7 arrested after crimes at tornado-ravaged Garner Industries property, sheriff’s office says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Garner Industries is dealing with yet another problem after its building was demolished by a tornado in April.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference Monday detailing a string of crimes at the dismantled property.

Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said deputies have arrested seven people at Garner Industries throughout the last several weeks who were trespassing, stealing items or doing drugs.

SEE ALSO: Lancaster County business destroyed by tornado is laying off 62 employees

The building is surrounded by a fence, but Houchin said someone tore down a part of that fence and took it with them.

Houchin said the people who were arrested are not connected to Garner Industries in any way.

SEE ALSO: ‘Praying for God to save my life’: Lincoln man survived tornado hitting Garner Industries

President and CEO Scott McLain said in a statement that the company is working closely with the sheriff’s office to keep trespassers off the property:

“First off, the remaining wall sections and roof structure are unstable and entering the site is very dangerous. Secondly, we continue to navigate the insurance claim and to think after everything we have been through, to have to deal with trespassers stealing our property is frustrating. We really appreciate the sheriff’s department for their ongoing support and, rest assured, the trespassers are being prosecuted.”