An Alliance man is scheduled to be arraigned in Box Butte County District Court later this month after his case was bound over from the Box Butte County Court in May.
Norman Sward, 64, of Alliance, is charged with attempting a class 2A felony, a class 3A felony. The case arises from an incident on May 9. According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, at 11:30 a.m., officers with the Alliance Police Department were dispatched to the 1200 block of Emerson Avenue in response to the report of a black Ford Ranger pickup driving erratically, and appearing to attempt to hit a pedestrian.
When officers began searching the area, Sward called APD dispatch, telling them he was located at 15th Street and Emerson Avenue waiting for law enforcement, according to the Affidavit. Officers made contact with Sward and noted that he was having difficulty standing still. They observed him to be sweating profusely and having difficulty speaking.
“Sward advised he was following (a man) in his truck as (he) allegedly stole Sward’s phone,” the Affidavit stated.
Officers conducted several tests, though the officers ceased them as they were concerned for Sward’s safety.
“Sward advised he last consumed one ‘bowl’ of methamphetamine approximately 3 hours before he was contacted by Law Enforcement Officers,” the Affidavit stated. “Sward advised in a fit of anger he attempted to hit (the man) with his truck. Sward acknowledged (the man) was dodging the truck, signifying (the man) believed he could be hit. Sward advised he knows if he hit (the man) with the truck, it could have caused death.”
Officers noted that Sward drove through several front yards along Emerson Avenue during the incident. He was released into the custody of jail staff. His bond was set at 10 percent of $100,000.