Merrick County Sheriff’s captain recovering after being seriously injured pursuing suspect

CENTRAL CITY, Neb. — A Nebraska sheriff’s captain is recovering in a hospital after sustaining serious injuries while pursuing a suspect.

The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office says Captain Jake Bauer fell down an embankment when chasing a fleeing suspect on Aug. 26. Medical personnel transported him to an Omaha trauma facility to treat injuries to his right knee, leg, left elbow and wrist.

A department social media post says Bauer couldn’t have immediate surgery because of swelling. Doctors eventually performed the surgery on Sept. 4 and deemed it successful. Through surgery, doctors determined his pain blocker was unsuccessful and developed a new pain management plan.

“During this time, Jake developed multiple ileus's requiring an NG tube to be placed to help reduce abdominal distention, in addition, several small blood clots were discovered in his lungs, and there was a need to increase his oxygen,” the post said.

All of those issues are considered stable and can be resolved with medication.

The post says Bauer will receive rehabilitation services and could return to work in a couple months. The department doesn’t expect to release him to full duty for several months.

Locals organized a meal train to assist Bauer and his family. They also made gifts including donations, gift cards, childcare assistance, snacks and words of encouragement.

“It is from the bottom of our hearts that we extend a very sincere THANK YOU to all those that have sent well wishes, thoughtful prayers, food, monetary donations, gift cards, and offers of service,” Bauer said. “My wife and I will never be able to find the words to show just how much each and every gesture has meant to us.”