Scottsbluff Home Invasion

By Raul Fernandez

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — On September 9, 2025 at approximately 5 a.m., Officer Littau was dispatched to 2516 Ave C. Authorities had received a report of a residential break-in and now the burglar was forcing the reporting party’s husband to take him somewhere in their own vehicle. Reader discretion is advised.

The victims reported that they were woken up by the alarm on his phone and heard someone near their closet. When they called out who was there the suspect replied he was David Lucero. The suspect was putting on clothes from the closet and taking off saying he was doing bad things. He went on to tell the victims that he had kicked in the door, causing damage to the back door and told the victim to get in his car and take him somewhere.

Being afraid the victim complied, while walking outside he notes the damaged door and that all the doors to his vehicle were opened. The suspect explained that he had covered the victim’s sleeping child with a blanket because he was not covered.

Around that time, Officer Littau had arrived and observed a gray vehicle exiting the driveway. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but they continued north bound on Ave C before stopping several houses down. The driver exited the vehicle with his hands up and barefoot saying that the male he was looking for was in the car.

The officer approached the passenger side and noticed a strong odor of alcohol eminating from the suspect. He was then instructed to exit the vehicle with his hands up, but he refused saying not to shoot and that the driver was his brother. He eventually exited after multiple commands to do so. He was advised that he was under arrest causing him to tense up. That’s when he identified himself again as David Lucero (35). With the assistance of another officer they finally got him handcuffed and escorted to the patrol car, where he sat as the victim gave their statement.

The victim explained that he did not know the suspect nor had he ever seen him before that night. He also stated that he was missing a TV.

A TV was located in the neighboring house and covered with a blanket from the victim’s residence. Also the suspect had a backpack that belonged to the victims and inside were several personal items that belonged to the victims.

David was transported to Regional West Medical center for medical clearance. When leaving, he resisted going back into the patrol vehicle, but was assisted and then taken to jail. He was charged with:

• Burglary
• Criminal mischief, Property damage
• 1st degree false imprisonment
• Obstructing a peace officer
• Resisting arrest

On October 3, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges and will reappear in District Court on January 21, 2026. His bond is currently $200,000/10%.

We will continue to monitor this case closely.