DUI, Child Abuse Charges Filed

(GERING, Neb.) — A 22-year-old Scottsbluff woman faces multiple criminal charges, including child abuse and second-offense DUI, following an early morning traffic stop Sept. 30 near South Beltline Highway West.

Alicia Gibson was arrested around 2:25 a.m. by the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office after a deputy observed erratic driving along Avenue I.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Deputy Kale Hamilton, deputies on routine patrol around 1:47 a.m. observed a silver 2022 Chevrolet Traverse cross the fog line multiple times before stopping at a green light and striking a curb while turning into the Essential Fuels parking lot.

When Hamilton approached the vehicle, he initially found a different woman sitting in the driver’s seat, while Gibson was sitting on the lap of another adult in the middle rear seat.

Two young children, ages 2 years and 6 months, were also inside the vehicle in child restraint seats.

According to the affidavit, law enforcement determined Gibson, the registered owner of the vehicle, had been operating it before the traffic stop.

Deputies reported seeing an open BuzzBall alcohol container in the center console and observed signs of impairment from Gibson, including bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol.

Standardized field sobriety tests were not performed because Gibson reportedly had been physically assaulted. A preliminary breath test, however, reportedly showed a result above the legal limit.

A records check showed Gibson’s driver’s license was revoked and that she had one prior DUI conviction. She also was unable to provide proof of insurance.

Gibson was medically cleared at Regional West Medical Center, where a legal blood draw was conducted, before she was booked into the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center.

Gibson faces six charges in Scotts Bluff County Court:

• DUI, .08 blood, second offense — Class W misdemeanor
• Driving under suspension/before reinstatement — Class 3 misdemeanor
• Possession/consumption of an open alcohol container — Infraction
• No proof of insurance — Class 2 misdemeanor
• Negligent child abuse, no injury — Class 1 misdemeanor
• Negligent child abuse, no injury — Class 1 misdemeanor

Gibson pleaded not guilty to all charges during her Oct. 1 arraignment.

County Court Judge Kristen D. Mickey set bond at $15,000. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. Nov. 18, 2026, in Scotts Bluff County Courtroom No. 2.