Dogs, drones and a helicopter unable to find child abuse suspect in Nebraska manhunt

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A child abuse suspect who has been on the run for days continues to evade capture, despite a massive search on Monday.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office said someone reported seeing Jacob Ellingson shortly before 5 p.m. near 145th and Riverdale roads.

Deputies began searching the area with the help of Kearney Police and Nebraska state troopers.

Thermal imaging cameras, drones, dogs and even a helicopter were brought in.

They looked for the 24-year-old well into the night but could not find him.

He’s wanted on suspicion of two counts of felony child abuse after a 1-year-old was taken to a hospital on Friday.

The girl was having trouble breathing and immediately needed to be flown to Children’s Hospital in Omaha.

The Kearney Police Department said a thorough investigation determined that the child’s injuries were the result of criminal activity.

People are asked to continue reporting possible sightings of Ellingson.

You can call the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office at 308-236-8555 or contact Buffalo County Crimestoppers at 308-237-3424.

The sheriff’s office said the child remains hospitalized, and it’s asking for continued thoughts and prayers for the family.