Gretna Man Released on Bond After Chasing Young Girls

Douglas County Sheriff's Office increases neighborhood patrols amid concerns over suspect's release

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:57am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken pair of children's sunglasses on a dark concrete surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a reported incident involving a man chasing young girls.A broken pair of children's sunglasses left behind after a reported incident of a man chasing young girls in a Gretna, Nebraska neighborhood.Omaha Today

A 34-year-old Gretna man accused of chasing and intending to sexually assault two young girls has been released on a $2,000 bond, sparking outrage from the local sheriff and prompting increased patrols in the neighborhood.

Why it matters

The release of the suspect, Zachary Vinton, on a low-risk bond has raised concerns about public safety, especially for parents in the Gretna community. The incident highlights ongoing debates around bail reform and the challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring potentially dangerous individuals.

The details

According to authorities, deputies were called to 196th and V Street on April 16 after reports that Vinton was chasing two young girls in a menacing manner. Vinton later admitted to investigators that he intended to commit sexual acts with the girls. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office believes Vinton has been accused of similar behavior before.

  • On April 16, deputies responded to a call about Vinton chasing young girls.
  • Vinton was released on a $2,000 bond after being taken into custody.

The players

Zachary Vinton

A 34-year-old Gretna man accused of chasing and intending to sexually assault two young girls.

Aaron Hanson

The Douglas County Sheriff who strongly disagreed with Vinton being categorized as a low-risk offender.

Gretna Public Schools

The school district that has alerted parents about the incident and encouraged them to discuss personal safety and stranger danger with their children.

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What they’re saying

“It was very disappointing for me to see him categorized as the lowest level risk offender through Douglas County Corrections pretrial release.”

— Aaron Hanson, Douglas County Sheriff

“Don't interact with strangers. If you see a stranger coming into your, your personal space, get out of the area and tell an adult as soon as possible. Don't trust anyone that you don't know, either in person, on the street, in a park, or online in a, in a gaming personal message.”

— Aaron Hanson, Douglas County Sheriff

What’s next

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is increasing patrols in the Arbor Gate neighborhood where the incident occurred and is urging anyone with information or concerns about Vinton to contact them or call 911.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing debates around bail reform and the challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring potentially dangerous individuals who are released on low-risk bonds, especially when they are accused of crimes involving the safety of children in the community.