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The Omaha policeman who was shot twice by a shoplifting suspect Friday at Nebraska’s largest mall is stable and recovering, police said on Saturday.
They identified the injured officer, Jeffrey Wittstruck, as well as the suspect, Kenya Lamont Jenkins Jr.
Wittstruck and Constable Joseph Kunza were responding to a shoplifting call at a JC Penney store in Omaha’s Westroads Mall when Wittstruck walked into the store’s office to interview the suspect, who had previously been arrested by security from the mall, police said.
Officer Jeffrey Wittstruck is stable and recovering after being shot twice in the head and face, police said on Saturday.
(Omaha Police Department)
Jenkins reportedly refused to cooperate, answer questions or follow the officer’s instructions, police said.
SHOT OF OMAHA POLICE OFFICER IN WESTROADS MALL, STABLE CONDITION; SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
Then, when Wittstruck attempted to handcuff him, Jenkins reportedly resisted. The officer tried to use his Taser, which failed to bring down the suspect.
Then Jenkins allegedly fired two bullets – in the face and the top of the head.
The entire encounter was recorded by Wittstruck’s body camera, police said.
(Omaha Police Department)
Officer Kunza and store workers provided first aid and called for reinforcements, police said, as Jenkins reportedly fled in a white sedan.
The entire encounter was recorded by Wittstruck’s body camera, police said.
State soldiers caught up with Jenkins on Interstate 80 and took him into custody after a high-speed chase in which they had to use stop sticks to stop his vehicle. They said they recovered a Taurus .380 pistol in his possession.
Jenkins has previously resisted arrests and attempted to escape, police said.
Kenya Lamont Jenkins Jr. faces charges of attempted murder and using a weapon to commit a crime.
(Omaha Police Department)
He faces charges of attempted murder and using a weapon to commit a crime.
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Police said on Friday night Wittstruck was alert and expected to have surgery. On Saturday they said he was stable and recovering.
“Our prayers are with Constable Wittstruck and his family for a full recovery,” Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said in a statement. “It’s important to remember the dangers officers face with every call – calls that have to be answered because someone is in need.”
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