Thayer County deputies arrest Nelson man in Deshler stabbing case

A Nelson man was arrested early Thursday morning following a reported stabbing in Deshler

January 23, 2026Updated: January 23, 2026
News Channel NebraskaBy News Channel Nebraska

DESHLER, Neb. — A 29-year-old Nelson man was arrested early Thursday morning following a reported stabbing in Deshler, according to the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:41 a.m. Jan. 22 to a residence in Deshler after receiving a report of a stabbing. An investigation determined that an altercation occurred inside the residence, during which a victim sustained a stab wound to the right side of the body.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported by emergency medical services to Thayer County Hospital for treatment. The extent of the victim’s injuries was not immediately available.

Authorities arrested Preston S. Franzen, 29, of Nelson in connection with the incident. Deputies later recovered a knife believed to have been used in the stabbing from a nearby ditch. The weapon was documented and collected as evidence.

Franzen was lodged on charges of second-degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, criminal mischief, and tampering with physical evidence.

The incident remains under investigation, and no additional information has been released. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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