‘They acted as they are trained’: Local law enforcement detail recent gunfire involving officers

OMAHA, Neb. —

Since Oct. 6, 2025, there have been seven instances where law enforcement shot someone, and in six of those situations, officers were shot at.

The seventh time was when the suspect had a large knife. She injured a child and refused to drop the weapon.

READ MORE: What we know: Omaha police shoot, kill woman who slashed child during attempted kidnapping

It’s violence law enforcement agencies all across the area said they’re facing.

The most recent time was on Tuesday afternoon near 19th and Bancroft streets.

After refusing to negotiate for more than an hour, Omaha police said a man shot at the SWAT team.

“He made numerous threats that he’s not going to be taken. He challenged the officers to come in. He was ready for this. And to the point where his mindset was prepared for this gunfight with our SWAT team,” said Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer.

Omaha police SWAT team members returned fire, killing the man.

“Here we are again in the city of Omaha with officers being shot at again,” Schmaderer said.

No officers or any bystanders were injured.

“The Omaha Police Department comes. Our main concern is the preservation of life. And they did that,” he said.

Days prior, on Friday, Papillion and La Vista police as well as the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office faced gunfire from a person in a Home Depot parking lot.

The suspect shot at people at a restaurant before leading police on a slow-speed chase. The pursuit led to the parking lot of the Home Depot on 84th Street.

“We do know that the suspect pointed an AR-15-style rifle at officers. One shell casing was found at the scene, so we know the suspect did get off at least one shot,” said Papillion police Chief Chris Whitted.

MORE COVERAGE: Papillion, La Vista police chiefs detail deadly gunfire after suspect pointed AR-15 at officers

Four officers returned fire. The suspect died at the hospital, and no one else was injured.

On May 8, a Douglas County deputy was shot in the leg when serving a warrant.

Deputies returned fire, killing the suspect.

“Our deputies, our special operations group, took painstaking steps to try to have a scenario in which it did not result in violence, but unfortunately, it did culminate in the violence because of the decisions and actions of the suspect,” said Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Douglas County Sheriff identifies deputy injured during ‘gun battle’ with suspect, other deputies involved

Department leader said their officers followed their training.

“We’re incredibly proud of the officers and how they responded. They acted as they are trained,” Whitted said. “They protected civilian life as well as their own life. It’s miraculous that nobody else was injured or killed.”

“The Omaha Police Department and especially the SWAT team performed very admirably under very tough circumstances,” Schmaderer said.

“Remember that and honor that sacrifice that they perform to keep us safe every day,” Hanson said.

The La Vista and Papillion police chiefs said there’s not one thing to place blame on for situations like these.

Regardless, each agency said their officers will continue to show up to protect the public.

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