No charges for Neb. officer in fatal OIS of unarmed man who charged at officers during no-knock search

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said the officer shot the man “in fear for his life and his fellow officers,” as the man charged toward him

September 05, 2024 02:59 PM

No charges for Nebraska officer who killed a man while serving a no-knock warrant — A loaded gun and drugs were found in the home, police said. Body camera footage was obscured by Vail’s ballistic shield, police said.

Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. — A Nebraska prosecutor says he will not file criminal charges against an Omaha police officer who fatally shot an unarmed man while serving a no-knock warrant.

Trending

Investigations

2 National Guard members shot near White House

West Virginia National Guard members were shot near a metro station in what D.C.’s mayor called a targeted shooting; other troops subdued the gunman

November 26, 2025 09:03 PM

Investigations

Afghan national charged in Guard ambush shooting drove across US to carry out attack, officials say

Rahmanullah Lakanwal worked with the U.S. government before entering the U.S. in 2021; Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe critically wounded

November 27, 2025 07:19 PM

Off Duty

Smart Amazon Black Friday picks for first responders

A look at discounted tech, gear and personal essentials that align with patrol and off-duty needs

November 26, 2025 12:32 PM

Police1 Staff

Police Recruitment

‘Starting to turn around': Mich. agencies’ new social media strategies credited for recruitment growth

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Troy PD turned to podcasters and influencers to connect with younger applicants — a strategy that’s showing signs of success

November 26, 2025 10:39 AM

Joanna Putman

Omaha Police Officer Adam Vail was part of a SWAT team serving the search warrant during a drug and firearms investigation on Aug. 28 when he fired the single shot that killed 37-year-old Cameron Ford.

Ford was not holding a gun, but Vail couldn’t see Ford’s hands and fired when Ford charged at him, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said during a news conference Thursday. Vail shot Ford “in fear for his life and his fellow officers,” Kleine said.

A loaded gun and drugs were found in the home, police said. Body camera footage was obscured by Vail’s ballistic shield, police said.

While Kleine is not filing charges, a grand jury must still review the case as required under Nebraska law.

Legal Use of Force