APD sergeant injured in incident involving barricaded suspect

By David Leavitt

APD chief

On 09/15/24 at approximately 11:10 a.m., officers were called to 416 Errebo Place for a disturbance. Upon arrival, Gregory L. Buethe, M/F, born 06/23/87, was cursing and screaming and refused to speak with officers.

The suspect's mother told police that Mr. Buethe was off his medication and had a history of mental illness. He broke a window in his home and attacked his mother by throwing a table at her, resulting in a knee injury. Officers attempted to question Mr. Buethe, but despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, he became increasingly agitated and violent toward officers. Mr. Buethe picked up a large piece of wood and threw it at Sergeant David LaDuke, resulting in a broken leg.

At this point, officers deployed a taser to bring the suspect under control. The taser had minimal effect and the suspect retreated into the home. Additional officers were called to the scene and surrounded the home. After interviewing the suspect's mother and brother, it was determined that there were no weapons in the home and there was no reason to believe the suspect was armed.

Once sufficient personnel were on scene, officers entered the home and arrested the suspect. Although no additional force was used in the arrest of the suspect, Sergeant Tim Peterson was assaulted during the arrest when the suspect struck him in the groin area. The suspect was transported to the Box Butte County Jail and faces several charges including assault on his mother as well as the officers and resisting arrest. Sergeant LaDuke was transported to Box Butte General Hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. The suspect's mother was also transported to Box Butte General for her injury.

Special thanks to the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Scottsbluff County Sheriff's Office and Alliance Fire Department for their assistance.