Bartley man dies in custody

McCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that Blaine Allen Frerichs, 22, of Bartley, Nebraska, died while in custody at the Red Willow County Detention Center.

Court documents show that Frerichs was arrested on Monday, Jan. 12 and charged with DUI over .15, first offense. According to the arresting officer’s report, Frerichs’ blood alcohol content was measured at .325.

The language in the arresting officer’s report indicates that Frerichs was cooperative and non-resistant throughout the encounter, and the officer noted, “He has no real criminal history.”

Records further show that the officer took Frerichs for medical evaluation before returning him to the detention center, where he was being held in lieu of a $5,000 bond. An original court appearance had been scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff Kevin Darling issued a press release stating, “It is with deepest sympathy that I report the passing of Blaine Allen Frerichs while in custody of the Red Willow County Detention Center. The incident is being investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.”

Darling acknowledged assistance from McCook Fire Department paramedics and the McCook Police Department and added, “Although the incident is still under investigation, there is, at least initially, no indication of trauma, self-imposed or otherwise.”

He concluded, “Our prayers and condolences to the family and friends.”

An autopsy has been ordered by Red Willow County Attorney Paul Wood.