Separate inquiries into two deaths
Nebraska authorities have opened separate investigations into the fatal shooting of an adult man near Duncan and the fatal shooting of a homicide suspect by two state troopers northeast of David City. Nebraska State Patrol Lt. Col. James Scott said both inquiries remained at an early stage.
The patrol’s Criminal Investigation Unit is handling the homicide inquiry in rural Polk County. At the county attorney’s request, the patrol’s Special Investigations Unit and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office will investigate the trooper-involved shooting in Butler County.
Scott said the two troopers were placed on paid administrative leave under patrol policy and that their identities were not being released.
Patrol gives preliminary sequence
According to the patrol’s account, a 911 caller reported a shooting Friday morning at a residence near Duncan. Responding authorities found an adult man dead with apparent gunshot wounds, then identified a suspect and a vehicle believed to have been driven by that person.
Law enforcement later found the vehicle unoccupied. Scott said a sheriff at that location heard gunfire and withdrew to safety before the suspect allegedly returned, drove away and was pursued toward Butler County. Troopers joined the pursuit, which reached a property near 37 Road and O Road, northeast of David City.
Scott said the suspect continued firing and two troopers returned fire. The suspect was struck and pronounced dead at the scene, where authorities recovered a rifle. No law enforcement officers were injured, and officials said there was no continuing danger to the public.