North Platte Man Arrested for Multiple Charges

On February 28, 2017 at 00:31 a.m., a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy checked on a vehicle parked at the “Tail Race” (where NPPD Canal and the South Platte River merge). The Deputy noticed the male and female occupants of the vehicle were acting suspicious; also a very large aggressive dog was in the vehicle.

The Deputy met with the female passenger who was identified as thirty-three year old Melissa Stafford of North Platte. As Ms. Stafford was getting out of the vehicle she dropped a glass pipe commonly used to smoke Methamphetamine. Ms. Stafford became agitated and would not cooperate with the Deputy. While dealing with Ms. Stafford the Deputy observed the male driver of the vehicle move into the passenger side of the vehicle. The Deputy was finally able to secure Ms. Stafford and contacted the driver. The Deputy found the pipe was now gone and presumed to be in the possession of the driver.

The driver was identified as thirty-four year old Christopher Tagwerker of North Platte, NE. The Deputy attempted to detain Mr. Tagwerker and he would not fully comply. Mr. Tagwerker was removed from the vehicle and began to resist. Mr. Tagwerker made it back to the vehicle with the aggressive dog. Mr. Tagwerker locked himself in the vehicle and started it.

Mr. Tagwerker attempted to flee forward and almost ran over the Deputy. He then backed up toward the Deputy and eventually sped away. The Deputy was unable to pursue Mr. Tagwerker as he had Ms. Stafford detained.

Ms. Stafford was taken to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and cited for Obstructing a Peace Officer and released. Deputies and North Platte Police searched for Mr. Tagwerker for several hours with limited results.
On March 2, 2017 at 00:15 a.m., Deputies located Mr. Tagwerker at a residence in North Platte, he was taken into custody. Mr. Tagwerker was charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest and Flight to Avoid Arrest. The investigation into this matter continues and further charges may be forthcoming

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