Lincoln Police Department identifies officer who fired gun after traffic stop

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln Police on Wednesday identified the officer in the officer-involved shooting earlier this week.

Officer Ryan Lawrence, who joined the Lincoln Police Department in 2018, fired his weapon once early Monday morning after a traffic stop at 48th and Orchard streets.

Police said the vehicle tried to drive off when officers attempted a K9 search of the vehicle, dragging along an officer whose foot was caught in the passenger door.

Lawrence then shot his gun toward the vehicle. No one was injured by the gunshot, and the officer dragged by the car suffered only minor injuries.

SEE ALSO: LPD: No one injured when officer fires gun in north Lincoln

The people inside the car — 66-year-old Ronald Willis and 44-year-old Cynthia Chamberlin, both of Lincoln — were arrested on multiple charges.

Willis is facing operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and second-degree assault on a police officer, and Chamberlin is facing possession of a controlled substance.

Additional charges are pending further investigation.

Lawrence has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.