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
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.