PC Sheriff’s department responds to break in in rural Elsie

BY BECKY UEHLING - GRANT TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT

On Monday, Sept. 22, the Perkins County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded to an emergency call for service at a rural residence near Elsie. According to Sheriff Scott Miller, a couple had returned home following a vacation and discovered someone had broken out a window and was inside their house. The couple placed a 911 call and stayed on the line to provide updates, Miller said.

After the arrival of Sheriff Miller and a deputy, 42-year-old Nicole Echo Russell of North Platte was arrested and booked into the Keith County Jail in Ogallala. Miller said as a result of the investigation, Russell faces charges of burglary, first degree criminal trespassing, obstructing a peace officer, unauthorized use of a propelled vehicle, and criminal mischief. Charges for theft may be added as well, he said. According to the PCSO, Russell is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“We commend the residents of the home and the Perkins County Emergency Management and 911 Communications Center Dispatchers for their handling of what was obviously a scary situation,” Sheriff Miller said.

Miller said their office will provide vacation security checks at properties in the county when requested. “This is a service the Sheriff’s Office is pleased to provide at no cost, and although we make no guarantees of complete property security, we will do our best to conduct patrols at or about the residences. Please contact us if you have questions or wish to request a vacation security check,” he said.

Miller said he also encourages residents to keep their homes, outbuildings, and vehicles locked when feasible. “Installing and maintaining modern home cameras has also become much more affordable, and many have found that they can be a very useful tool when it comes to property security as well,” Miller said.

Those who would like to request a property check by the PCSO can call the office at 308-352-7500.