Crime
Omaha Police Officer Shot in the Head at QuikTrip, Suspect Taken into Custody
Authorities in Omaha are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a police officer critically injured and a suspect in custody.
According to the Omaha Police Department, the incident began shortly after 6:00 a.m. when officers were dispatched to the QuikTrip gas station at 11910 West Dodge Road following a 911 call that was placed and then disconnected.
Dispatchers reported that a male individual at the location was using the store’s phone and harassing customers.
When an officer arrived on scene, an encounter occurred, during which the officer was shot in the head.
The suspect then fled the scene.
Additional units immediately responded, securing the area and calling for SWAT assistance.
The wounded officer was transported Code 3 Trauma to CHI Health Bergan Mercy Hospital, where he remains under medical care.
Following a brief search, officers located the suspect at a nearby McDonald’s restaurant, where witnesses reported hearing him yelling about the shooting.
The suspect was found near the drive-thru window and was taken into custody at gunpoint without further incident.
Medics were called to evaluate the suspect, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the hand.
Authorities also recovered the suspect’s vehicle, which contained a security placard and a bulletproof vest.
The Omaha Police Department has not yet released the names of the officer or the suspect, and the investigation remains active.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.