Man Who Attempted to Make Police Shoot Him Found Insane

The case against Barry Vilda has been dismissed from Gage County District Court and he will instead be committed to a mental health facility.

Vilda, 46, of Beatrice, was arrested on Nov. 6, 2009 after breaking through the front door of the Gage County Sheriff’s Office with a pry bar. He then had a stand off with deputies as he told them to “just shoot” him.

Vilda was being charged with terrorist threats, use of a weapon to commit a felony and criminal mischief. Vilda had a long history of criminal activity including felony charged of intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a deadly weapon by a felon and three DUI convictions.

A bond of $5,000 was set for Vilda, which he was never able to post. Meints was awarded a meritorious service award from the sheriff’s office for his actions that afternoon.