Authorities identify wanted man shot by law enforcement in northeast Lincoln
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A wanted man was shot by authorities Wednesday morning at a busy northeast Lincoln intersection, the Nebraska State Patrol says.
Col. Bryan Waugh, the patrol’s superintendent, said the metro fugitive task force was searching for a wanted man who was staying at a hotel near 56th Street and Cornhusker Highway.
“The subject was wanted in connection with a felony narcotics and possession of a firearm case,” said Col. Bryan Waugh. “He was believed to be armed and dangerous at the time of contact.”
Authorities identified the man as 41-year-old John Massa of Lincoln.
At around 8:45 a.m., the task force spotted the man getting into a ride-share vehicle and leaving the hotel.
Authorities stopped the vehicle, and the driver got out, Waugh said.
A trooper and a deputy with the U.S. Marshals Service tried getting the man to exit the vehicle, but he refused.
“Preliminary indication is the troopers saw the suspect holding a handgun,” Waugh said. “The trooper and deputy marshal both fired from their service pistol, striking the suspect. The suspect has been transported to Bryan Health west campus with life-threatening injuries. A handgun was found inside the vehicle.”
A handgun was found inside the vehicle.
Massa was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. No law enforcement officers or bystanders were injured, according to Waugh.
“This situation illustrates the dangers that law enforcement professionals face every day,” Waugh said. “Not only in this community but across our country. We’re extremely thankful for their response to the actions of a dangerous fugitive.”
At the request of Waugh, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Lincoln Police Department are investigating the shooting.
Superior St. from N. 48th to Cornhusker is closed due to an officer involved shooting. One individual was taken to the hospital, no law enforcement was injured and there is no threat to the public. We will be releasing more information when it is available.
— Lancaster County Sheriff (@LSOnebraska) November 5, 2025
