Standoff ends with arrest near McCook after four hours

McCOOK, Neb. -- A North Platte man wanted on drug and weapons charges was arrested after exiting a mobile home south of McCook early Tuesday morning following a 4 1/2-hour standoff.

Merrill Johnston III, 36, North Platte was wanted on a warrant from the U.S. Marshals Service and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Johnston reported fled when McCook Police attempted to stop the Jaguar he was driving about 8:12 p.m. Monday on North Highway 83, and the Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol were called in to assist at 8:37 p.m.

Officers surround a mobile home south of McCook where a wanted North Platte man was involved in a four-hour standoff.

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During the second pursuit, the car went into the ditch and the driver fled on foot toward several trailer homes, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Officers set up a perimeter around the area and witnesses identified which home the suspect had entered.

After the State Patrol’s SWAT team responded, and repeated calls for Johnston to surrender, he exited the home at about 2:15 a.m. and was taken into custody, lodged in the Red Willow County Jail on an active warrant, with additional charges pending. No one was injured in the incident.

Merrill Johnston

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

The Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department also assisted with the incident.