Haug is now behind bars

HARTINGTON — Attempted murder suspect Kevin Haug is now in police custody.

Cedar County Attorney Edward H. Matney said Cedar County law enforcement, in coordination with the Nebraska State Patrol, formally took Haug, 44, into custody Friday on the allegations of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Burglary, Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony and Possession of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony. 

Haug has been hospitalized since the evening of July 2 from injuries sustained in a motor-vehicle collision.  He was arrested at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha by the Nebraska State Patrol, who then transferred custody to Cedar County authorities.  Haug is currently being held without bond, pending an appearance in Cedar County Court. 

An Appearance date has not yet been set, said Matney.

Haug was stopped by law enforcement after a July 2 high speed chase with South Dakota and Nebraska law enforcement officials ended in a car accident at the intersection of Highway 81 and 84. 

He was driving a U-Haul truck when it collided with a semi-trailer truck at the intersection.

Haug is being accused of stabbing James Olson in Fordyce the morning of July 2.

According to Cedar County Sheriff’s Dept. reports, Olson was  stabbed with what looked to be a machete some time before 7 a.m., Tuesday.

Rhea Haug called 911 at 6:51 a.m. to report her estranged husband had stabbed Olson at her home at 106 Fourth Street in Fordyce. 

She reported Olson was bleeding severely from his legs, head and stomach area.

Investigators said they saw blood on the sidewalk leading from the house. Signs of forced entry into the house were also evident. Two knives — one a 10-inch corn knife — were also recovered at the scene.

Olson was taken by ambulance to Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D., where he was treated for stab wounds to his forehead, hand and abdomen. Law enforcement reports indicate he underwent surgery for a deep laceration to his abdomen.