The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a homicide that occurred in rural Polk County Friday morning, which resulted in a pursuit and trooper-involved shooting near David City.
Friday morning, law enforcement received a 911 call regarding a shooting at a residence in rural Polk County, near Duncan. Local authorities responded and found a deceased male at the home. Authorities quickly identified a suspect and began searching the area for the vehicle. Shortly after the homicide occurred, the Butler County Sheriff located the vehicle, but found no one inside. The sheriff then heard gunfire from an unknown direction and retreated to a position of safety. The suspect got back into the vehicle and fled.
Troopers joined the pursuit as the suspect fled in northern Butler County. The vehicle then pulled into a residential driveway northeast of David City. The suspect again fired shots. Two troopers returned fire. The suspect was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene.
A rifle was recovered at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured during this response. Identities of the victim and suspect will be released following the family notification process.
At the request of the county attorney, the Nebraska State Patrol Special Investigations Unit, along with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, were activated to conduct the investigation into the trooper-involved shooting. The Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the homicide near Duncan.
In accordance with NSP policy, the two troopers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave. Per Nebraska State Statute, any in-custody death, or death during a law enforcement encounter requires a grand jury investigation.
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