On Friday, July 17, 2026, at approximately 3:48 p.m., deputies with the Nance County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a reported domestic assault that had just occurred at a residence in the 600 block of Fuller Street in Fullerton.
Upon arrival, deputies located an adult female victim who had sustained multiple injuries consistent with an assault, Nance County Sheriff Ben Bakewell said in a statement. Deputies immediately secured the scene, provided assistance to the victim, and began interviewing witnesses.
The suspect, Tristan Gibbs, 28, fled the residence on foot shortly after the deputies' arrival.
According to information provided by the victim, Gibbs intended to steal a vehicle and flee to his home state of Kansas, Bakewell said. Deputies also learned that Gibbs had made statements to acquaintances indicating that he was having suicidal thoughts.
Given the nature of the incident, the possibility that the suspect could possibly harm someone or himself while attempting to steal a vehicle, and concerns for public safety, an extensive search was initiated. Deputies from the Nance County Sheriff's Office were assisted by officers from the Central Nebraska Special Response Team, who utilized multiple law enforcement resources including an unmanned aerial system (drone), a K-9 team, and numerous officers conducting a coordinated ground search.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Nance County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from Nance County Emergency Management to distribute a public emergency text alert to residents, advising them of the ongoing law enforcement activity and asking them to remain vigilant while the search was underway.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Gibbs was located hiding near the scene of the assault and taken into custody without incident.
Gibbs was transported to the Merrick County Detention Facility, where he was booked on the following charges: Third Degree Domestic Assault, Resisting Arrest and Obstructing a Peace Officer.
The victim received medical attention for her injuries. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be considered as further evidence is reviewed.The Nance County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Central Nebraska Special Response Team, and Nance County Emergency Management, for their professionalism and cooperation during this incident.
As with all criminal cases, the charges filed are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.