Richardson County Sheriff's Office

08/07/2026

West Nile Virus Detected in Richardson County

A mosquito pool in Richardson County has tested positive for West Nile virus. At this time, this does not mean there are any confirmed human cases. However, it does mean the virus is present in local mosquitoes, so it's important to take precautions to reduce your risk of mosquito bites.

While many people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, some may experience:
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Joint pain
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rash

In rare cases, the virus can cause serious illness affecting the brain and nervous system. Adults over 60 and people with certain medical conditions are at greater risk for severe illness.

Protect yourself by :
Using EPA-registered insect repellent
Wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
Removing standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed

If you develop symptoms consistent with West Nile virus after being bitten by mosquitoes, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

Please help spread the word by sharing this post and taking steps to protect yourself and your family.

08/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Richardson County Sheriff’s Office Executes Search Warrant, Seizes Illegal Drugs and Firearm

On August 6, 2026, the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office executed an arrest warrant and search warrant at a residence in rural Shubert, Nebraska.

The Nebraska State Patrol safely made initial contact with the sole occupant of the residence, Max W. Shafer IV, and took him into custody on an active Richardson County arrest warrant. After Shafer was secured, Richardson County deputies took custody of him and transported him to the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.

Deputies then executed a search warrant at the residence in connection with an ongoing investigation. During the search, deputies recovered evidence related to an assault investigation, including the alleged weapon used in the incident.

The search also resulted in the seizure of ma*****na packaged for distribution, methamphetamine, a digital scale with suspected drug residue, used syringes, ammunition, and a loaded 9mm handgun concealed inside a clock. Because Shafer is a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing fi****ms under Nebraska law.

As a result of the investigation, Shafer was booked on the following charges:

• Second Degree Assault — Class IIA Felony
• Use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony — Class II Felony
• False Imprisonment in the First Degree — Class IIIA Felony
• Delivery/Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Ma*****na) — Class IIA Felony
• Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person — Class ID Felony
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) — Class IV Felony
• Possession of Ma*****na (More than 1 ounce, Less than 1 pound) — Class III Misdemeanor

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the Nebraska State Patrol for their professionalism and assistance in safely serving the warrant. Their partnership was instrumental in ensuring the operation was completed safely and successfully.

As always, all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

07/28/2026

🚨🚨UPDATE – PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office would like to provide an update regarding the subject who fled from deputies on foot near the intersection of Highways 75 and 73 earlier today.

At this time, the subject has not been located. Based on the information available and the extensive search that was conducted, it is not believed that the individual is still in the immediate area.

While it remains unclear why the subject chose to flee, there was never a perceived immediate danger to the public during this incident.

We appreciate the community’s vigilance and the information that was provided. As always, if you observe any suspicious activity or have information related to this incident, please contact the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office at 402-245-2479.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

07/28/2026

**As of 755 am 7/28/26, subject has not been located. If anyone sees any suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to call the Sheriffs Office or 911.

⚠️ PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE ⚠️

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents in the area of Highways 75 and 73 to remain alert after a subject fled from deputies on foot and was last seen running in a northeast direction.

Subject Description:
• Black male
• Approximately 5’9”
• Short hair
• White T-shirt
• Black shorts

Residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, keep doors and vehicles locked, and report any suspicious activity or anyone matching this description.

Do not approach the individual. If you see someone matching this description or have any information regarding their whereabouts, please contact the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 402-245-2479.

We appreciate your cooperation and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

07/16/2026

07/15/2026

Accepting applications for Jail Staff.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office is looking for someone who is calm under pressure, dependable, and ready to serve their community in a role that is both challenging and rewarding.

Starting Pay: $19.00/hour (DOE)

Benefits Include:
🛡️ Paid Health Insurance for Employee
👓🦷 Vision and Dental at Employee Cost
🏛️ NPERS Retirement
🌴 Vacation Leave
😷 Sick Leave
🎄 Paid Holidays

Schedule:
• Full-Time
• 12-hour shifts, every other weekend off!!

What You'll Do:
No two days are the same. As a jailer, you'll help maintain the safety and security of our correctional facility by supervising inmates, conducting security checks and searches, responding to emergencies, documenting incidents, providing for inmates' basic needs, and safely escorting inmates to court appearances and other appointments.

**Minimum Qualifications:**
✔️ At least 19 years old
✔️ High school diploma or GED equivalent
✔️ Strong verbal and written communication skills
✔️ Ability to attend a two-week LETC training in Grand Island during your first year of employment

This career requires professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to remain composed in difficult situations—but it also offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every single day.

📍 Applications are available at the Richardson County Sheriff's Office or may be emailed to Sheriff@RichardsonCountyNE.

Not every uniform belongs on patrol. Some are worn by the people who keep order behind the walls.

07/11/2026

Working together keeps our communities safer.

Today, the Richardson County Sheriff's Office partnered with the U.S. Marshals Metro Fugitive Task Force to locate and arrest a wanted fugitive in Falls City. A second individual was also taken into custody during the operation.

Thank you to our law enforcement partners for their continued teamwork and professionalism.

Please see the full press release below.

07/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Emergency Aircraft Landing in Rural Richardson County

On the evening of July 5, 2026, the Richardson County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of an aircraft that had made an emergency landing near the intersection of 652 Avenue and 714 Road in rural Richardson County.

Deputies responded to the scene along with Falls City Rural Fire and Falls City EMS. Upon arrival, emergency responders located a single engine Cessna aircraft that had successfully completed an emergency landing following an apparent engine failure.

Two occupants were aboard the aircraft at the time of the emergency landing. Neither occupant was injured, and no medical treatment or transport was required.

To allow the roadway to be reopened, the aircraft was moved off the county road and onto private property near the landing site. The aircraft remains secured at that location pending recovery and investigation by the appropriate federal aviation authorities.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office notified the appropriate federal agencies. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will conduct the investigation into the cause of the emergency landing.

County road closures associated with the incident were removed later that evening, and normal traffic resumed.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office thanks Richardson County Roads Department, Falls City Rural Fire, Falls City EMS, and all assisting personnel for their prompt response and professionalism.

07/04/2026

Today, we celebrate the 250th year story of a nation built on courage, sacrifice, and the enduring promise of liberty.

As the Broadway musical Hamilton reminds us, "How lucky we are to be alive right now." 🇺🇸

From all of us at the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, thank you to everyone who serves our community, protects our freedoms, and makes Richardson County such a special place to call home.

Whether you're spending the day at the lake, around the grill, or under the fireworks, celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and make memories worth remembering.
Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙