The Alliance Police Department has taken a man into custody after learning that he was attempting to flee the state to avoid being arrested on a felony warrant. Alliance Police Department Chief David Leavitt released the following statement on Friday morning:
“Earlier this morning, Sergeant LaDuke received a notification from the Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office that Monty Shepard, a convicted felon, was enroute to Alliance to avoid apprehension for a felony warrant. Intelligence gathered indicated that Mr. Shepard intended to travel to Scottsbluff Airport and leave the state to elude capture. Mr. Shepard has a lengthy criminal history including robbery and weapons charges and was considered armed and dangerous. After receiving information that the suspect was on a Panhandle Trails bus, officers were able to make contact with the bus driver. A stop was planned for 3rd and Flack where officers intercepted the bus. The driver and passengers were able to exit the bus safely, and at 11:05 a.m. the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Upon searching the suspect’s backpack, a loaded handgun was located. Thanks to excellent inter-agency coordination and a swift, efficient response another armed and dangerous felon is off the streets and no longer able to victimize our communities.”
Upon investigation, it was determined that the firearm that was recovered was stolen.