Police shoot 27-year-old Chicago man after Lincoln officer is stabbed in neck

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A man was shot by police early Tuesday morning after they say he stabbed an officer in the neck in northeast Lincoln.

It all unfolded at the Lincoln Bus Depot near 52nd and Superior streets around 12:15 a.m.

A 27-year-old Chicago man – who has not yet been identified – refused to get off a bus despite not having a ticket.

Officials said when officers arrived, he began fighting with them.

Police said he lunged at one with a knife, stabbed him in the neck and reached for the officer’s firearm.

Acting Police Chief Michon Morrow said another officer then fired their gun, hitting the man once.

“I was able to visit our officer this morning in the hospital,” she said. “He’s in good spirits, and we are very grateful that the injuries sustained were non-life-threatening. Certainly could have been much worse for both of our officers and potentially the other passengers that were on the bus.”

WATCH: Police provide update on officer-involved shooting at Lincoln Bus Depot

Morrow said there were about 20 other people on the bus, but no one else was hurt.

The suspect was taken to a local hospital but is expected to be OK.

Once medically cleared, he’ll be arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault on an officer and use of a weapon to commit a felony.

The Lincoln Police Department released photos taken from the crime scene and still from the officers’ body cameras.

Morrow said releasing the full video would be “detrimental” to the investigation and prosecution of the suspect.

She said LPD will release the names of both the officers and the suspect once their families have been notified.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln Police to spend $3.3 million over five years on body cameras and Tasers

Authorities said the 27-year-old had stolen a recreational vehicle in Chicago on Sunday, and he was reported missing Monday.

The RV was found in Seward County.

The bus he got on was headed east toward Iowa, but police don’t know exactly where he was going.

The officer who shot the 27-year-old was placed on administrative leave, which Morrow said is standard procedure.

In a statement, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said she was grateful for the sacrifices made by the responding officers.

“When one of our officers is injured in the line of duty, the impact is felt by our entire community. We are reminded of the incredible risks our officers take every day as they put their lives on the line to protect us,” she said in the statement. “I am grateful for the service and sacrifices made by our officers and their families, and on behalf of our entire community, I extend my thoughts and support to our injured team member and family during their recovery.”