Knight In Orange Armor

(GERING, Neb.) — A Morrill man was sentenced to time served following a plea agreement stemming from a July incident in which he threatened an officer during a traffic stop in Scottsbluff. Joseph R. Murdock, 59, was sentenced Oct. 5 in Scotts Bluff County Court.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, the incident occurred the evening of July 25, 2026, near 3322 Avenue I. An officer was conducting a traffic stop to arrest Murdock’s wife for trespassing when Murdock approached and attempted to intervene.

Court records state that Murdock refused commands to step back, clenched his fists and squared up to the officer. The officer drew a Taser and ordered Murdock to back away. Murdock then threatened the officer, stating, “I’ll put your god damned lights out, boy,” and refused orders to turn around and get on his knees. A second officer arrived shortly afterward and took Murdock into custody without further incident.

Murdock was originally charged with obstructing a peace officer, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and threatening or menacing assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Under a plea agreement between the prosecution and defense, the obstruction charge was dismissed. The assault charge was amended to attempted Class 1 misdemeanor assault, a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Murdock pled no contest to the amended charge and was found guilty by the court. He was sentenced to two days in the Scotts Bluff County Jail, receiving credit for the two days already served. He was also ordered to pay court costs.