Phone Call About Screaming Leads to Arrest
Clayton M. Welch, age 21, was arraigned in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. He was not in custody and appeared via webcam. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.
Welch is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer, both class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine on each count.
On Friday, June 23 of this year, at approximately 9:30 p.m., deputies with the sheriff’s office were dispatched to a residence in Fairbury, responding to a report of “yelling and screaming.”
According to the Warrantless Arrest Affidavit, “Dispatch advised us that the reporting party went to the door and asked the resident to be quiet, and a gentleman that wasn’t on the lease answered the door and pushed her.”
According to the affidavit, upon entry of the residence, an occupant identified himself as Clayton Welch but refused to provide other information. Deputies attempted to arrest the suspect for obstruction when, “Welch jumped up and attempted to flee through the courtyard.”
Deputies then restrained and arrested the suspect.
In court, Welch pleaded not guilty. He was represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp.
Welch advised the court he was currently living in Omaha.
Another hearing is set for August 23, 2023.
