Burglary, Attempted Theft, and Possession of Burglar’s Tools

DATE & TIME: July 17, 2021

LOCATION: E. River Rd. / E. Broad St.; Blue Springs, NE

OFFENSE: Burglary, Attempted Theft, and Possession of Burglar’s Tools

CASE #: 2021-2784

On 07/17/21 at approximately 2028 hrs. Gage County Sheriff’s Deputies and Wymore Police Officers responded to a suspicious person inside of the abandoned river dam tower at E. Broad St. and River Rd. in Blue Springs, NE. Upon arrival deputies located two males inside of the tower who were hiding on the second floor. Both males initially refused to comply with deputies’ orders to come out of the building but both males were eventually taken into custody. The males were identified as John Gruhn, age 47, of Stella, NE and Edward Findlay, age 64, of Table Rock, NE.  While searching the second floor of the tower dam deputies located the following items: 

• A cooler containing several tools including sockets and wrenches.
• A concrete saw
• A battery-powered drill
• An extension ladder that was pulled up to the second floor after Gruhn and Findlay climbed up to the second floor.     

The investigation determined that Gruhn and Findlay came to this location to steal items from the tower. Gruhn and Findlay were initially lodged at the Gage County Detention Center for Possession of Burglar’s Tools. Further investigation has since identified the property owner and now Gruhn and Findlay are also facing charges for Burglary and Attempted Theft.  

Inv. Matthew Ernst, 90315

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903