On January 22, 2025 at 1241 pm a call for a barricaded subject inside a home who was threatening to burn the house to the ground with himself a girlfriend and 2 minor children inside. Multiple agencies responded to the call including the Madison County Sheriff, Battle Creek PD and the Nebraska State Patrol. At the time of the call the caller stated she was in the upstairs area with her children and was trying to get out of the home. She stated the male subject was highly intoxicated and currently lighting fireworks downstairs inside the home. 

Shortly before Madison County Deputies arrived the female and the children were able to get out of the home and away from the area. Upon Madison County Deputies arriving the barricaded subject walked outside and began speaking to Deputies on scene. After a brief negotiation with the male subject he agreed to peacefully surrender and was arrested. Neal Dittman age 49 of Battle Creek was arrested and jailed for two counts of child abuse and three counts of terroristic threats.

Battle Creek schools were placed on lockdown for a short period of time. 

Sheriff Volk