The Omaha police officer shot twice by a suspected theft suspect in Nebraska’s largest shopping center on Friday is stable and recovering, police announced on Saturday.
They identified the injured policeman, Jeffrey Wittstruck, as well as the suspect, Kenya Lamont Jenkins Jr.
Wittstruck and police officer Joseph Kunza were answering a theft call at a JC Penney store in Omaha’s Westroads Mall when Wittstruck went to the store’s office to interview the suspect, who had previously been detained by the mall’s security, 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 policeman’s instructions, the police said.
OMAHA POLICE SHOT AT WESTROADS MALL, STATE OF STATE; SUSPICIOUS IN CUSTODY
So when Wittstruck tried to handcuff him, Jenkins would have resisted. The officer tried to use his Taser, which failed to bring the suspect down.
So Jenkins supposedly shot him twice – in the face and on the top of his head.
The entire meeting was recorded on Wittstruck’s body camera, police said.
(Omaha Police Department)
Policeman Kunza and store staff provided first aid and called for backup, police said, as Jenkins allegedly escaped in a white sedan.
The entire meeting was recorded on Wittstruck’s body camera, police said.
State policemen 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 their vehicle. They said they recovered a .380 Taurus pistol in their possession.
Jenkins has a history of resisting arrest and attempted escape, police said.
Kenya Lamont Jenkins Jr. faces charges of attempted murder and using a gun to commit a crime.
(Omaha Police Department)
He faces charges of attempted murder and using a gun to commit a crime.
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On Friday night, police said Wittstruck was alert and would undergo surgery. On Saturday, he was said to be stable and recovering.
“Our prayers are with Officer Wittstruck and his family for a full recovery,” said Omaha police chief Todd Schmaderer in a statement. “It is important to remember the dangers that policemen pose on each call – calls that must be answered because someone is in need of help.”