By APD
ALLIANCE, Neb. — Two juveniles were taken into custody early Wednesday morning after attempting to steal alcoholic beverages from Maverik and then fleeing from responding officers on an electric bicycle before leading officers on a brief foot pursuit.
At approximately 1:34 a.m. on July 8, 2026, Alliance Police officers were dispatched to Maverik, 1640 W. 3rd Street, after employees reported that two juveniles had attempted to steal alcoholic beverages before fleeing the area together on an electric bicycle.
While responding, Sergeant Parker Dahlberg observed an electric bicycle matching the description traveling without headlights near Black Hills Avenue and W. 3rd Street. When he attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the operator of the e-bike refused to stop and instead fled from the officer.
The pursuit continued for a short distance before the electric bicycle crashed in an alley near the 400 block between Platte Avenue and Black Hills Avenue. Both juveniles then abandoned the bicycle and attempted to escape on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, Sergeant Dahlberg and Officer Hart safely apprehended both juveniles without injury.
The investigation determined that both juveniles had consumed alcohol. Preliminary Breath Tests (PBTs) indicated the presence of alcohol, and both were cited for Minor in Possession of Alcohol. The attempted shoplifting was documented, and both juveniles were released to their parents' custody. The electric bicycle used during the incident was impounded.
Chief Leavitt said the department will be following up with the parents of the juveniles involved.
"This incident raises concerns that go well beyond the criminal offenses themselves. We had two juveniles out at 1:30 in the morning on an electric bicycle, attempting to steal alcohol, consuming alcohol, and then fleeing from police officers when they were caught. Those are serious decisions that placed the juveniles, our officers, and the public at unnecessary risk.