Douglas County Deputy Shot, Fugitive Killed In Omaha Warrant Gunfight

A Douglas County deputy was shot in the leg and a wanted fugitive was killed during a gun battle Friday afternoon, May 8, 2026, as officers tried to arrest the man in south Omaha.

Sheriff Aaron Hanson said deputies moved to take the suspect into custody around 2:30 p.m. near 19th and Washington streets after locating him at a residence and activating the SWAT team to execute a search warrant. Before SWAT arrived, the fugitive exited the home and exchanged gunfire with members of the sheriff's Special Operations and warrants teams.

The suspect, a parole absconder with a prior felony firearm conviction, was shot and died at the scene. A deputy was struck in the right leg, had a tourniquet applied by colleagues, and was transported directly to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

Hanson said at least two other people who were with the suspect are in custody and being interviewed, and five deputies have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. He called the incident part of a "concerning trend," noting this may be the ninth time in recent history that Douglas County law enforcement officers have been shot or shot at in the line of duty.