North Platte Police Department

09/02/2026

The North Platte Police Department is providing the following information regarding a federal investigation involving former North Platte Police Investigator John Deal.

The North Platte Police Department was made aware that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) served a search warrant on August 4, 2026, at the residence of Investigator John Deal as part of a federal criminal investigation. The FBI did not provide the Department with specific details regarding the nature or scope of the investigation. At the time of the Department’s notification, the search warrant and federal criminal complaint had been sealed by the federal court, limiting the information available to the Department.

Upon being notified of the investigation and search warrant, Deal was immediately placed on administrative leave.

On August 31, 2026, the North Platte Police Department was notified by the FBI that a federal criminal complaint had been filed and that Deal would be arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant. Following his arrest, Deal resigned from the North Platte Police Department.

The federal criminal complaint remained sealed until the afternoon of September 1, 2026, when the federal court unsealed the document. Prior to its unsealing, the Department had not been provided specific details regarding the allegations or the nature of the federal investigation. Upon the complaint being unsealed, the Department was able to review the allegations contained within the federal filing.

The North Platte Police Department cooperated with the FBI throughout the investigation and will continue to cooperate and provide assistance as requested. This FBI investigation is active and ongoing.

We understand this news may cause concern and raise questions within our community. We recognize the importance of maintaining the public's trust and are committed to ensuring matters involving department personnel are handled appropriately and in accordance with the law.

Because this matter involves an ongoing federal investigation and personnel-related matters, the North Platte Police Department is unable to provide additional information or comment further at this time. We appreciate the public's understanding as the investigative and legal processes move forward.

09/01/2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM THIS EVENING
9/1/26

09/01/2026

Update: 12:15 P.M.

At approximately 9:29 a.m. today, the North Platte Police Department received a telephone call reporting a possible explosive device and an assailant outside North Platte High School.

The North Platte Police Department immediately notified North Platte Public Schools. In response, North Platte High School initiated its emergency procedures and placed students into a HOLD in accordance with the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).

As an additional precaution, the North Platte Police Department placed Washington Elementary School and Cody Elementary School into a SECURE while officers responded to the high school.

North Platte Police officers responded to North Platte High School and, with assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, secured the perimeter of the school. Officers immediately began investigating the reported threat and coordinated closely with North Platte High School administration and staff throughout the response.

A search of the school property was conducted, and officers found no threat to students, staff, or the school facility. After determining that the school was safe, the North Platte Police Department released the school back to North Platte Public Schools, and the HOLD was lifted.

As the investigation continued, officers determined that the reported threat was similar in nature to swatting and hoax threats that have recently occurred in communities throughout Nebraska and across the nation. The investigation determined there was no credible threat to North Platte High School.

The North Platte Police Department emphasizes that all reports involving potential violence or threats to schools are taken seriously. While swatting and hoax calls have become increasingly common, these incidents do not change the department's approach to public safety. Officers will continue to respond promptly and thoroughly to every report to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community.

The North Platte Police Department appreciates the quick communication, cooperation, and partnership demonstrated by North Platte Public Schools, its administration, and staff throughout today's incident. The department's School Resource Officers maintain a strong presence within North Platte Public Schools and work closely with school personnel to promote student safety, strengthen communication, and build positive relationships with students and staff.

The safety of our students and school personnel remains our highest priority. The North Platte Police Department will continue working closely with North Platte Public Schools and other community partners to maintain and strengthen school safety protocols.

The investigation into today's incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident or information concerning the safety of students or staff is encouraged to contact the North Platte Police Department.

---------
Update: Law Enforcement has returned North Platte High School back to the school district as no active threats to the school was found. The school is no longer in a hold.

---------
The North Platte Police Department has responded to North Platte High School following a report of a possible bomb threat.

The school is currently in a hold. We will provide additional information when it becomes available.

08/28/2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH NUMBER 633 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10PM CDT. THUNDERSTORM WILL POSSIBLY PRODUCE DAMAGING WINDS AND LARGE HAIL.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to K9 Briggs! As a narcotics K9 with the North Platte Police Department, Briggs spends his days putting his nose to work, helping keep our community safe, and making sure illegal drugs don’t go unnoticed.

When he’s not working, he’s just a good boy who enjoys attention, treats, and thinks every suspicious package is worth investigating! We’re proud to have Briggs serving alongside us and protecting our community one sniff at a time! 💙

08/24/2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH NUMBER 623 IN EFFECT TONIGHT UNTIL 1100PM CDT

08/24/2026

08/20/2026

Labor Day DUI Enforcement Campaign

From August 19 through September 7, the North Platte Police Department, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will participate in a nationwide traffic enforcement campaign focused on preventing drunk driving during the Labor Day holiday.

During the 2024 Labor Day holiday, there were 505 traffic crash fatalities nationwide, with 34% involving a drunk driver.

Last year during Labor Day enforcement, the North Platte Police Department arrested 8 people for DUI.

Don’t become a DUI statistic and don’t let impaired driving be the reason someone doesn’t make it home.

Make a plan before you drink. Drive sober. Get home safely.

08/19/2026

By Allison Peck File Image Listen to the full meeting recap on our Kubo