Two officers assaulted during fight in downtown Lincoln, police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Police are investigating after two officers were assaulted during a fight in downtown Lincoln on Saturday.

Just before midnight, officers responded to a fight involving around 30 people near Eigth and N streets, LPD said.

One officer used pepper spray and tried to take a man into custody.  While doing so, a woman punched the officer in the face, according to police.

Another officer trying to break up a separate fight was hit and kicked in the head three to four times, police said.

Officers said those responsible for that assault are unknown at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 402-441-6000, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.

During the fight, an officer’s body-worn camera and a sidearm magazine were knocked from their vest, police said.

The camera was taken and left in a nearby trash compactor.  Officers did not find the magazine, according to LPD.

Once most of the crowd dispersed, officers learned that someone with a firearm was possibly at the scene.

Officers spotted the man and took him into custody.  A loaded handgun was found on the ground, where the man was taken into custody, police said.

The man was arrested on suspicion of disturbing the peace and refusing to comply with an order from a police officer.