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Stella Man Arrested Following Alleged Church Vandalism

By John Nixon

01/20/2015

(KLZA)-- A Stella man is accused of causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to a church and threatening officers.

23-year-old Ethen Bentley is facing charges including terroristic threats, criminal and burglary following his arrest early Monday.

Richardson County Sheriff Don Pounds and Deputy Clinton Stonebarger responded to the Grace Bible Church east of Stella along Highway 62 at about 12:45 Monday morning. An individual called law enforcement to report Bentley was vandalizing the church, was armed and allegedly looking to kill a law enforcement officer in Falls City.

The officers discovered Bentley leaving the church property on foot and approached him. Bentley’s clothes were blood-stained and the officers ordered him to lie on the ground. After starting to lie down, Deputy Stonebarger states in the Affidavit of Probable Cause that Bentley quickly got up and came at him, refusing to obey commands and continuing toward the deputy in an aggressive manner. Stonebarger deployed his Taser and Bentley was placed under arrest.

Bentley continued to struggle with restraints while waiting on an ambulance. After transfer to Community Medical Center in Falls City, Bentley continued to fight restraints and several times threatened officers, their families and hospital staff.

After being treated for his injuries Bentley was transported to a facility in Lincoln for evaluation. Damage to the church was estimated at $10,000. Bentley allegedly gained entry to the building by breaking glass.

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