A quiet Wednesday afternoon in South Omaha turned violent shortly after noon at Phil’s Foodway, a small neighborhood grocery store. Gunfire erupted without warning, sending customers and employees scrambling for safety. A 61-year-old man was shot multiple times in the chest. Police arrived to find him badly hurt but conscious, and he was rushed to the hospital. Doctors later confirmed his injuries were “not life-threatening.” Witnesses and surveillance footage helped officers quickly identify a suspect who fled the scene.

Using real-time information, police tracked the suspect across the city. He was described as “armed and potentially dangerous.” Officers located a vehicle linked to the shooting at a QuikTrip gas station near 32nd and L Streets, a busy area with customers inside. When officers approached, the suspect ran into the store, raising immediate concern for civilian safety.

The situation escalated when the suspect barricaded himself in a restroom. Police attempted verbal commands to end the standoff peacefully, but the suspect opened fire. Two officers were shot and a third was injured by shrapnel. A nearby bystander escaped unharmed. Officers returned fire, and the suspect was killed at the scene, ending the threat.

All three injured officers were taken to the hospital, and authorities confirmed their injuries were also “not life-threatening.” The officers were placed on “critical incident leave,” and the Nebraska State Patrol took over the investigation to ensure an independent review.

City and state leaders praised the officers’ actions, noting their response likely prevented further harm. QuikTrip thanked law enforcement and confirmed no customers or employees were seriously injured. The incident left the community shaken, highlighting how quickly violence can disrupt everyday places and the importance of rapid response and public safety.