Saunders County rural bridge damaged by explosive device | Crime-and-courts

On Feb. 1, an explosive device was placed on a bridge rail on County Road 19 between County Road J and County Road K, west of Wahoo, according to Saunders County Sheriff Kevin Stukenholtz.

The sheriff said his office is concerned that the person or persons involved could be seriously injured or killed if they continue.

“Individuals who have these kinds of high-powered explosives are putting themselves and other people at risk,” Stukenholtz said.

The Sheriff’s Department and other Saunders County law enforcement agencies have received reports of explosions in the county in recent weeks and months, leading investigators to believe that the incidents could be linked to the same suspects.

“It’s been going on for a while,” Stukenholtz said. “We think they’re probably related.”

Stukenholtz said his office has leads in the investigation, is asking the public to provide information by calling the sheriff’s office at 402-443-1000, or giving an anonymous tip through the Saunders County Crimestoppers number at 402-443-8181. The sheriff’s office also requested information on its Facebook page.

County Public Works Director Andy Nordstrom said damage to the bridge is estimated at around $500.

There was no structural damage, Nordstrom said. However, if the explosive device had been placed a few meters above, the main support would have been significantly damaged, he added.

The bridge will be closed for the next few weeks while the investigation continues. The National Fire Agency is also involved in the case.