Omaha Police release the name of the Officer who was shot and wounded early Monday.
In a news release, the department says it's Officer Steven Murcek, a 16-year veteran of the department, who remains in stable condition at a hospital.
It happened shortly after 6 a.m. at the "Quik Trip" near 120th and West Dodge.
Police say employees called after a man walked in creating a disturbance.
Investigators say Officers Murcek and Krystal Bartlett, with the department for one year, were the initial responding officers.
Police say Officer Murcek arrived on scene first at 6:11 a.m. and made contact with 36-year -old Shedrick Mills, who was standing outside the store and matched the description provided by 911 callers.
During the initial contact, Mills made statements referencing the “KKK” and claimed his vehicle and phone were being compromised by people following him. Officers Murcek and Bartlett, advised Mr. Mills that "QuikTrip" management wanted him to leave the property. Mr. Mills refused to leave despite multiple requests and was told that he would be arrested for failure to leave the property.
Investigators say at 6:19 a.m., Officer Murcek attempted to place Mills in handcuffs for refusing to leave. Mr. Mills resisted and pushed away, stating, “Don’t touch me.” As Murcek approached him again, Mr. Mills reached into his waistband, pulled out a handgun with his left hand, then pointed the gun at Officer Murcek.
Body-worn camera footage shows Officer Murcek had already drawn his less-lethal Taser when Mills initially pulled away. Murcek transitioned his Taser to his left hand and drew his service weapon with his right hand. Area surveillance footage shows Mr. Mills firing one round at Officer Murcek, striking him in the head. Officer Murcek returned fire multiple times before getting behind his cruiser.
Officer Murcek told 911 shots had been fired, he had been injured and requested a rescue squad while issuing a “help an officer” broadcast. Officer Bartlett took cover and attempted to engage the suspect; however, Mills ran eastbound.
At 6:31 a.m., 911 dispatchers received information Mr. Mills was inside the McDonald’s at 114th and West Dodge Road. Omaha Police SWAT personnel, who had been en route to serve a separate search warrant, responded to the McDonald’s. They entered and took Mr. Mills into custody at 6:34 a.m. without further incident.
A handgun was found inside of McDonald's, along with magazines and ammunition.
Officer Murcek was taken to a hospital by Omaha Fire and is currently in stable condition.
Police say Mills had no injuries. He was evaluated by Omaha Fire paramedics and medically cleared before being taken to Omaha Central Police Headquarters for an interview.
After consulting with the Douglas County Attorney’s Office, Shedrick Mills will be charged with attempted 2nd degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony, prohibited person in possession of a firearm (fugitive from justice), and two unrelated warrants from OPD and Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
The investigation continues. Various aspects of this incident were captured on officers’ body-worn cameras and area surveillance cameras. The Nebraska State Patrol and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office are assisting with the investigation.
(Pictures from Omaha Police)