Gering man arrested in stolen firearm investigation

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Gering man following an investigation into firearms stolen from the Minatare Police Department.

Tuesday afternoon, investigators arrested Bryan Martinez, 32, at his residence in Gering. Martinez is employed as an officer for the Minatare Police Department, as well as the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began in January when a local retailer informed the Nebraska State Patrol that Martinez had written a bad check. During that investigation, NSP learned that multiple firearms were missing from the Minatare Police Department.

Investigators were able to determine that Martinez had sold three firearms to a local pawn shop. Those three firearms belonged to the Minatare Police Department.

Martinez has been lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail for theft by unlawful taking and issuing or passing a bad check. The investigation remains ongoing.