Lincoln police officer suspended amidst domestic violence investigation

A Lincoln police officer has been placed on unpaid investigative suspension after department officials became aware of his involvement in a domestic violence incident. 

Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister said the incident involving Officer Nicolas Russell occurred over the weekend. 

Bliemeister said he requested the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a criminal investigation into the incident, and that LPD is conducting its own internal investigation. 

LSO served Russell with a domestic abuse protection order on Friday. Bliemeister said Russell has the right to request a hearing to show cause for the order. 

Russell was already participating in a diversion program for an unrelated, non-domestic altercation at a local bar when he was off duty, Bliemeister said. That incident occurred on August 17, and resulted in Russell being cited for disturbing the peace and an administrative penalty. 

We take all allegations of misconduct seriously, especially those involving domestic violence,” Bliemeister said.