A man who pulled a gun on a detention officer while being booked at the Lincoln County Jail in September 2024 has pleaded no contest to four counts, including attempt to kill.
Before Judge Sarah Bridge, Jerry Lorenz, 52, on May 26, pleaded no contest to one felony count of attempt to kill, a felony county of bringing contraband (weapons) into a jail or penal institution, a misdemeanor count of attempted escape from arrest or detention and one misdemeanor count of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
A felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon was dismissed without costs, according to court documents. A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered and Lorenz will appear in court next for sentencing on July 14.
Lorenz was initially arrested on Sept. 4, 2024, for what appeared to be a DUI accident on Hwy 66, east of 3330 Road near Wellston. He was taken into custody by Ofc. Casper Vinson of the Wellston Police Department after hitting a guardrail.
Vinson asked Lorenz multiple times if he had any dangerous instruments or illicit drugs, to which Lorenz stated “No,” according to the probable cause affidavit.
The report does not mention if Vinson searched Lorenz. After arriving at the jail, Lorenz pulled a gun on Dention Officer Johnathan McDade as he was about to search him, after he had been uncuffed from the booking bench, according to a second probable cause affidavit. Lorenz waved the gun around, pointing it at McDade’s head several times through out the altercation. The report said that the video of the incident showed that Lorenz cocked the hammer on the pistol at least two times while it was pointed at McDade.
During this time, Lorenz attempted to grab McDade and pull him toward the door in an attempt to get him to open it. McDade began to struggle with Lorenz when Vinson came back into the room and was able to pry the gun away, the report said. Lorenz then attempted to escape again, but was subdued by multiple deputies and police officers.