Omaha police officer recovers after being shot twice in the head, authorities say

The Omaha police officer who was shot twice by a shoplifter in Nebraska’s largest shopping center is stable and recovering, police announced Saturday.

They identified the injured officer, Jeffrey Wittstruck, as well as the suspect, Kenya Lamont Jenkins Jr..

Wittstruck and officer Joseph Kunza respond to a shoplifting call at a JC Penney store in Omaha’s Westroads Mall when Wittstruck goes to the store to interrogate the suspect, who has already been detained by the mall’s security, police said. .

Police allegedly refused to cooperate, answer questions or follow the officer’s instructions.

OMAHA POLICE OFFICER shot at WESTROADS MALL, state condition; SUSPENDED IN PRESERVATION

When Wittstruck tried to handcuff him, Jenkins allegedly resisted. The officer tried to use his Taser, which the suspect could not flatten.

Then Jenkins apparently shot him twice – in the face and on top of his head.

Officer Kunza and employees of the store provided first aid and asked for backing, police said as Jenkins allegedly fled in a white sedan.

Police said the entire encounter was recorded by Wittstruck’s body.

State troops caught up with Jenkins on Interstate 80 and arrested him after a swift chase in which they had to use stoppers to stop his vehicle. They said they found a .380 Taurus pistol in his possession.

Jenkins has a record of resisting arrest and trying to escape, police said.

He faces charges of attempted murder and use of a weapon to commit a crime.

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Late Friday night, police said Wittstruck was vigilant and was expected to undergo surgery. On Saturday, they said he was stable and recovering.

“Our prayers are with Officer Wittstruck and his family for full recovery,” Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said in a statement. “It’s important to remember the dangers that officers place in every call – calls that need to be answered because someone was in need.”