Greeley County man arrested on drug charges after reportedly fleeing fire

GREELEY COUNTY, Neb. -- A man is behind bars on drug charges after a house fire in central Nebraska.

The Greeley County Sheriff's Office tells News Channel Nebraska that it got a call Sunday afternoon for a house fire near Highway 11 in western Greeley County.

Authorities say they got information that a person had started the fire and fled the area.

Law enforcement agencies from around the region, including Sheriff's deputies from Howard and Nance Counties.

Several hours later, authorities found the suspect, 33-year-old Martin Markvicka at the Happy Jack Chalk Mine near Scotia.

Markvicka reportedly had meth and marijuana on him.

Greeley County authorities say that Markvicka is now facing drug charges. Charges related to the fire are pending.