Suspect Arrested: Omaha Police Officer Shot in Head at Gas Station
OMAHA, Nebraska — An Omaha Police officer was shot in the head during a confrontation at a QuikTrip gas station Monday morning, prompting a massive police response that ended with the suspect in custody less than an hour later. Officials say the injured officer is in stable condition.
Shooting and Arrest
The shooting happened around 6:20 a.m. at the QuikTrip near 120th Street and West Dodge Road. Police identified the officer as Steven Murcek, a 16-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department. The suspect, 36-year-old Shedrick Mills, allegedly fled the scene after the gunfire but was captured about 40 minutes later near a McDonald’s at 114th and Dodge.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said during a briefing that the situation began when store employees called 911 to report a man behaving “erratic and aggressive.” Two officers arrived, and a confrontation quickly escalated. “What started as a conversation turned into gunfire,” Schmaderer said, adding that Officer Murcek was struck in the head but continued returning fire despite his injury.
City Leaders Respond
During a news conference, Mayor John Ewing Jr. and Chief Schmaderer both confirmed that Murcek is expected to recover. “We are very lucky we did not lose an officer,” Schmaderer said. “For the past week, there has been a lot of scrutiny on OPD, some of it unfair, and quite frankly, it’s gotten a little out of control.”
Mayor Ewing called for unity and support for law enforcement, saying, “We want people to stop the dangerous rhetoric and stop playing politics with public safety. The Omaha Police Department will always respond and protect this community.”
Witnesses Describe Chaos at the Scene
Nearby residents reported hearing multiple gunshots before seeing officers flood the area. Witness Travis Garges, who was at McDonald’s when police surrounded the suspect, described seeing “at least 20 SWAT team members” rush inside. “I felt horrible and scared,” he said. “I just hoped it wasn’t an active shooter situation.”
The shooting temporarily shut down lanes of West Dodge Road as police secured both the QuikTrip and McDonald’s scenes.
Community and Department Reaction
The Omaha Police Officers Association issued a statement Monday evening expressing gratitude for the officer’s survival: “We are grateful that the officer responding to an erratic party is expected to survive. This shows the citizens of Omaha that no matter who calls 911, our officers will show up.”
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Senator Pete Ricketts both released public statements offering prayers for the injured officer and praising his bravery.
Police said the suspect remains in custody and that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not yet released details about the weapon used or whether additional charges will be filed.
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