Nebraska police officials confirms a crew member for the TV show Cops was fatally wounded during a shootout at an Omaha Wendy’s on Tuesday night. The targeted robbery suspect was also killed.
According to The Omaha World-Herald, an officer noticed a robbery in progress at the Wendy’s shortly after 9 p.m. After backup arrived a short time later, “shots rang out,” striking the suspect and the unidentified Cops crew member.
“Cops guy has been hit by gunfire. We need a squad here now,” an officer said in a call to dispatch. “We got a Cops cameraman hit. White male. He’s not conscious. He’s slightly breathing.”
https://soundcloud.com/meanstreetsoma/omaha-officer-involved-shooting-8-26-2014
On Wednesday morning, officials confirmed the fatal shots were apparently fired by police; the robbery suspect was only carrying an Airsoft gun. More details are expected to be announced at a press conference scheduled for 2:30c.
Since its premiere in 1989, Cops has followed police officers in 140 American cities. The crew has been embedded with the Omaha Police Department for much of the summer. In June, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer told Omaha.com the department hoped the show would improve officers’ relationships with community members.
“I am proud of the department, and want the professionalism of our officers on display for the city and world to see,” said Chief Schmaderer.
Cops crew members are supposed to have “fly on the wall” positions, but have been called to assist the officers in a few rare cases. This appears to be the first reported injury to a crew member.
UPDATE Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer identified the Cops victim as 38-year-old sound mixer Bryce Dion. Chief Schmaderer said Bryce was wearing a bullet-proof vest, but shot under the left arm.
Langley Productions said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragedy and our main concern is helping his family in any way we can. Bryce Dion was a long term member of the Cops team and a very talented and dedicated person. We mourn his passing. An investigation is ongoing and we are cooperating with local authorities.”
