By David Leavitt
APD Chief
At approximately 11:10 am on 9/15/24, officers were dispatched to 416 Errebo Place on a disturbance call. Upon arrival, Gregory L. Buethe M/W DOB 06/23/87 was cursing, screaming, and refused to talk to officers.
The suspect’s mother told police that Mr. Buethe is off his meds and has a history of mental illness. He broke a window in the home and assaulted his mother by throwing a table at her, causing a knee injury. Officers attempted to interview Mr. Buethe, however despite efforts to deescalate the situation, he became more agitated and violent toward officers. Mr. Buethe picked up a large piece of wood and threw it at Sergeant David LaDuke, causing a fracture to his leg.
At that time, officers deployed a Taser to attempt to gain control of the suspect. The Taser had minimal effect, and the suspect retreated into the home. Additional officers were summoned to the scene and surrounded the house. After interviewing the suspect’s mother and brother, it was determined that there were no guns in the home and no reason to believe the suspect was armed.
Once sufficient manpower was on the scene, officers made entry into the home and took the suspect into custody. Although no additional force was used to take the suspect into custody, Sergeant Tim Peterson was assaulted during the arrest when the suspect struck him in the groin. The suspect was transported to the Box Butte County Jail and will face multiple 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 the Alliance Fire Department for their assistance.