Traffic Stop Leads to Possession Arrest

From York County Nebraska Sheriff's Office

(YORK, Neb.) — On 09/17/2025 at approximately 23:19 hours, a deputy with York County Nebraska Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Interstate 80 for a traffic violation. During the stop, it was discovered that one of the occupants had active warrants out of Arkansas and Lancaster County, NE.

Throughout the stop, the deputy was able to develop reasonable articulable suspicion that criminal activity was afoot, and the occupants were detained for a police service dog deployment. Due to our K9 unit being on vacation, we obtained outside assistance from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, and an old friend of ours, Deputy Smejdir, deployed his Police Service Dog, Dani, who indicated on the vehicle for the odor of an illegal narcotic. A search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a deadly weapon.

The driver, identified as Brian R. Bower, of Lincoln, NE was arrested and lodged at York County Corrections on the following charges:

• Possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine 29-140 grams (28-416(10)(B))
• Possession with intent to distribute (28-416(1)(A))
• No drug tax stamp (77-4309)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia (28-441)

The passenger, identified as Kenneth L. Hicks, of Lincoln, NE was arrested and lodged at York County Corrections on the following charges:

• Possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine 29-140 grams (28-416(10)(B))
• Possession with intent to distribute (28-416(1)(A))
• Possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person (28-1206)
• Possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of felony (28-1205)
• No drug tax stamp (77-4309)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia (28-441)
• Lancaster County Warrant