Nebraska tornadoes: Victims welcome National Guard’s presence in Elkhorn

ELKHORN, Neb. (WOWT) - After not being able to sleep in their home, looting was the last thing Jess LaRocca and her husband were thinking about.

“The first night we stayed with my parents up the street and we had no idea the looting was even happening until the next day,” she said.

TORNADO RECOVERY

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Here are ways you can assist those in Nebraska and Iowa who are recovering from tornadoes that hit on Friday, April 26.

Then, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people suspected of taking more from those who’ve lost so much.

“We want the message to be clear, if you’re coming here with the intention of stealing people’s stuff or victimizing companies that are working here, stay home,” said Sheriff Aaron Hanson. “Actually if you want to make money off this tornado, a lot of these construction companies are hiring.”

As soon as Wednesday evening, two dozen Nebraska National Guard troops were set to be posted in neighborhoods affected by the tornado outbreak. Since last Friday, there has been a constant law enforcement presence in the Ramblewood neighborhood of Elkhorn. They had not yet arrived when 6 News was there at 10 p.m.

TORNADO CLEANUP

Where to dispose of storm debris

Several debris collection sites are available in Douglas and Washington counties.

The sheriff’s office welcomes the National Guard deployment as they work to deter both unnecessary traffic and crime, and so does Jess LaRocca.

“Every time we come back it’s still shocking. It feels like it was a dream, but we come back and we’re just so thankful to the volunteers and the first responders and the National Guard for all they’re doing to protect our community,” said LaRocca.

It’s expected that the Nebraska National Guard will be for the next two weeks according to the Governor’s Office.

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