Aerial View Details Niobrara Manhunt Search Area

What does the manhunt area look like from the air? This photo was taken tonight at sunset over Niobrara as the search continues for the man who escaped police custody today.

Law Enforcement are searching for twenty-five year old, David Hoffman, of Santee, who is believed to be on the run after escaping from police custody in Niobrara earlier today. According to police, Hoffman was being transported as a prisoner around 2:00 p.m. when he was able to get a deputy sheriff's gun and flee on foot.
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According to Knox County Court records, Hoffman was wanted for felony burglary and theft by receiving stolen property after Niobrara Police say he burglarized Terry's Hair Salon in Niobrara on December 19th and made off with $750 in cash and merchandise. 

According to investigative reports from several law enforcement agencies, police believe that Hoffman sold some black gold jewelry to a local woman whose mother knew that the merchandise had been stolen from the the Hair Salon.

As the windchill dips into the low 20s, the search continues. It has shifted further to the west and police  are now searching within the Niobrara State Park. Law enforcement can be seen driving in the fields with headlights off.

The entire community, including the Niobrara School District were locked down. Niobrara State Park officials confirmed that they have been placed on lockdown as well.

The State Patrol was escorting children and teachers to their cars upon dismissal from school on Tuesday afternoon. A message over the intercom at the school also advised everyone to stay in their homes for night as the manhunt continues in Niobrara. 

The Knox County Sheriff's department confirmed to News Channel Nebraska that authorities are searching for a Native American male, wearing blue jeans and a blue hooded sweatshirt with a tattoo on his Adam's apple. The suspect is also armed according to authorities.

Officials at Moody Motor in Niobrara have told the Knox County News that they have been instructed to remove all of the keys from their vehicles, lock their doors and stay inside. 

Residents have reported seeing a helicopter circling the area northwest of town.

News Channel Nebraska contributed to this story.