Kearney teenager arrested for attacking police at Buffalo County Fair

KEARNEY, Nebraska (KSNB) – A 19-year-old Kearney man was arrested for assaulting a police officer at the Buffalo County Fair.

On Thursday, July 25, two off-duty KPD officers were working security at the Buffalo County Fair where they witnessed a fight that resulted in one man flailing and another man bleeding above his eye at approximately 10:45 p.m. The security officers and KPD officers were able to apprehend and handcuff the flailing man.

The officers ordered the suspect to sit down, but he refused and continued to resist arrest, causing the officers to run away.

The KPD managed to get the man to the ground, where he spat saliva in the face of one of the officers. The officers held his head down to prevent further spitting.

The man was identified as 19-year-old Isaac Whiteface of Kearney. Whiteface was arrested and charged with assault on a police officer with bodily fluid, third-degree assault, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer and disorderly conduct.

As with all use of force encounters by members of the Kearney Police Department, and in accordance with Kearney Police policy, this incident was accurately documented and reported by the officers involved. The officers involved are one 11-year veteran and one 2 ½-year veteran. The report goes through multiple levels of leadership and review, beginning with the immediate supervisor. After the initial review, the report is forwarded to the Watch Commander, Office of Professional Standards, Division Commander, and Chief of Police.

On Saturday, Kearney police became aware of a cell phone video circulating on social media in connection with this case.

KPD Chief Bryan D. Waugh issued a statement on the incident:

“We reviewed the video and determined that it was filmed from an angle behind the officers involved. We also viewed the body-worn camera video of the two KPD officers involved.”

“Since the release of the cell phone video, there have been inaccurate and completely false comments on social media platforms regarding this arrest and the lawful response to resistance. We provide services, solutions and opportunities to our community. From a Kearney Police Officer. At no time was a chokehold used, at no time was the use of force greater than necessary to achieve a lawful goal, at no time did the officer strike the individual. Using the palm of his hand, the officer directed the individual’s face and mouth to the ground to avoid further spitting and to defend himself. The officers involved acted in a manner consistent with department training, policies and procedures and used only the minimum amount of force necessary in response to resistance and active spitting. I am thankful that the officers and individual involved were not more seriously injured and appreciate the outpouring of concern from our community.”

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