(GRAND ISLAND, Neb.) — On October 5, 2024 a drunk driver crashed into Olson Auction House at 716 St. Paul Road. The car caught fire after the crash, which spread to two buildings on the Olson campus, both of which were destroyed. Heriberto Gonzalez Castillo admitted to being the driver, failed a breathalyzer test, and was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance.
Olsen Furniture Outlet posted this on October 5th regarding the incident.
Due to an accident (a drunk driver drove through the wall of the annex building) early Saturday morning, 2 of our buildings have burnt down. We have no power to our main showroom. We will be closed tomorrow. We will let you all know when we have power and are able to reopen our showroom.
November 4, Heriberto Gonzalez Castillo, 24, was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor DUI, and driving without a license. He initially pleaded not guilty to all three charges and his trial was set Mar. 3. In January, he failed to appear at his court hearing and a bench warrant was issued. However, it later withdrawn when Gonzalez Castillo’s attorney pointed out a misunderstanding about the hearing dates.
On April 15, over six months later, Gonzalez Castillo was convicted of attempted possession of a controlled substance and first offense driving under the influence, both misdemeanors in February. A related charge of no operator’s license was dismissed. He was sentenced to 18 months probation on both counts to be served concurrently, or at the same time. The judge also sentenced him to a 60-day jail term which could be waived if he successfully follows the terms of his probation.
Chad Olson, owner and manager of Olsen Furniture Outlet posted about his frustration with this explination on Friday, April 18, 2025.
This is why there is so much crime in this country. This young man was 3 times the legal limit, driving his brothers car with no license, hit our buildings went through the wall started on fire and waited 20 min to call it in. He then got arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (meth in his wallet). This happened on Saturday morning and he was released on his on recognizance MONDAY morning.
This took away all the memorabilia from 66 years in business, caused my family months of stress and over $2,000,000.00 loss. They drop charges except 2 misdemeanors. Now he can get his license with a blow and go??
What did this teach him or other young kids?? Why have laws if we don’t enforce them?? NO fine, no restitution but cost me out of pocket $700,000.00 plus. The reason I was given by the prosecutor is they did not want to go to the expence of trial?? What about the victim losing 700k?? Wrong is wrong and it is messed up when the criminal has more rights than the victims. I don’t ever wish harm to this kid but jail time and restitution should have been a 100% must.
Discover more from Hale Multimedia LLC
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a Reply