Police records show Arik Gilbert arrested in hometown on Friday

Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert was arrested on Friday for burglary in his hometown in Georgia, according to police records in Lumpkin County. He is facing charges of obstruction of officers and smash-and-grab burglary as a result.

This is Gilbert’s second arrest in the last month. He was previously booked in Nebraska in late August on burglary charges in Lancaster County in Nebraska.

Gilbert was one of Nebraska’s biggest transfer portal additions this offseason, coming in as the No. 9-ranked tight end transfer this cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. He started his career at LSU in 2021 before transferring to Georgia.

More on Arik Gilbert’s previous arrest, Matt Rhule’s response

Officers were called to SJ’s Liquor and Vape Shop in the 2600 block of O St. shortly before 2 a.m., according to a statement from the Lincoln Police Department. That’s where they arrested Gilbert without incident after they found him with more than $1,600 worth of vape products, Delta 8, cigars and lighters in a bag.

“On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, just before 2 a.m., Lincoln Police were dispatched to a report of a burglary at SJ’s Liquor and Vape Shop at 2645 O Street,” the statement from police read. “Upon arrival, officers observed a glass door that had been shattered with large cement chunks from the parking lot. Officers observed the suspect walking toward the exit carrying a bag. Officers arrested 21-year-old Arik Gilbert of Lincoln without incident. He was taken to the Lancaster County Jail for burglary.

“The total value of the stolen items in the bag was $1,672.07 and included a variety of vape products, Delta 8, cigars and lighters. Damages to the business were approximately $650.”

Gilbert has been fighting for eligibility at Nebraska after transferring from Georgia. Shortly after his arrest, Matt Rhule said he didn’t have an update on where things stood with Gilbert and the program.

“I don’t have a lot of details,” Rhule said during his Tuesday press conference. “You guys probably have more details than me. I got a quick phone call and then went out to the field. We’ll work through those as we get more information. But sad and disappointed. Disappointed for him and his family, disappointed, obviously, for the business owner. We’ll have to just report through it as we move forward.”