KIMBALL -- A Kimball man facing a felony theft charge appeared in Kimball County Court July 24 following his arrest. 

Twenty-nine-year-old Cody Green of Kimball was charged with Class 4 Felony theft by unlawful taking between the amount of $1,500 - $4,999. This amount is based on the value of the truck he allegedly took. 

Green appeared in court without counsel and chose to move forward with self-representation. He then waived his right to a preliminary hearing and his case moved to District Court where his first hearing is August 6. 

In court, Green claimed that his charge should be dismissed due to the vehicle that he allegedly stole not being listed as a stolen vehicle. 

Chief of Police Jose Ruiz told News Channel Nebraska that when a vehicle is reported as stolen, the arresting officer inputs the vehicle in a database, and the National Crime Information Center then releases a bulletin nationwide for that stolen vehicle. Once a vehicle is recovered, it gets taken out of the system.

On May 12, Ruiz responded to a call and upon further investigation, found probable cause that Green took a truck that did not belong to him and was clearly told not to take. The Kimball Police Department couldn’t find Green that day, so they gave the report to the county attorney, who then issued the warrant for the stolen vehicle. 

On July 16, NCO Deputy Garrett Pedersen was conducting a traffic stop when he spotted a car that he suspected belonged to Green. After that was a dead-end, he got a tip that Green was staying at one of the local motels. The deputy went to the motel and found the room Green was staying in and arrested him. 

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court of law.