Kearney Police Department describes incident of police officer being attacked at fair | 1340 KGFW

Kearney Police Department (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)

KEARNEY – On Thursday, July 25, 2024, two Kearney Police Officers were off-duty as part of a police operation at the Buffalo County Fair in Kearney.

At approximately 10:45 p.m., officers observed a physical altercation in which one man was throwing punches and another man was bleeding above his left eye. Kearney police officers, along with private security guards, made contact with the man throwing punches and immediately handcuffed him.

In an effort to de-escalate the situation and determine exactly what had happened, officers ordered the arrested man to sit down. At this point, the man refused to sit down, did not comply with officers’ commands, resisted and evaded officers. Officers forcibly placed the man on the ground.

While on the ground, the suspect continued to resist and spat saliva in the face of one of the officers. The officer immediately responded and restrained the suspect by placing one hand on his right shoulder and the other hand on the side of his face to prevent the suspect from spitting further in the officer’s face. Finally, the officer placed both hands on the suspect’s face and turned him toward the ground to prevent further spitting.

The perpetrator was later identified as 19-year-old Isaac Whiteface of Kearney. Whitface 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.

Isacc Whiteface, (Buffalo County Jail, courtesy)

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 an 11-year veteran and a 2 ½-year veteran.

The report goes through several levels of leadership and review, starting with the immediate supervisor. After the initial review, the report is forwarded to the Watch Commander, the Office of Professional Standards, the Division Commander, and the Chief of Police.

As of Friday, July 26, 2024, the report on this incident had already gone through several levels of this process. On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Kearney Police Department was made aware of a cell phone video circulating on social media related to this case. We monitored the video and
noticed that it was filmed from an angle behind the officers involved. We also saw 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 objective, at no time did the officer strike the individual. Using an open 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 our community’s concern. While it is our goal and hope not to use force during a lawful arrest, our officers are trained and expected to respond professionally and defend themselves and others. I appreciate the opportunity to complete a thorough internal review process that is conducted for every call that results in a use of force by members of the Kearney Police Department.” – Chief Bryan D. Waugh

After the spitting, the second officer involved took over the situation and took the suspect into custody while the first officer cleaned the saliva the suspect had spit on him from his face, eyes and mouth.

Prior to the arrest, officers observed no injuries and Whiteface did not report any injuries or request medical treatment in connection with this collision.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kearney Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards at (308) 233-5256.