Suspect in Lincoln officer-involved shooting fired first, according to authorities

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) –The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect in Monday’s officer-involved shooting fired his weapon first.

Authorities identified him as 35-year-old Chace Abney and said he has a long criminal history.

He had outstanding warrants from Arizona, New York and California.

“Abney has Lincoln ties and was in Lincoln for about one week,” Sheriff Terry Wagner said. “The pistol he had was reported stolen yesterday in Norfolk.”

Authorities said they were conducting surveillance on a motel room at Southwest 27th and West O Streets when multiple task force members moved across the street.

Abney followed them in a Chevrolet Impala, and they ordered him to get out of the car.

That’s when Abney is accused of firing a round at law enforcement with a 9 mm pistol.

They returned fire, and Abney was taken to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds after receiving first aid.  He’s still in critical condition at this time.

Officers said they will not yet be releasing the names of the officers involved for safety reasons.

Police said they have recovered shell casings from Abney’s stolen gun but said the bullets were not recovered.

A lot of questions are still left unanswered, primarily why Abney allegedly followed police to the parking lot in the first place.

Authorities still have a lot of interviews to do, and they’re also looking for additional witnesses.

There is no body camera or dashcam video of the shooting.  If you have footage from the area or any information, you’re asked to contact local law enforcement.

The officers involved in the shooting are currently on administrative leave while the investigation continues.