On August 31, 2026, at approximately 2:42 p.m., the North Platte Police Department responded to a reported bomb threat at a Verizon Wireless store located on South Dewey Street in North Platte.
The investigation determined that a male entered the business, placed a box on a table inside the store, and stated that it was a bomb. After making that statement, he looked at a customer and then left the store. In response, employees and customers were evacuated from the building while officers secured the scene and requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad.
During the course of the investigation, officers identified and located the suspect later that same day. Michael Harkreader, 68, was taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Harkreader was arrested for Terroristic Threats, in violation of Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.01, and Threaten Explosive Use / Place False Bomb, in violation of Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1221.
The device was later examined by the Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad and determined to contain old computer equipment, wires, and a router.
This matter remains within the judicial process. All persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
