Shortly after 10:30 p.m on July 21, 2022, a Scotts Bluff County Deputy attempted a traffic stop on Highland Road in eastern Scotts Bluff County. This led to a pursuit, and the driver abandoned the vehicle south of Minatare and fled on foot. Officers recovered a loaded handgun near the vehicle, and items inside indicating Lance Gibbons was the driver. Multiple agencies responded and searched the area for several hours unsuccessfully.
Gibbons has a history of flight to avoid arrest and weapons possession.
Agencies involved include the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff, Gering, and Minatare Police Departments, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Morrill County Sheriff’s Office.
Law Enforcement has been attempting to locate Lance Eugene Gibbons since he failed to appear for sentencing in April this year for several serious felony charges.
On Thursday, June 16, 2022, a Scotts Bluff County Deputy observed Gibbons at a rural Minatare residence on Highland Road. The Deputy believed that Gibbons entered the house. A second Deputy arrived 8 minutes later. Deputies believed that Gibbons was inside the house, and there was no one else there. Due to Gibbons’ extensive criminal history and possession of firearms, the Scotts Bluff County SWAT team and other officers responded to assist. Following the issuance of a search warrant, the SWAT team eventually entered and searched the residence. Gibbons was not located, and it’s believed he was able to escape unnoticed before the second Deputy arrived.
Other responding agencies included the Nebraska State Patrol, WING Task Force, Scottsbluff, Gering, Mitchell and Minatare Police Departments, the Minatare/Melbeta Volunteer Fire Department, and Valley Ambulance Service.
We are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Lance Gibbons.
The charges he failed to appear for include Terroristic Threats, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Lance Eugene Gibbons is a white male, age 54, 6’ tall approximately 250 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Based on his current charges and prior history we consider him armed and dangerous.
We encourage anyone with information to contact the Scotts Bluff County communications center at 308-436-6666.
Persons with information can report it anonymously to Scotts Bluff County Crimestoppers at 308-632-STOP or to the Text-a-Tip program, tips@scottsbluffcountyne.gov.