Lincoln Police investigating officer-involved shooting at Office Depot

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lincoln Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Wednesday morning.

An officer responded to a call around 1:30 a.m. for an alarm going off at the back entrance of the Office Depot near North 50th and R Street.

“When he arrived, he located a man inside a small access door behind a dumpster, near the back dock,” said Chief Michon Morrow. “He gave verbal commands to the suspect, but he did not comply. The suspect threw a metal object at the officer before firing at him. Our officer then returned fire.”

The suspect, identified as a 49-year-old man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his “lower extremities.” The officer was not injured.

Other officers arrived at the scene, determined it was safe and gave first aid to the man.

“The suspect was taken to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for multiple non-life-threatening gunshot wounds,” Morrow said. “Once released, he’ll be taken to the Lancaster County Jail for attempted murder, burglary, felony possession of a firearm, and possible other charges as this investigation continues to unfold.”

According to Morrow, they are unsure if the man had been inside the Office Depot.

LPD shared stills from the responding officers’ body camera footage.

The first image shows the muzzle flash when the suspect shot at the officer. 

In another photo, the handgun used by the man is seen on the ground.According to LPD, the officer involved in the shooting was placed on paid administrative leave, per the department’s policy.

LPD’s Crime Scene Unit is working alongside the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office to piece together exactly what happened.

“Investigators are working to gather and process evidence,” Morrow said. “That will include review of body camera footage, some of the stills you saw today from that footage. Part of the investigation will include determining how many rounds were fired and by whom.”

Morrow said they will identify both the suspect and the officer at a later date.

The suspect is expected to survive. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call LPD’s non-emergency line at 402-441-6000, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.