Alliance Nebraska Police Department

09/05/2026

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Alliance Police Department advises that the City of Alliance is experiencing extreme flooding. Residents are urged to stop driving around town and remain where they are unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Flooded streets can quickly strand vehicles, block emergency access, and place drivers and passengers in danger. Do not drive through standing or moving water. Turn around and use a safe alternate route.

Please avoid flooded areas, follow all road closures and barricades, and allow emergency crews to work safely. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Stay home. Stay off flooded streets. Stay safe.

09/03/2026

***REMINDER***

New traffic plan around Alliance Middle School begins Tuesday morning.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Alliance, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department Announce Traffic Changes at Alliance Middle School

The City of Alliance, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department are announcing new traffic pattern changes around Alliance Middle School that are designed to improve student safety while creating a more efficient flow of traffic during school arrival and dismissal.

Earlier this year, the City commissioned an independent engineering traffic study to evaluate longstanding traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns surrounding Alliance Middle School. The study examined traffic volumes, vehicle movements, pedestrian activity, and potential improvements before providing recommendations for a safer and more efficient traffic pattern.

Our goal was to have these improvements in place before the start of the 2026-2027 school year. However, completion of the engineering study took longer than anticipated, delaying implementation of the recommended changes. Following a thorough review of the study and coordination between the City, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department, a traffic plan has now been finalized.

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026, immediately following the Labor Day holiday, the following traffic pattern changes will take effect:

Laramie Avenue will become one-way northbound between West 11th Street and West 12th Street.
West 12th Street will become one-way eastbound between Laramie Avenue and Box Butte Avenue.
West 11th Street will become one-way westbound between Box Butte Avenue and Laramie Avenue.
Left turns will be prohibited from northbound Box Butte Avenue onto West 11th Street during school hours.

These changes are intended to improve traffic circulation during peak drop-off and pick-up times while reducing vehicle conflict points and creating a safer environment for students, parents, school staff, and motorists.

"This has truly been a collaborative effort," said Alliance Police Chief David Leavitt. "We wanted to ensure that any changes were based on sound engineering principles rather than simply making adjustments based on observation alone. We appreciate everyone's patience as we waited for the study to be completed, and we believe these improvements will make the area safer and more efficient for everyone."

"Nothing is more important than the safety of our students," said Alliance Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Troy Unzicker. "We appreciate the partnership with the City and the Alliance Police Department throughout this process. We ask our parents and community members to be patient during the first few weeks as everyone becomes familiar with the new traffic pattern."

"Improving safety while maintaining efficient traffic flow requires careful planning and cooperation," said Alliance City Manager JD Cox. "The City appreciates the work of our Public Works Department, the engineering consultants, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department in developing a solution that will serve our community well for years to come."

Initially, members of the Alliance Police Department will be present around the school to assist motorists, answer questions, and help facilitate a smooth transition. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow all posted traffic signs, watch carefully for students crossing the street, and allow a few extra minutes for travel while everyone adjusts to the new traffic pattern.

City officials, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department will continue to monitor traffic operations following implementation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the new traffic pattern operates safely and as intended.

08/27/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alliance Police Department

Date of Incident: August 27, 2026

Subject: Traffic Collision Involving Vehicle and Bicyclist

On the morning of August 27, 2026, at approximately 0659 hours, the Alliance Police Department and Alliance Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 3rd Street and Cody Avenue.

The collision involved a white 2013 Dodge Ram pickup truck and a bicyclist. Preliminary information indicates that the bicyclist was traveling southbound on Cody Avenue near the intersection of 3rd and Cody, while the pickup truck was traveling northbound. As the pickup turned westbound during a green light, it struck the bicyclist within the intersection.

The bicyclist was transported to Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further details will be released at this time.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Alliance Police Department

08/26/2026

🚌 School Bus Safety: Slow Down. Pay Attention. Stop. 🚌

School is back in session, and we need everyone’s help keeping our kids safe.

Already this school year, Alliance Police officers have issued several citations to drivers who failed to stop for a school bus with its stop sign extended and red lights flashing.

That is several too many.

When you see a school bus slowing or stopping, put the phone down, pay attention, slow down, and be prepared to stop. Children may be crossing the street, and they are counting on drivers to do the right thing.

A few seconds of impatience or distraction can have lifelong consequences.

Please help us protect our students:

Watch for school buses and children near bus stops.
Never drive distracted.
Slow down in residential areas and school zones.
When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, STOP.

No destination is worth risking a child’s life.

Drive safe. Stay alert. Help us keep Alliance kids safe.

08/26/2026

NEWS RELEASE

To: Local Media Outlets
From: Chief David Leavitt
Date: August 25, 2026
Re: Additional Charges Filed in Child Sexual Assault Investigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Additional CSAM Charges Filed Against Daniel Cortinas

ALLIANCE, Nebraska — The Alliance Police Department is releasing additional information regarding its continuing investigation of Daniel Cortinas (H/M, DOB 06/05/1980).

The investigation began in May 2026 after APD received a report that a minor had been sexually assaulted on multiple occasions. The investigation resulted in Cortinas’s arrest on multiple counts of First-Degree Sexual Assault of a Child and Child Abuse.

During the investigation, Sergeant David LaDuke developed information indicating that Cortinas maintained a separate cellular telephone that he reportedly used to store private photographs. Additional information indicated that the device could contain child sexual abuse material, commonly referred to as CSAM.

Sergeant LaDuke obtained multiple search warrants and continued working to locate the telephone. The device was eventually recovered during the ex*****on of a search warrant with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.

After the telephone was seized, Sergeant LaDuke completed a forensic extraction and examination of the device using the Alliance Police Department’s GrayKey digital-forensics system. The examination uncovered multiple images of child sexual abuse material. Investigators also discovered images that Cortinas is alleged to have created involving another minor. This is a separate victim from the minor involved in the original sexual-assault investigation.

Based upon the evidence recovered from the telephone, Cortinas has received the following additional charges:

Eight counts of Creating or Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Nine counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

These charges are in addition to the First-Degree Sexual Assault of a Child and Child Abuse charges arising from the original investigation.

Cortinas has remained in custody since his arrest in May. He is currently being housed in the Scotts Bluff County Jail to accommodate his medical needs.

Chief David Leavitt specifically recognized Sergeant LaDuke for his work on the case.

“Sergeant LaDuke’s hard work and perseverance were critical to this investigation,” Chief Leavitt said. “He continued pursuing the evidence through multiple search warrants, located the device, and then completed the detailed forensic work necessary to identify additional criminal conduct and another minor victim. His dedication is a major reason we are able to continue seeking justice for these victims.”

Sergeant LaDuke recently completed the Digital Evidence Investigations course, an intensive one-week program hosted by the United States Secret Service in Hoover, Alabama. The course provides investigators with advanced training in identifying, extracting, and analyzing digital evidence obtained from cellular telephones, computers, GPS units, tablets, and other electronic devices. It also includes hands-on instruction involving forensic-analysis tools, legal requirements, search-warrant considerations, and the preparation of digital-forensics reports.

The federal government covered the cost of the training, travel, and lodging, allowing Sergeant LaDuke to receive this additional specialized instruction at no cost to the City of Alliance.

This investigation demonstrates the importance of combining advanced technology with properly trained investigators. APD’s investment in GrayKey gives investigators the ability to lawfully extract and analyze evidence from cellular devices pursuant to search warrants. However, the software is only effective when personnel have the training and expertise necessary to properly recover, analyze, document, and present that evidence.

“Digital evidence is now involved in nearly every type of serious criminal investigation,” Chief Leavitt said. “Our investment in GrayKey and specialized training allows us to conduct this work locally, move investigations forward more efficiently, and uncover evidence that might otherwise remain hidden. In this case, that investment helped identify another victim and supported 17 additional felony charges.”

The identities of the minor victims are being withheld in accordance with laws protecting minors and victims of sexual offenses.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information concerning Cortinas or information that may be relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Alliance Police Department.

All charges are allegations. Cortinas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/25/2026

NEWS RELEASE

Police Chief Withdraws FY27 Funding Request for Flock Safety Camera and License Plate Reader System

ALLIANCE, Nebraska — Alliance Police Chief David Leavitt recently withdrew the Police Department's request for funding to purchase and deploy a Flock Safety camera and automated license plate reader (ALPR) system during the City's FY27 budget year.

The Department had been evaluating Flock Safety technology as an investigative and public-safety tool to assist officers in locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with serious crimes, locating missing or endangered persons, developing leads in criminal investigations, and providing additional camera coverage in selected public areas.

"I continue to believe strongly in the value of this technology," Chief Leavitt said. "Used appropriately and with strong policies, auditing, training, and accountability, camera and license plate reader systems can be extremely effective public-safety tools. My decision isn't a rejection of the technology. It's a decision that this is the right time for us to pause."

Flock Safety and ALPR technology have received significantly increased public attention and scrutiny nationwide. Some of the controversy has resulted from misunderstandings about what the technology does and does not collect, while other concerns have arisen from isolated cases in which law enforcement personnel or agencies have allegedly misused systems or improperly accessed or shared information.

"The overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers use these systems appropriately, and many of the claims being made about this technology don't accurately reflect how it works," Leavitt said. "At the same time, we can't simply ignore the fact that public concern is real. The narrative surrounding this technology has changed substantially, including here in Nebraska. Public confidence matters, and I think the responsible thing for us to do is allow some time for these issues to develop before making a significant investment."

The rapidly evolving legal and policy environment also contributed to the decision. Questions involving data access, retention, information sharing, privacy protections, and appropriate governmental use continue to receive attention from courts, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, technology providers, and privacy advocates.

Flock Safety has also continued to strengthen security, auditing, access controls, and other safeguards in response to concerns raised about the technology.

Rather than committing the City to a particular system during the FY27 budget cycle, the Police Department will use the coming year to continue evaluating developments in the technology, the courts, state and federal law, industry security practices, and the experiences of other law enforcement agencies.

The City's current budget environment was also a consideration.

"This is a tight budget year, and part of my responsibility as Chief is deciding which needs we should push hardest to fund," Leavitt said. "Given the rapidly changing environment surrounding this technology, I don't believe this is the year to make this particular investment. There are other priorities where our limited resources can be better directed right now."

The Department intends to reevaluate camera and ALPR technology as part of a future budget process. That review will not necessarily be limited to Flock Safety. The Department may evaluate Flock again, consider solutions offered by other companies, examine different approaches to deployment, or determine that such a system is not appropriate for Alliance.

"Technology changes, laws change, security measures improve, and public expectations evolve," Leavitt said. "There's no harm in giving this another year to develop. If we revisit it next year, we'll have more information and can make a decision based on what the landscape looks like then. If the technology makes sense for Alliance at that point, we can move forward. If it doesn't, we won't."

Chief Leavitt has directed that the proposed Flock Safety camera and ALPR system be removed from the Alliance Police Department's FY27 capital request.

08/25/2026

NEWS RELEASE

To: Local Media
From: Chief David Leavitt
Date: August 25, 2026
Re: Arrest Made in August 24th Stabbing Investigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALLIANCE, Nebraska — At approximately 2:51 a.m. on August 24, 2026, the Alliance Police Department and Alliance Fire Department were dispatched to the 900 block of West Second Street following a report that a man had been stabbed.

Responding officers located an adult male victim suffering from significant lacerations to his head, left arm, and wrist. The victim was treated at the scene and transported by ambulance to Box Butte General Hospital with serious injuries.

During the investigation, officers identified Fred John Red Nest M/N (DOB 02/07/1979) as the suspect. Investigators determined that Red Nest had left the immediate area following the assault and began searching the surrounding neighborhood and nearby railroad property. Assistance was also requested from BNSF Railway to identify and preserve relevant surveillance footage.

Investigators subsequently located a blood-covered T-shirt near the railroad tracks that Red Nest is believed to have discarded after the assault. Additional information developed during the investigation indicated that Red Nest had returned to his residence at 704 Laramie Avenue, Apartment 3.

The Alliance Police Department obtained a search warrant for the residence. APD officers executed the warrant with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol and Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Red Nest was located inside a bedroom and taken into custody.

During a post-arrest interview, Red Nest admitted his involvement in the assault and told investigators that he had discarded the knife along a dirt road near the residence. Officers searched the area but have not yet recovered the weapon. The search for the knife and the collection of additional evidence remain ongoing.

Red Nest was lodged in the Box Butte County Jail on the following charges:

First-Degree Assault
Second-Degree Assault
Burglary
Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony

Anyone who locates a knife or other item that may be connected to this investigation should not handle it and should immediately contact the Alliance Police Department.

The Alliance Police Department thanks the Nebraska State Patrol, Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Alliance Fire Department, Box Butte General Hospital, and BNSF Railway for their assistance during this investigation.

The charges described in this release are allegations. Red Nest is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/14/2026

School is back in session, and the buses are rolling. Please pay attention and STOP for school buses when the stop arm is out and the red lights are flashing.

08/13/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Alliance, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department Announce Traffic Changes at Alliance Middle School

The City of Alliance, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department are announcing new traffic pattern changes around Alliance Middle School that are designed to improve student safety while creating a more efficient flow of traffic during school arrival and dismissal.

Earlier this year, the City commissioned an independent engineering traffic study to evaluate longstanding traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns surrounding Alliance Middle School. The study examined traffic volumes, vehicle movements, pedestrian activity, and potential improvements before providing recommendations for a safer and more efficient traffic pattern.

Our goal was to have these improvements in place before the start of the 2026-2027 school year. However, completion of the engineering study took longer than anticipated, delaying implementation of the recommended changes. Following a thorough review of the study and coordination between the City, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department, a traffic plan has now been finalized.

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026, immediately following the Labor Day holiday, the following traffic pattern changes will take effect:

Laramie Avenue will become one-way northbound between West 11th Street and West 12th Street.
West 12th Street will become one-way eastbound between Laramie Avenue and Box Butte Avenue.
West 11th Street will become one-way westbound between Box Butte Avenue and Laramie Avenue.
Left turns will be prohibited from northbound Box Butte Avenue onto West 11th Street during school hours.

These changes are intended to improve traffic circulation during peak drop-off and pick-up times while reducing vehicle conflict points and creating a safer environment for students, parents, school staff, and motorists.

"This has truly been a collaborative effort," said Alliance Police Chief David Leavitt. "We wanted to ensure that any changes were based on sound engineering principles rather than simply making adjustments based on observation alone. We appreciate everyone's patience as we waited for the study to be completed, and we believe these improvements will make the area safer and more efficient for everyone."

"Nothing is more important than the safety of our students," said Alliance Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Troy Unzicker. "We appreciate the partnership with the City and the Alliance Police Department throughout this process. We ask our parents and community members to be patient during the first few weeks as everyone becomes familiar with the new traffic pattern."

"Improving safety while maintaining efficient traffic flow requires careful planning and cooperation," said Alliance City Manager JD Cox. "The City appreciates the work of our Public Works Department, the engineering consultants, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department in developing a solution that will serve our community well for years to come."

Initially, members of the Alliance Police Department will be present around the school to assist motorists, answer questions, and help facilitate a smooth transition. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow all posted traffic signs, watch carefully for students crossing the street, and allow a few extra minutes for travel while everyone adjusts to the new traffic pattern.

City officials, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department will continue to monitor traffic operations following implementation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the new traffic pattern operates safely and as intended.

08/11/2026

🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL, ALLIANCE! 🚌

Alliance Public Schools will be back in session Thursday and Friday, which means our streets will once again be busy with school buses, young drivers, parents dropping off students, and kids walking and biking to school.

The Alliance Police Department would like to remind everyone to slow down and give yourself a little extra time, especially during the morning and afternoon school rush.

🚸 Slow down in school zones. Watch for reduced speed limits and be prepared for children entering crosswalks or crossing streets unexpectedly.

🚌 Stop for school buses. When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, STOP. Never try to beat the bus or drive around it while children are loading or unloading.

👀 Stay alert. Put the phone down, watch for pedestrians, bicycles, and increased traffic around our schools.

🚗 Expect some congestion. The first few days of school are always a little hectic. Be patient with buses, other drivers, and parents who may still be figuring out the drop-off and pick-up routine.

Most importantly, remember that there will be a lot of excited kids out there who may not always be paying attention to traffic. As drivers, it’s our job to pay attention for them.

Let’s start the new school year safely. Welcome back, students, teachers, staff, and families! Have a great school year!

— Alliance Police Department 🚔