Nebraska child abuse suspect caught after days-long manhunt

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Authorities on Friday captured a man accused of felony child abuse after a days-long manhunt in Buffalo County.

Buffalo County authorities have been searching for 24-year-old Jacob Ellingson since Sunday.

He is accused of injuring a one-year-old girl, who was flown to Omaha Children’s Hospital due to breathing issues.

The Kearney Police Department says the tip came in Friday, around 3:30 a.m.

Ellingson was found inside a home near 115th and Grove Road, just north of Kearney.

Police said negotiations went on for several minutes, but he eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.

Ellingson has since been booked into the Buffalo County Jail.

“The tireless efforts from our Investigators, Police Officers, Deputies, allied law enforcement partners, and support staff, to locate and apprehend this fugitive has been exceptional,” Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh said in a statement. “I appreciate the patience from our community and more importantly, the willingness to report information, as officers followed up on countless leads with professionalism and commitment. I am incredibly thankful and relieved this fugitive is in custody. Our Investigators will continue to work this case and anyone found to have aided or knowingly harbored this fugitive will be held accountable.”