Woman Charged After Allegedly Biting Lincoln Officer

Elina Sturgeon, 46, faces multiple charges after an arrest near 21st and Y streets left an officer with a puncture wound.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Woman Charged After Allegedly Biting Lincoln Officer

Lincoln police arrested Elina Sturgeon, 46, on Thursday after she allegedly struck an officer in the wrists and bit his hand during an arrest near 21st and Y streets. Officers had responded to a disturbance call at about 4:30 p.m. and were taking a 52-year-old Lincoln man into custody on an outstanding warrant.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks officers face when responding to disturbance calls and executing warrants in the city's public spaces. Sturgeon's charges include third-degree assault on an officer, a more serious offense than the resisting arrest charge against the man she allegedly interfered with.

Elina Sturgeon was booked into the Lancaster County jail on charges of third-degree assault on an officer, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, and possession of a controlled substance. The 52-year-old man was arrested for resisting arrest, a misdemeanor, and the case against both remains at the arrest stage.

The players

Lincoln Police Department

The municipal police agency serving Lincoln, Nebraska, responsible for public safety and criminal investigations within the city.

Lancaster County Jail

The county detention facility in Lincoln where people arrested in Lancaster County are held pending court proceedings.

The details

Officers responded to a disturbance call near 21st and Y streets and determined a 52-year-old Lincoln man had an outstanding warrant. When he resisted, Sturgeon allegedly advanced on the officers, grabbed the man, and struck an officer in the wrists before biting his hand and puncturing the skin.

Thursday, about 4:30 p.m.: Officers respond to a disturbance call near 21st and Y streets.
Thursday: Sturgeon is arrested and taken to the Lancaster County jail.
Following the arrest: The officer is treated and released at a local hospital and later returns to duty.

Legal Context

Charges of third-degree assault on an officer under Nebraska law carry heavier penalties than simple resisting arrest, reflecting the statute's focus on protecting officers during enforcement actions. This case applies that provision to an alleged bite and wrist strike during an arrest on an outstanding warrant.

Residents near 21st and Y streets may see increased police presence while the arrest and related investigation are processed. The incident underscores that officers responding to disturbance calls may face physical resistance, which can affect how quickly calls are resolved in the area.

The takeaway

Interfering with an officer's arrest can turn a warrant or misdemeanor case into a felony-level assault charge. Anyone who witnesses an arrest should keep a safe distance and let officers complete their duties.