Kearney Police Department cruiser, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — On Friday, July 25, 2025, at approximately 10:15am, Kearney Police Department Officers were notified by Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras that a vehicle stolen from New Hampshire was in Kearney.
Within minutes of the report, KPD officers located the stolen vehicle and the driver parked at Fort Kearny Museum, 131 Central Avenue.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 54-year-old Fred Cross, was contacted and gave officers a false name. KPD Officers conducted an investigation which determined the license plates were stolen from a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 from New Hampshire, and placed on the stolen truck, a 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 recently stolen from Laconia, New Hampshire.
The stolen pickup was loaded with hundreds of items, including two outboard Yamaha boat motors. Upon further investigation, it was determined the boat motors and rest of the contents in the truck were also stolen from multiple burglaries and thefts in and around Laconia, New Hampshire, which were reported shortly after the truck was stolen. KPD has been working with Law Enforcement in Laconia, New Hampshire as well as the individuals whose stolen items were recovered in the truck.
Cross was placed under arrest for possession of stolen property over $5000, possession of controlled substance, methamphetamine, and false reporting. Cross was also cited for possession of marijuana less than 1oz, possession of drug paraphernalia and an open alcohol container.
Flock ALPR’s are strategically located throughout the city and Buffalo County, assisting in locating stolen vehicles, people with arrest warrants, missing or endangered children and adults as well as identify suspect vehicles in crimes. ALPR’s enhance traditional policing methods allowing KPD to respond swiftly and safely to emerging threats to our community.
The use of ALPR’s is strictly managed by department policy and state statute. Thanks to a quick and efficient notification by the Flock ALPR system, KPD officers were able to locate and recover a stolen vehicle, hundreds of stolen items and arrest the driver who is also a suspect in multiple burglaries and thefts in New Hampshire.
The successful resolution of this incident highlights the critical role technology, such as ALPR’s, play in law enforcement today. Kearney Police Department Officers are working with Law Enforcement agencies in New Hampshire. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies along with technology highlights KPD’s commitment to proactive crime prevention and community protection.
This incident underscores the efforts of law enforcement officers supported by advanced technology and has once again demonstrated the effectiveness of proactive crime-fighting methods to ensure public safety. The quick action of our officers likely prevented additional burglaries and thefts to others in and around Kearney.
