code Red can be found on the City of Chadron Website https://www.chadron-nebraska.com/at the bottom of the home page.
Update (3:45 PM)
As of roughly 3:20 PM Tuesday afternoon, the situation at the Best Western involving law enforcement and an armed individual has been reportedly resolved without incident.
All barricades have been removed and lockdowns in the surrounding business have been dissolved. Regular activities can now resume in the areas of 10th and 6th Streets along with Maple Street to Highway 385.
More information is expected to be released and will be updated as it is received.
Original story:
At roughly 1:50 this afternoon (Dec 3), Chadrad Communications was made aware of a situation at the Best Western in Chadron involving an armed and potentially dangerous person on the premises.
Authorities have been notified and are responding to the situation. They ask the public to avoid the area of 10th Street to 6th Street and Maple Street to Highway 385 for the foreseeable future.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.