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
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.