‘I’ve never seen that many cops in my life’: Onlookers react to attack at south Lincoln Arby’s

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A chaotic scene unfolded as Lincoln police tried to detain a man inside an Arby’s bathroom on Tuesday night.

Authorities later linked 36-year-old Joseph Bertolino of Jacksonville, Florida, to a homicide occurring in Carter Lake, Iowa.

SEE ALSO: Suspect in attack at south Lincoln Arby’s linked to homicide in Iowa

As a large police presence increasingly surrounded the restaurant, onlookers watched from a safe distance.

“I’ve never seen that many cops in my life,” said Brook Bruchett, who lives across from the Arby’s at South 27th Street and Nebraska Parkway.

Officers were called to the restaurant shortly before 10 p.m. on Tuesday night; dispatch said they could hear what sounded like a dispute between a man and a woman.

Bruchett described what she witnessed as events unfolded.

“There were about 20 to 30 cops, about two unmarked vehicles, I think, with detectives. I assume, because they were dressed in suits and stuff. A couple of fire trucks and a couple of ambulances,” she said. “They just kept coming from each side of town.”

Bruchett says she could see Arby’s employees in front of the building talking with the police.

Another onlooker, Isabel Bree, recalls officers appearing to strategize before entering.

“I couldn’t tell who was shouting at whom, but I thought it might be officers talking to one another and coordinating what they’re going to do, but they seemed ready to take action,” said Bree.

Once the police were inside, they found Bertolino held up in the restroom.

Sgt. Chris Vollmer confirmed on Wednesday that a struggle began while trying to take Bertolino into custody.

“During the fight, at some point in time, Bertolino was grabbing for the officer’s sidearm, and a round was discharged into the restroom floor,” said Vollmer.

The officer then deployed a Taser to get him under control. Bertolino was then transported to the hospital for evaluation.

The officer involved is also getting treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries related to the bullet fragments.

Neighbors expressed surprise after learning all that ensued.

“Usually, this is a safe neighborhood and nothing really concerning happens, so it was out of the ordinary, for sure,” said Bree.

There is still no word on the alleged woman involved in the dispute, but police are continuing to investigate.