3 police officers hurt, suspect dead in shootout at QuikTrip gas station

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) - Three police officers were hurt and a suspect was killed after rounds of gunfire were exchanged at a South Omaha gas station.

According to Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, a call went out to “help an officer” at the QuikTrip gas station near 32nd and L streets at about 2:20 p.m.

Schmaderer said detectives and members of the police department’s Assault and Gang units were following a vehicle that was driven by a suspect reportedly linked to another shooting that occurred earlier that day.

A police report says the shooting happened at a Phil’s Foodway near 30th Street and Ames Avenue. At that scene, a 61-year-old man was shot in the chest several times. Authorities said the man’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Investigators began surveillance after spotting the vehicle around 38th and Harrison streets, the police report states. The shooting suspect then stopped at the QuikTrip near 32nd and L streets, heading into the men’s bathroom.

Police reports state that officers tried to get the suspect to come out of the restroom, but shots rang out, and an officer was hit. Police then retreated outside the main bathroom door and again called on the suspect to come out after they had tactically positioned themselves.

“The suspect exited the bathroom and opened fire, injuring another officer. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” the police report states.

Police said there was another person in the bathroom when shots were initially fired, but that person was able to safely exit before the second round of gunfire was exchanged with the suspect.

Two officers were shot, and a third officer was hit by shrapnel during the exchange, according to Chief Schmaderer.

Schmaderer added that it is unfortunate the suspect fired on them, and they had to return fire, but he was thankful more people were not hurt in the exchange of gunfire.

“This is a very dangerous day involving this suspect in the City of Omaha,” Schmaderer said in his update at the scene. “He has shot a citizen in our community and he shot at several law enforcement officers. Very dangerous day as it relates to this particular suspect today.”

None of the officers’ injuries were life-threatening, and all were said to be in good spirits. The officer hit by shrapnel was discharged within a few hours. Per OPD policy, all three have been placed on “critical incident leave” as the investigation proceeds. As part of the investigation — underway with the assistance of Nebraska State Patrol and Bellevue and Papillion police departments — those officers are expected to be interviewed at a later date.

In the aftermath of the shooting, people in the area told WOWT that the incident was nothing like they’ve seen before, saying they’re used to crime entailing minor fights and street racing.

One person estimated that about 30-40 police cars descended on the gas station, and said she’s worried about the safety of police officers.

On Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Jim Pillen posted a statement on social media about the shooting.

“Thank God the injuries facing these Omaha Police Officers are non-life threatening,” Pillen said. ”The Nebraska State Patrol is assisting in the investigation. The men and women of law enforcement put their safety on the line each and every day. We must support them and keep them in our prayers.”

QuikTrip also shared a statement with WOWT on Wednesday evening.

“Our top priority is always the safety of our employees and customers, and we are working closely with the Omaha Police Department to assist with its ongoing investigation into an enforcement action at one of our Omaha locations that resulted in officers being injured. Our thoughts are with the officers and their families as they recover. We greatly appreciate our partnership with the Omaha Police Department and its continued efforts to keep our employees and customers safe. We will continue to take necessary and appropriate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and communities we serve,” the statement said.