Florida Man Linked to Iowa Homicide After Lincoln Restaurant Arrest
- A Florida man arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska, for allegedly assaulting a police officer has now been linked to a homicide in Carter Lake, Iowa.
- According to the Lincoln Police Department, officers responded to a disturbance call at the Arby’s restaurant at approximately 9:47 PM.
- While in custody, Bertolino reportedly made concerning statements regarding an incident that occurred earlier that evening at the Country Inn & Suites hotel in Carter Lake, Iowa.
A Florida man arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska, for allegedly assaulting a police officer has now been linked to a homicide in Carter Lake, Iowa. Joseph Bertolino, 37, of Jacksonville, Florida, was initially arrested on April 28, 2026, following a disturbance at an Arby’s restaurant in Lincoln.
According to the Lincoln Police Department, officers responded to a disturbance call at the Arby’s restaurant at approximately 9:47 PM. Bertolino allegedly fought with an officer and attempted to grab the officer’s gun. A shot was fired into the restroom floor, striking the officer. Bertolino is currently being held without bond in Lancaster County, Nebraska, and charged with Attempted First Degree Assault on an Officer.
While in custody, Bertolino reportedly made concerning statements regarding an incident that occurred earlier that evening at the Country Inn & Suites hotel in Carter Lake, Iowa. The Lincoln Police Department subsequently notified Carter Lake Police of these allegations. Following up on the information, Carter Lake Police discovered the body of a man inside a hotel room at the Country Inn & Suites.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety is investigating the death. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
“It was a comments the suspect made after his arrest that led them to this hotel where they found a man dead.”
KETV
The connection between the assault in Lincoln and the homicide in Carter Lake is currently under investigation. Authorities in both Nebraska and Iowa are working together to determine the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
The Lincoln Police Department stated that Bertolino’s statements prompted the investigation in Carter Lake. A witness also reportedly requested police to check on an individual at the Country Inn & Suites hotel, further prompting the investigation.
Here’s a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.