Omaha Officer Shot During Encounter, Suspect in Custody
OMAHA, NE – An Omaha police officer is in stable condition after being shot in teh head during an early morning encounter with a suspect at a QuikTrip gas station, authorities said. The suspect, identified as Mills, was taken into custody without further incident at a McDonald’s restaurant shortly after 6:30 a.m.
The incident began just before 6:20 a.m. when Officer Murcek responded to a report of a person refusing to leave the QuikTrip at 72nd and Dodge Streets. according to the omaha Police Department (OPD), Mills matched the description provided by 911 callers and made comments about the KKK during initial contact, also claiming his car and phone where compromised.
When Murcek attempted to handcuff Mills for refusing to leave the property,a struggle ensued.OPD stated that Mills resisted and pushed away, saying “don’t touch me.” As Murcek re-approached, Mills allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired one round, striking the officer in the head.
Body and security camera footage show Murcek had already drawn his Taser when Mills pulled the gun. Murcek then switched the Taser to his left hand and drew his handgun, returning fire several times before taking cover behind his cruiser. Officer Bartlett also responded and attempted to engage Mills, who then fled the scene.
Police were alerted to Mills’ location at a McDonald’s near 114th Street and West dodge Road,where OPD’s SWAT Team – responding to a separate search warrant - took him into custody at 6:34 a.m. A handgun, magazines, and ammunition were recovered at the restaurant.
Mills is charged with attempted second-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and two outstanding warrants from OPD and Pottawattamie County.
The investigation is ongoing. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen released a statement offering his support, saying, “Our thoughts are with [Officer Murcek] and his family and with every Nebraska peace officer…the ones who put it all on the line every day to secure our communities.”