An Omaha, Nebraska, police officer attempting to arrest a shoplifting suspect was shot in the face and the top of his head during an altercation with the suspect.
Officer Jeffrey Wittstruck, a four-year veteran of the Omaha police, was shot after responding to a call at Nebraska’s largest mall after security officers detained Kenya Lamont Jenkins Jr. for allegedly stealing a package of T-shirts from J.C. Penney.
In a statement, the department said Jenkins was “not forthcoming or cooperative” and, after a brief struggle, Wittstruck attempted to use a taser on Jenkins but the probes were “ineffective.”
As the officer attempted to handcuff Jenkins, Jenkins reportedly shot Wittstruck four times and fled the mall. Wittstruck was transferred to the hospital in critical condition.
Police then engaged in a brief pursuit of Jenkins, during which he clocked speeds of over 140 miles per hour while driving a BMW. Troopers were able to use “stop sticks” to halt the vehicle and apprehend Jenkins and a Taurus firearm, police said.
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“Our prayers are with Officer Wittstruck and his family for a full recovery. On behalf of all Omaha Police Officers, thank you for the showing of support and concern,” Police Chief Todd Schmaderer wrote. “It is important to remember the dangers officers put themselves in on each and every call; calls that must be answered because someone was in need.”
Wittstruck is in stable condition and recovering from his injuries at a local hospital. Jenkins has been charged with attempted murder of a police officer and using a gun to commit a felony.
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In 2020, 264 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. After COVID-19, firearms were the second-most common cause of death. Forty-eight police officers were killed by firearms in 2020, a 6% decrease from 2019.
