Clearwater man faces charges for attacks with motor vehicle

Jose J. Gonzales, 39, of Clearwater appeared before the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, March 16, on seven counts alleged March 11. He is charged with four Class 2A felony counts of second-degree assault; two Class 1 misdemeanors, intentional domestic assault and third-degree assault; and a Class 3 misdemeanor, willful reckless driving. Preliminary hearing is set April 6. Bond is continued, in the amount of $500,000, 10% cash. Gonzales is represented by public defender Melissa Figueroa of Norfolk.

The charges stem, according to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore, from a 911 call received from a “frantic female” March 11. The caller indicated an incident that allegedly started at a Holt County residence and proceeded into Antelope County on Sargent Road, where the defendant allegedly tried to ram the alleged victims’ vehicle multiple times, from behind, from the side and, after he got in front of them, he allegedly hit his brakes multiple times causing the victims' vehicle to rear end the defendant's vehicle. They were able to get alongside the defendant’s vehicle and force him into a ditch, then proceeded to Neligh where they waited for law enforcement officers. The two female occupants feared “he was going to hurt them or even kill them,” according to Moore’s report.

Xavier W. Hobbs, 20, of Ewing appeared for further arraignment on two Class 3 misdemeanors alleged Jan. 29, on Highway 275, two miles east of Clearwater on the Elkhorn River bridge. Hobbs pleaded not guilty to Count I, willful reckless driving, and Count II, minor in possession of alcohol. Pretrial hearing is set April 20. Hobbs is represented by Figueroa of Norfolk.

Kaleb A. Williams, 29, of Elgin appeared for pretrial hearing on a Class 2 misdemeanor, no proof of financial responsibility, committed Dec. 18. The defendant changed his plea to guilty, pursuant to a plea agreement with prosecutor Joe Abler. The agreement included a joint recommendation for a fine only at sentencing, which is set April 20. He is represented by Figueroa.

Hope M Llanos, 32, of Schuyler was granted a continuance, to April 6, for a pretrial hearing on a charge of interfering with government operations, a Class 1 misdemeanor, alleged Jan. 8 at the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center in Neligh. Llanos is represented by Figueroa.