By Andrew J. Nelson and Rick Ruggles
The Omaha World-Herald
OMAHA, Neb. — An 8-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department was shot and critically wounded last night in north Omaha.
People familiar with the investigation identified the officer as Paul Latschar, a member of the department’s gang unit. He was wounded just before 11 p.m. during a traffic stop at 42nd Street and Camden Avenue.
Latschar was rushed to Creighton University Medical Center. He was in stable but critical condition this morning after surgery, according to sources.
Lt. Darci Tierney, a police spokeswoman, said two officers were conducting a traffic stop near 42nd and Camden. The sole occupant of the vehicle opened fire. One of the officers shot back.
Tierney said she thought the wounded officer was wearing body armor and was struck multiple times.
She said the alleged gunman was in custody. Police also said they recovered what was thought to be the weapon used. Police found the suspect hiding beside a house in the neighborhood after a chase.
Tierney said she was uncertain whether the officers who made the traffic stop were in a marked cruiser.
Mayor Mike Fahey and Deputy Police Chief Mark Sundermeier came to the hospital to meet with the numerous police officers who also had gone there. A couple of police cruisers barreled up the emergency room ramp about 12:30 a.m. Latschar’s wife also came to the hospital.
The shooting occurred 13 years to the day after Officer Jimmy Wilson Jr., a 24-year-old rookie officer, was shot to death in an ambush near 40th and Blondo Streets.
Latschar was one of four Omaha police officers of the month in December 2005.
Near the shooting scene Wednesday night, neighbors said they heard 15 to 20 gunshots ring out.
Andre Jones, 35, said he was visiting a friend near 42nd and Camden, about seven blocks north of Ames Avenue. They were on the porch when he heard gunfire, Jones said.
He said he saw two people running near the intersection. Neither appeared to be a uniformed police officer.
Jones said it sounded like a gunfight.
“I just thought it was two fools shooting at each other,” he said. “I ran and hid. . . . I hid by the side of the house. I dived, man.”
Jones said he saw a third person who appeared to be chasing after the other two.
Bill Simet, 32, who also lives in the area, said he suddenly saw police cruisers descending on the intersection -- “just sirens and lights and squealing tires.”
Police had been in the neighborhood earlier in the night, about 9:45 p.m., to investigate a shooting near 43rd Street and Laurel Avenue. There were reports of multiple gunshots in that incident as well.
“I feel it’s awful if anyone gets shot, an officer or anyone,” Jones said. “It’s too bad there’s got to be so much ignorance out here.”
Residents said gun violence occurs too frequently in the neighborhood.
“I hope the cop is going to be OK,” said Rashonda Stricklin, 32,. “I’m sure he has a wife. . . . I’m sure he never thought on a night on the job this would have happened to him.”
Investigators remained on the scene as dawn approached this morning. Several blocks of Fontenelle Boulevard, 42nd Street, Camden Avenue and Fort Street remained blocked off.
Copyright 2008 The Omaha World-Herald