Firearm Charge Dismissed

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — A Scottsbluff man has been sentenced to prison following a July 2025 incident in which he confronted occupants of a vehicle at an intersection while wielding a handgun.

Juan De La Cruz, 29, was sentenced Sept. 25 in Scotts Bluff County District Court by Judge Andrea Miller to 24 months with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, followed by 18 months of post-release supervision. He was granted 82 days of credit for time served.

According to court affidavits, Gering police responded July 3, 2025, to a report of an altercation near the intersection of U Street and Five Rocks Road.

While vehicles were stopped, De La Cruz allegedly exited an SUV, approached a nearby vehicle and tapped aggressively on the window with a small handgun while yelling at those inside.

De La Cruz was originally charged with terroristic threats, a Class IIIA felony, and use of a firearm to commit a felony, a Class IC felony.

Under a plea agreement, De La Cruz pleaded no contest to the terroristic threats charge, and the firearm charge was dismissed. In addition to his prison sentence and post-release supervision, De La Cruz was ordered to pay court costs and associated administrative fees.