York Man Arrested for Third-Offense DUI After Early Morning Traffic Stop

Police found 22 empty or partially empty whiskey bottles in the vehicle during the arrest.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A 44-year-old York man was arrested for third-offense DUI after an early morning traffic stop on Interstate 80 in York County, Nebraska. The driver, Dean Schmid, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 and had two prior DUI convictions in the past 15 years.

Why it matters

Repeat DUI offenders pose a significant threat to public safety, and this arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drunk driving in rural areas like York County.

The details

During the traffic stop at 5:45 a.m. on April 8, a York County Sheriff's sergeant detected the odor of alcohol on Schmid and conducted a preliminary breath test, which indicated a BAC above 0.15. Schmid was then arrested and taken to the York County Jail, where a subsequent breath test showed a BAC of 0.16. An inventory of Schmid's vehicle uncovered 22 empty or partially empty whiskey bottles.

  • The traffic stop occurred at 5:45 a.m. on April 8, 2026.
  • Schmid has had two prior DUI convictions within the past 15 years, both in Lancaster County.

The players

Dean Schmid

A 44-year-old York, Nebraska resident who was arrested for third-offense DUI.

Sgt. Taylor Samek

A sergeant with the York County Sheriff's Office who conducted the traffic stop and made the arrest.

York County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and arrest.

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What they’re saying

“At 5:45 a.m., a sergeant with the YSO conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling west on Interstate 80 for expired registration.”

— Sgt. Taylor Samek, Sergeant, York County Sheriff's Office

“The York County Sheriff's Office reminds motorists impaired driving continues to be a serious threat to public safety. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, utilize designated drivers and never operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

— Sgt. Taylor Samek, Sergeant, York County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Schmid will appear in court on April 15 to face charges for his third-offense DUI.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating repeat drunk driving offenders, who pose a serious threat to public safety. It serves as a reminder for all drivers to be responsible and never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.