Pickup stolen, suspect at large

Simkins

GOTHENBURG, Neb. — Authorities are looking for a man believed to have stolen a pickup truck in rural Dawson County.

According to a Facebook post by the Frontier County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy stopped to assist a stranded motorist on Highway 23 near Road 750 Sunday at 9:30 p.m., when the man, later identified as Austin Simkins, 25, Ogallala, gave false information and fled on foot into an open field.

Despite the deputy’s call for assistance, Simkins evaded capture and allegedly stole a pickup from a rural Dawson County residence nearby.

A Dawson County deputy later located the stolen vehicle in Gothenburg, but the driver fled on foot, and a search was called off after two hours.

Anyone who may have information on Simkins’ location is asked to contact the nearest law enforcement agency.

The Frontier County Sheriff’s Office expressed thanks to the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Gothenburg Police Department for assistance.