The Lincoln Police officer critically wounded while attempting to execute an arrest warrant on Wednesday is being identified.
Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister say Luis “Mario” Herrera, a 23-year veteran of the force, was the officer shot near 33rd and Vine streets. Herrera is currently in critical condition at Bryan West Hospital.
Bliemeister says Herrera was shot in the torso and has undergone multiple surgeries. He was not wearing a ballistic vest when he was shot. Herrera’s family said he has received numerous blood transfusions, and those that want to help can donate blood at the Nebraska Blood Bank.
According to LPD, officers were at a home in the area serving a second-degree assault arrest warrant for 17 year old Felipe Vazquez in connection to the March homicide of Edward Varejcka.
Officers said that during the process of serving the warrant, Herrera was shot after Vazquez and another suspect, Orian Ross, broke through the front window of the home and attempted to flee.
Authorities said that Vazquez fired a semi-automatic pistol while trying to escape, striking Herrera. Another LPD officer did return fire but did not strike Vazquez or Ross, police said. That officer is under administrative leave as the situation is investigated.