An Omaha Police officer and suspect are dead after a shootout Wednesday afternoon.
29-year-old Officer Kerrie Orozco was a seven-year veteran of the police department, and a member of the gang unit. She was part of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force, serving a warrant Wednesday afternoon near 30th Street and Martin Avenue. When officers encountered the suspect, 26-year-old Marcus Wheeler, a shootout ensued. Wheeler was a known gang member and convicted felon.
Orozco and Wheeler were taken in extremely critical condition to Creighton University Medical Center, where they died.
Police Chief Todd Schmaderer says Orozco will be remembered as an outstanding officer and person.
"She coached baseball since 2009 at the North Omaha Boys and Girls Club. She volunteered with the Special Olympics, she was president of the Police Officers Ball to benefit the Special Olympics. She took in rescue dogs. She was a Girl Scout mentor. She spoke at Girls Inc. frequently. She was a friend, a popular officer, a top-notch person."
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert says it's an extremely sad and tragic day for the city.
"Omaha is a compassionate community. Omaha police officers put their lives in danger every day as they protect and serve the citizens of Omaha. Officer Orozco will be remembered by the community for her service and bravery through our prayer and our continued community support for all police officers."
Orozco was a member of the gang unit. She's survived by her husband, two stepchildren, and a newborn daughter. Officer Orozco is the first female Omaha police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
------------------
Updated 5:30 p.m.-A 29-year-old Omaha Police officer was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while attempting to serve a warrant in north Omaha.
Police Chief Todd Schmaderer announced Wednesday that Kerrie Orozco, a seven-year veteran of OPD and a member of the gang unit, was shot and killed. The suspect, 26-year-old Marcus Wheeler, was also shot and killed.
(Updated 2:45 p.m.)-An Omaha Police Officer and a suspect are in critical condition after a shooting Wednesday afternoon in north Omaha.
Deputy Police Chief Dave Baker says the Fugitive Task Force was serving a felony warrant at Read Street and Martin Avenue just before 1 pm when shots were fired. The officer and suspect were taken to Creighton University Medical Center in extremely critical condition.
The names of the officer and suspect aren’t being released at this time. The shooting is under investigation.
Earlier information:
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha police officer is in critical condition after a Wednesday afternoon shooting.
Deputy Police Chief Greg Gonzalez told the Omaha World-Herald a female police officer was shot Wednesday afternoon. She was taken in extremely critical condition to Creighton University Medical Center.
It wasn't immediately clear what led to the officer being shot around 1 p.m. near 30th Street and Martin Avenue in northeast Omaha. It also wasn't immediately clear how many other people were involved.
Authorities are investigating the incident.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.