McCook Woman arrested for firing gun

STOCKVILLE, Neb. - On Friday, Jan. 3, Kenya Wheat, 49, of McCook was arrested and charged with attempt of a class 2 felony, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and terroristic threats.

According to court documents, at about 12:42 on Jan. 3, deputies with the Frontier County Sheriff’s Office were advised of an incident involving a firearm located on North Highway 83 in Frontier County.

When deputies arrived, the Nebraska State Patrol had Wheat in custody and were advised that Wheat had fired a single shot from a handgun outside the residence at or near a minor. Deputies interviewed the minor, who indicated that an argument took place with Wheat and another family member “over some pills.” The pills had been spilled on the floor, upsetting Wheat. Wheat then retrieved a gun while the minor picked up the pills, placing them into a basket. The minor had taken the pills out of the house to throw them away when Wheat stepped outside, firing a single gunshot from a Smith & Wesson nine mm handgun.

The spent casing from the fired shot was recovered by deputies along with the Smith & Wesson handgun. Deputies had responded to the residence twice the day prior. During those contacts, Wheat indicated that she had firearms for protection but did not brandish one. Wheat was transported to North Platte jail by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Wheat is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Frontier County Courthouse. The bond has been set at $500,000.