Mom Involves Son and Friends in Assault

(MERRICK COUNTY, Neb.) — The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office arrested four people in connection with the early morning home invasion and violent assault of a Merrick County resident.

Around 5:27 a.m., on 09-04-2025, deputies were detailed to an address on 34th Road in rural Merrick County to investigate a report of a home alarm activation. While deputies were en route a 911 call was received by the resident of the home advising he had been physically assaulted. When deputies arrived at the location, they located the male subject who sustained serious injuries to his head. There was also extensive damage to a doorway where the suspects forcibly gained entry into the residence.

The victim suffered multiple head lacerations, abrasions, a fracture, as well as active bleeding from multiple areas of his head during this violent attack. He was transported to Columbus Community Hospital by ambulance and later flown to a trauma facility for treatment of serious injuries he sustained during this incident. He has since been released.

The victim was violently attacked by four individuals, of whom he was able to identify two of them. A firearm, cell phone, and wallet were also taken from the victim during the attack.

Immediately, deputies, along with the Merrick County Attorney’s Office worked diligently to obtain arrest warrants for the suspects involved. The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Columbus, Nebraska Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

• Jennifer L. Arends-Columbus, NE ARRESTED 09/04/2025
• DOB: 12/09/1979
• Charges:
  • Assault-1st Degree-F
  • Possession of Firearm While Commit Felony-F
  • Burglary-F
  • Terroristic Threats-F
  • Tamper With Physical Evidence-F
  • Criminal Mischief-F
  • Theft-Unlawful Taking-M

• Juvenile Offender-Columbus, NE ARRESTED 09/04/2025
• DOB: 15
• Charges:
  • Assault 1st Degree-F
  • Criminal Mischief-M

• Juvenile Offender-Columbus, NE ARRESTED 09/08/2025
• DOB: 17
• Charges:
  • Assault 1st Degree-F
  • Conspiracy to Commit Robbery-F
  • Burglary-F
  • Terroristic Threats-F

• Juvenile Offender-Columbus, NE ARRESTED 09/09/2025
• DOB: 17
• Charges:
  • Assault 1st Degree-F
  • Terroristic Threats-F
  • Burglary-F
  • Conspiracy to Commit Robbery-F
  • Use of a Firearm to Commit a Felony-F

The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who has information regarding this case to please contact us at 308-946-2345.

We have already received calls regarding these individuals, and your information is valuable and appreciated. This case will remain active as we continue to pursue all information that we receive.