Omaha officers shot at man holding woman hostage, police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Police say they got into a gunfight Wednesday night during a hostage situation in Omaha.

At 5:20 p.m., officers responded to an office building near 42nd and Center streets, according to the Omaha Police Department.

They learned that a man was holding a woman against her will inside, Capt. John Sokolic said.

Police received reports that shots had been fired and the woman was injured, police said.

Officers went inside and found the man holding the victim in a small room, according to police.

Sokolic said the man shot at police, so they returned fire.

“We had a very violent encounter that took place prior to the officers’ arrival,” Sokolic said. “So they met force with force.”

The man was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The woman had injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police said it’s not yet clear whether the man’s wounds were inflicted by officers or himself.

But they think the victim’s injuries came from the man.