Chair Toss Ends in Jail

(GERING, Neb.) — A Scottsbluff man was sentenced to seven days in jail after throwing a chair through a window and telling responding officers he would not pay a fine or appear in court.

Martin Palomo, 54, pleaded guilty in Scotts Bluff County Court to prohibited destruction of property, an infraction.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Scottsbluff Police Officer Ben Luckinbill, officers responded to a verbal disturbance at 4A Erin Lane late September 19. Upon arrival, a reporting party told police that an intoxicated Palomo had become rowdy and broken a house window. Witnesses said they saw Palomo break the storm window, which was valued at between $70 and $130.

Palomo left the scene but was located shortly afterward near 710 E. Overland Drive. He admitted to throwing a chair that broke the window but said he did not intend to break it. However, as officers prepared a citation for vandalism, Palomo told them he would not pay the fine or appear in court.

Officers then arrested Palomo on suspicion of vandalism. After being medically cleared at Regional West Medical Center, he was booked into the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center.

Court records show Palomo was sentenced September 21 to seven days in the Scotts Bluff County Jail, with credit for three days already served. He was also ordered to pay $49 in court costs.