Man Arrested for Threatening Neighbors with Knife in Lincoln

50-year-old Thomas Broderick charged with terroristic threats and use of a deadly weapon after incident at apartment complex

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 50-year-old Lincoln man named Thomas Broderick was arrested and charged after allegedly threatening his neighbors with a knife on Wednesday morning. According to police, Broderick kicked a neighbor's door, threw a shelving unit into the parking lot, and shattered the windshield of a neighbor's vehicle before lunging at one of the women with a serrated steak knife. Broderick was taken into custody after police executed a search warrant at his apartment.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of community safety and mental health issues in urban neighborhoods. Threats of violence with weapons can create a climate of fear and instability, underscoring the need for effective intervention and support services to address the root causes of such behavior.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, at around 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, police were called to an apartment complex near South 20th and Washington streets in Lincoln after a woman reported that her neighbor, Thomas Broderick, was kicking her door while armed with a knife. When officers arrived, they were able to obtain video footage showing Broderick in the apartment walkway at 7:36 a.m. with a knife in his hand. The victims said Broderick had thrown their shelving unit into the parking lot, shattering it, and then shattered the windshield of their vehicle shortly before lunging at one of the women with the knife. Broderick refused to answer his door or respond to officers, but was eventually taken into custody after police executed a search warrant and found the serrated steak knife on his kitchen counter.

  • At 7:21 a.m., the victims said Broderick threw their shelving unit into the parking lot, shattering it.
  • At 7:32 a.m., the victims said Broderick began kicking at their apartment door.
  • At 7:36 a.m., video footage showed Broderick in the apartment walkway with a knife in his hand.
  • At 7:45 a.m., police were dispatched to the apartment complex after a woman reported Broderick was threatening neighbors with a knife.

The players

Thomas Broderick

A 50-year-old Lincoln resident who was arrested and charged with terroristic threats and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony after allegedly threatening his neighbors with a knife.

The Victims

Neighbors of Broderick who reported that he threw their shelving unit, shattered the windshield of their vehicle, and lunged at one of them with a knife.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must address the root causes of such behavior to improve community safety.”

— Lincoln Police Department, Statement

What’s next

Broderick is scheduled to attend his arraignment on Friday at 2 p.m., where a judge will decide on his bond and next steps in the legal process.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for greater mental health resources and intervention services to prevent escalating conflicts and protect the safety of urban communities. Addressing the underlying issues that can lead to such violent outbursts is crucial for fostering a more secure and stable neighborhood environment.