WNCC Rooftop Standoff

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — Early Tuesday morning, Panhandle Scanner posted an alert about an ongoing situation at Western Nebraska Community College. Employees were advised to stay away from the building until law enforcement gave the all clear. Employees were advised later to report to campus by 10:00 a.m.

6:41 a.m. – Early morning situation ongoing at WNCC in Scottsbluff with multiple police vehicles and a man on the roof. Getting more details now. Please stay clear and be aware of your surroundings.

7:03 a.m. – BREAKING SITUATION at WNCC

STUDENTS: WNCC ALERT: Person with weapon on Scottsbluff Campus. Do not come to campus until notified.

7:32 a.m. – ALERT via Scottsbluff Fire Department

There is currently an active situation at WNCC that multiple agencies are dealing with. For your safety and the safety of the agencies on scene we ask that you stay out of the immediate area. Your cooperation is appreciated.

The individual was identified as Juan Delacruzzer who was livestreaming from the roof, please pray for him. He is demanding to see his kids, and to get something to eat and something to drink.

Scottsbluff Police Department PRESS RELEASE

On July 21, 2026 at approximately 3:42 am, the Scottsbluff Police Department was dispatched to the Western Nebraska Community College campus as Security had located a subject attempting to gain access to parked vehicles. Scottsbluff Police Officers arrived on scene and located the subject wearing a mask and carrying a backpack. The subject said he was going to shoot and kill officers and continued telling officers to shoot him. The male ran from officers and was able to climb on to the roof of the Auto Tech building. Scottsbluff Police determined the male subject to be in a mental health crisis. The male then laid down on the roof and refused to comply with officer commands.

A perimeter was established around the building and negotiators were called. Negotiators maintained contact for nearly five hours before the male ingested an unknown number of prescription medications. Shortly after the male subject had ingested the medications, he became lethargic. A team of officers was established and made entry to the roof via an external ladder. Once the subject was secured medical personnel were given access to the rooftop and the subject and medical care was immediately provided. The subject was taken to RWMC where medical care continues.

Scottsbluff Police were assisted by the Gering Police Department, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Fire Department, Regional West Ambulance Service and WNCC Security.