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
19-Year-Old Peyton Patterson Killed in WSSU Homecoming Shooting; Ziyaire Spinks Charged With Murder
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A 19-year-old man was killed and a 22-year-old woman was injured in a shooting on the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) campus during homecoming weekend, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.
The fatal shooting occurred Saturday night, November 7, 2026, in the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on the university campus.
Police said officers responded at approximately 9:46 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. Officers who were already in the area reportedly heard the shots and immediately moved toward the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found Peyton Izaia Patterson, 19, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers began performing lifesaving measures before emergency medical services personnel arrived and continued treatment. Despite those efforts, Patterson succumbed to his injuries.
His next of kin has been notified.
A second victim, identified as Alyssa Janae Ellerbee, 22, was also found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she received treatment and was later released.
As the investigation progressed, authorities identified Ziyaire Antonyo Spinks, 20, as a suspect. He was charged with:
- General Murder
- Assault With a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury (ADWIKISI)
- Felony Possession of a Firearm on Educational Property
Police said Spinks was being held without bond at the time of the announcement.
A second man was also reported to be in custody. However, authorities have not publicly released his name or provided details about any charges against him.
The police department said it would not release a photograph of Spinks because the investigation remains ongoing.
The Winston-Salem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the investigation and continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Patterson’s death and the shooting.
Detectives have determined that the incident was isolated, according to police. Authorities have not released additional information about what led to the gunfire or the circumstances immediately preceding the shooting.
Police said further confirmed information would be released as it becomes available.
The investigation remains active.