By Suzie Ziegler
OMAHA, Neb. — A police officer is in critical condition after he was shot in the head and face while responding to a shoplifting call in Omaha.
According to Omaha Police, Officer Jeffrey Wittstruck was dispatched to a JCPenney department store Friday afternoon. Security guards had detained a suspect whom they say tried to leave the store without paying for some t-shirts.
Police said the suspect, later identified as 21-year-old Kenya Jenkins, initially gave a fake name and was uncooperative.
[READ: LEO Near Miss: Shoplifter turned violent]
According to police, Jenkins put his hand in his sweatshirt pocket and refused multiple commands to show his hands. Wittstruck attempted to place Jenkins in handcuffs but a struggle ensued.
Wittstruck used his TASER on Jenkins, but it was ineffective, police said. The officer again tried to take Jenkins into custody. That’s when the suspect pulled a gun out of his sweatshirt pocket. Jenkins fired four shots at the officer and ran.
Jenkins was later found by Nebraska state troopers who saw the suspect vehicle at a gas station off the highway, police said. Troopers initiated a traffic stop but Jenkins took off, leading police on a pursuit at speeds over 140 miles per hour. Troopers ultimately used stop sticks to disable Jenkin’s car and take him into custody.
According to Omaha Police, Wittstruck is in stable condition after taking shots to his face and the top of his head.
Jenkins is facing charges of attempted murder and the use of a weapon to commit a felony, according to police.
https://www.facebook.com/OmahaPoliceDepartment/posts/10159025774259096