Two Arrested, Missing Juvenile Recovered Safely in Thomas County

AUGUST 14, 2024 (NORTH PLATTE, NEB.)  — A multi-agency effort led to the recovery of a missing juvenile and the arrest of two men on several charges in Thomas County.

Monday afternoon, NSP was notified that a stolen vehicle was believed to be traveling through Nebraska on Highway 83. The vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, had been stolen out of Colorado. Authorities in Colorado reported that a missing juvenile may be in danger traveling in the vehicle with two men.

Troopers, deputies from Thomas, Logan, and Lincoln Counties, as well as the Nebraska Brand Committee began searching for the vehicle. At approximately 3:10 p.m. Monday, the van was located on Highway 83, south of Thedford and a trooper performed a traffic stop. Deputies arrived on scene quickly to assist.

The trooper safely located a missing 13-year-old girl inside the van along with two men. The girl had been previously reported missing from South Dakota. Further investigation revealed that the men had also stolen a vehicle in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. That vehicle contained a rifle. The rifle was located by law enforcement on the side of Highway 83 and authorities believe it was thrown from the van as the trooper was approaching.

The two men were identified as Marquise Spotted Eagle, 20, and Davation Taylor, 23, both of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They were placed under arrest for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, aiding and abetting, child endangerment, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Both men were lodged in Lincoln County Jail. 

NSP is also working with authorities in Colorado and South Dakota on this investigation.