Taser used in Valentine trespassing case

VALENTINE, Neb. - A 29-year-old Valentine man is facing charges after authorities say he attempted to break into an apartment, threatened a woman inside, and refused to comply with law enforcement commands. Dylan Poland is facing charges of terroristic threats and first-degree criminal trespass following the March 29 incident, which occurred around 11:30 p.m.

According to court documents, Poland attempted to break into an apartment while holding a pocket knife and threatening to harm himself. The woman inside told authorities that Poland warned her not to call law enforcement, saying they would have to kill him if they came. A minor child was also inside the apartment at the time.

Police say Poland kicked in the apartment door, damaging the frame, before leaving the scene. Officers later found him outside a different apartment, where court documents allege that he refused to comply with commands.

“I pursued Poland on foot and when I exited the door Poland was standing within arm’s reach and striking range of me. Due to the nature of the call, threats made by Poland, and the weapon involved a Taser was deployed,” the responding officer wrote in an affidavit.

The officer stated that he found a knife in the open position with the blade showing in Poland’s pocket.