LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A suspect wanted in a felony narcotics investigation has life-threatening injuries after an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning in a busy northeast Lincoln intersection.
Nebraska State Patrol Col. Bryan Waugh said members of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force were looking for a person wanted in connection with a felony narcotics and possession of a firearm case.
The suspect was reportedly seen leaving a hotel near 56th Street and Cornhusker Highway at 8:45 a.m. and getting into a rideshare vehicle driven by another person.
Task Force members including a state trooper and U.S. deputy marshal stopped the vehicle and the driver got out. Waugh said officers ordered the suspect to step out of the vehicle, but they did not comply.
A preliminary investigation revealed the trooper spotted the suspect holding a handgun, and both officers fired their weapon. Waugh said the suspect was taken to the hospital with life-threatening-injuries.
Authorities located a handgun inside the rideshare vehicle, according to Waugh. The Nebraska State Patrol did not indicate that the suspect fired any shots.
No law enforcement officers or the rideshare driver were injured. A K9 that was in a trooper’s vehicle when shots were fired was also unharmed. NSP said there is no threat to the public.
Officers shut down lanes and put up crime scene tape in a grassy area across from Casey’s on North 56th Street.
Witness video sent to 10/11 showed officers with guns drawn at the busy intersection. Traffic cameras show two vehicles with bullet holes.
An LTU traffic camera showed a vehicle with bullet holes.
An LTU traffic camera showed a vehicle with bullet holes.(LTU Traffic Camera)
“We’re extremely thankful that the actions of a dangerous wanted individual did not injure any officers or innocent members of the public,” Waugh said.
The ongoing investigation will be conducted by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police Department as requested by NSP and the US Marshals Office. The Lancaster County Attorney’s Office is assisting with the case.
