Southeast Nebraska traffic stop eventually leads to three arrests, drug charges

FAIRBURY, NE — Three Fairbury residents are facing charges after authorities started investigating a man who fled a traffic stop.

Jefferson County Sheriff Nels Sorensen says 32-year-old Ronald John Jr. fled a traffic stop initiated by the Nebraska State Patrol on Thursday morning. Officials from multiple agencies couldn’t find John during a five-hour search.

Sorensen says John was eventually arrested near Highway 136 and Oak Street in Fairbury around 3:00 p.m. While searching for John, deputies checked residences of known associates. Sorensen says those checks led deputies to obtain a search warrant.  Deputies say they found large amounts of drugs and paraphernalia in a residence.

John faces charges including operating a vehicle to avoid arrest, obstructing justice and driving during suspension.

43-year-old Cynthia Rice and 48-year-old Edward McGinnis each face seven drug charges and a child abuse charge.