BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 December 30, Monday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
From DUI arrests to international investigations, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office faced an eventful week leading up to the New Year. Deputies tackled everything from routine patrols to a mysterious car hauler connected to residents in Brazil, while a series of traffic stops led to multiple arrests. A dramatic hit-and-run at an Arlington gas pump and a gathering of sports cars at Blair Airport added to the mix of incidents that kept law enforcement busy across the county.
Friday, December 27 – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office had an active start when deputies arrested Milton Tobilla-Ortiz for driving under suspension at 1:12 AM on Highway 75 near County Road P43. Early morning patrols conducted thorough business checks in Fort Calhoun and Arlington, with 14 and 15 establishments inspected respectively. A concerning wildlife incident at 4:20 PM involved a car-deer collision on Highway 75 at Desoto Lane, requiring deputies to dispatch the injured deer. The day took a serious turn when Blair Rescue was called to the corrections facility for a female inmate, with a corrections officer accompanying the rescue squad.
Saturday, December 28 – Deputies maintained vigilant overnight patrols, checking 16 businesses in Fort Calhoun and 13 in Arlington. A dramatic incident unfolded at 9:10 PM when Luther Greunke was arrested for DUI after allegedly striking and damaging a gas pump in Arlington before fleeing the scene. Earlier, at 3:54 PM, Omar Almanza was arrested for driving 88 mph in a 70 mph zone on Highway 133 near Mohr Lane. The day’s enforcement concluded with the arrest of Jess Bagola at 9:38 PM on Highway 75 for outstanding warrants from both Lancaster and Sarpy counties.
Sunday, December 29 – A peculiar case emerged at 7:22 AM at 6000 Glen Oaks Dr, where a car hauler had been parked for over 24 hours. Deputies discovered the vehicle was registered to residents currently in Brazil, with only a house sitter available to attempt contact. Later, at 4:02 PM, reports of a reckless Nissan driver led deputies to discover a car meet of 12-20 sports cars at Blair Airport, though the reported vehicle was not located. The evening concluded with a single-vehicle accident on 96th Street at Dutch Hall Road, involving airbag deployment but fortunately no injuries.
Monday, December 30 – Deputies conducted their final rounds of the reporting period, checking 10 businesses in Fort Calhoun and 14 in Arlington. The shift concluded with a motorist assist on Highway 30, where a black Hyundai Sonata received a 24-hour red tag.
Arrests:
- Milton Tobilla-Ortiz (8/11/03) – 12/27, 1:12 AM – Driving under suspension, Hwy 75/CR P43
- Omar Almanza (7/8/94) – 12/28, 3:54 PM – DUS, Speed 88/70, Hwy 133/Mohr Ln
- Nanny Robinson (11/20/98) – 12/28, 6:35 PM – DUS, Hwy 133/MM 19
- Luther Greunke – 12/28, 9:10 PM – DUI and leaving scene of accident, Arlington
- Jess Bagola (11/5/96) – 12/28, 9:38 PM – Warrants (Lancaster & Sarpy Co.), Hwy 75/MM 114
- Blas Perez Rivero (11/23/00) – 12/29, 12:39 PM – DUS, Hwy 30/Dodge Co line
Notable Incidents:
- Car vs. Deer accident requiring deer dispatch (12/27, 4:20 PM, Hwy 75 & Desoto Ln)
- Gas pump hit-and-run resulting in DUI arrest (12/28, 9:10 PM, Arlington)
- Car hauler investigation involving Brazil residents (12/29, 7:22 AM, 6000 Glen Oaks Dr)
- Large car meet following reckless driving complaint (12/29, 4:02 PM, Blair Airport)
- Single-vehicle airbag deployment accident, no injuries (12/29, 9:48 PM, 96th ST/Dutch Hall RD)
