GARDEN COUNTY, Neb. — Authorities in Garden County successfully rescued three children and two women from a dangerous situation after a suspect allegedly held them against their will and drove at high speeds last week, according to a press release from the Garden County Sheriff’s Office.

Garden County Dispatch received multiple 911 calls from the victims last Friday, Feb. 28, leading a deputy to locate and stop the suspect's vehicle.

The incident began earlier in the day when the Deuel County Sheriff's Department advised the victims not to travel due to improper child safety restraints. While seeking help in Big Springs, two women encountered the suspect who offered to take them to Walmart in Ogallala to buy car seats. Instead, about 30 minutes into the drive, the suspect informed them that he was taking them to his home for illicit purposes.

Authorities said the suspect also displayed inappropriate images, burned one of the women with a cigarette and continuously yelled at the victims.

The suspect, identified as Carl C. Thomas of Morrill, was arrested and arraigned in Garden County Court on March 4. He faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, second-degree assault, first-degree false imprisonment, felony child abuse and willful reckless driving. His bond was set at $5 million, with another court date to be scheduled. Authorities have also uncovered a concerning multi-state criminal history linked to Thomas.

The Garden County Sheriff's Office, working with Garden County Emergency Communications, credited their swift response with ensuring the victims' safety and preventing further harm. The office reiterated its commitment to protecting the community and assisting vulnerable individuals in dangerous situations.

The investigation remains ongoing, conducted by the Garden County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

Authorities remind the public that all charges are accusations, and Thomas is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.