COLUMBUS, Neb. — A Columbus woman and three teenagers are facing serious charges after authorities say they brutally assaulted a man during a home invasion in Merrick County.
Deputies arrested 45-year-old Jennifer Arends on Thursday along with three juveniles, ages 15 to 17, following an early morning attack on a 56-year-old man near Silver Creek. Court records show the victim was beaten inside his home around 5:30 a.m., leaving blood pooled on the floor and splattered on the walls. Deputies also noted significant damage to the home’s doorway, consistent with forced entry.
The victim told investigators that Arends and others forced their way inside, attacking him and stealing a .22 rifle, a phone, and a wallet. According to an arrest affidavit, Arends had earlier threatened to “end his life and his kids’ life.” Authorities later located Arends in Columbus, where the stolen rifle was found in plain view inside her vehicle.
The victim was rushed to a Columbus hospital before being transferred to Omaha for specialized care. Doctors determined he had suffered a brain bleed, a sinus fracture, and severe head lacerations.
Arends is being held at the Platte County Jail on 10% of a $250,000 bond. She faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree assault, burglary, possession of a firearm during a felony, terroristic threats, tampering with evidence, criminal mischief, and theft. Her next court date is scheduled for September 17.
All three teens have been cited for first-degree assault and other felony charges, with one already formally charged.
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