Grand Island man convicted on ten charges connected to 2021 shooting

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - A Grand Island man who escaped custody March 25 and was arrested the next morning after a 12 hour stand-off, was convicted on numerous felony charges on the day he escaped.

Tyler Manka, 27, was first arrested last July in connection with a shooting incident in which one man was shot and wounded. Grand Island Police said the July shooting happened near 16th and Broadwell. Police said Manka also fired more shots including several which hit a nearby vehicle occupied by two men.

Manka fled the scene that night. He barricaded himself in a nearby garage and was arrested after a SWAT team forced its way in.

On March 25, a jury convicted Manka on related counts including felony assault, four weapons charges, evidence tampering, resisting arrest, trespassing, and drug possession. The jury found Manka not guilty of attempted murder, three weapons charges, and two attempted assault charges.

Manka faces sentencing July 6. The max penalties for the convictions total 209 years in prison.

On the night of March 25, Manka escaped custody while being treated at St. Francis hospital. He was arrested about 12 hours later having barricaded himself in a residence east of the hospital. A records check Tuesday did not indicate any charges had yet been filed against Manka for that escape attempt.

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