Crime
One Dead, Suspect critically injured after officer-involved shooting in Omaha
OMAHA, NE — Authorities are investigating a critical incident at the Florence Tower apartment complex in the 5100 block of Florence Boulevard following a report of an active shooter on the evening of Sunday, April 13.
The situation escalated into an officer-involved shooting, leaving one person dead and the suspected gunman critically injured.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., multiple 911 calls were placed to report gunfire within the building.
Initial callers reported hearing several shots fired on or above the sixth floor.
Responding Omaha Police Department (OPD) officers immediately requested Omaha Fire Department (OFD) medical units to stage nearby as a precaution.
As officers approached the sixth floor, gunfire erupted. Officers broadcast urgent radio calls declaring “Shots fired! Shots fired!” and issued a “Help an Officer” alert.
A suspect — described as a Hispanic male wearing a jersey and reportedly armed with two large firearms — allegedly fired on police officers as they attempted to make contact. One caller described the weapons as resembling high-powered rifles.
Additional OFD units, including Engines 21 and 22, Trucks 21 and 22, Medic Units 5, 21, and 41, and Battalion 2, were dispatched to the scene.
Emergency Response Units (ERU) and SWAT were also notified and placed on standby as the situation developed.
During the exchange, at least two individuals were confirmed shot. One person was declared deceased at the scene.
The suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen and was transported by OFD Medic 41 to Nebraska Medicine with lights and sirens under Code 3 trauma conditions.
A third potential victim was initially reported but could not be located after a thorough search. At 6:21 p.m., Omaha Police resumed normal radio traffic, and the incident was moved to a secure event channel (B2), no longer broadcast to the public.
Non-transporting OFD units that provided manpower support were released and returned to service shortly after the scene was secured.
The identities of those involved have not been released at this time.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Omaha Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Further updates are expected as investigators process the scene and gather witness statements.
Crime
Eric Bechtolt Killed After Shooting at Florence Tower in Omaha, Suspect Billy Dorrall Arrested
Omaha, NE – On Sunday evening, Omaha Police Department officers responded to an active shooting at Florence Tower, located at 5100 Florence Blvd, following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire inside the building.
The first reports were received at 6:05 p.m., with at least three separate callers stating they had heard shots fired on the fifth or sixth floor of the apartment complex.
By 6:14 p.m., a fourth caller reported seeing a male suspect walking on the sixth floor carrying two handguns.
Uniform Patrol officers arrived on scene at 6:11 p.m. and began a floor-by-floor search of the building, starting from the fifth floor.
As officers ascended the south stairwell toward the sixth floor, they heard sounds of a disturbance.
Just as they neared the sixth-floor door, it was abruptly opened by a male suspect — later identified as 50-year-old Billy A. Dorrall.
At that moment, one officer discharged their service weapon, striking Dorrall in the left hip.
In response, Dorrall fired back down the stairwell and then retreated into the sixth-floor hallway.
Once back in the hallway, Dorrall reportedly fired multiple rounds, aiming both up and down the corridor, and threatened several residents at gunpoint.
A coordinated arrest team, equipped with a ballistic shield, moved into position while officers in the stairwell maintained containment. As they prepared to enter the hallway, officers heard additional gunfire.
The arrest team entered the hallway, issued loud verbal commands, and Dorrall surrendered without further incident.
He was immediately provided medical treatment by Omaha Fire Department personnel and transported to Nebraska Medicine, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He has since been released into police custody.
During the investigation, officers recovered surveillance footage from building cameras, which was provided by the Omaha Housing Authority.
The footage shows Dorrall behaving erratically and confronting residents before engaging in a verbal altercation with another tenant, identified as 45-year-old Eric M. Bechtolt.
The video shows Dorrall returning to his apartment, retrieving a firearm, and shooting Bechtolt multiple times in the hallway. Responding officers later found Bechtolt deceased outside the stairwell door.
Dorrall was interviewed by detectives and provided a full confession, admitting to the murder of Bechtolt.
He also expressed an intent to kill additional residents and responding officers had he not been stopped.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer issued a statement commending the officers involved:
“I want to commend the officers who responded to this incredibly dangerous situation. Their training, courage, and swift response undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. What unfolded at Florence Tower was tragic, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Bechtolt. Our officers acted heroically under extreme pressure, and I am proud of their commitment to protecting the residents of Omaha.”
The department has released still images from surveillance footage, showing Dorrall armed with two handguns, along with crime scene photographs of the weapons, ammunition, and spent shell casings recovered from the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.