Omaha police chief Todd Schmaderer defended an officer’s use of force in shooting and killing Steven Phipps, a 22-year-old armed Black man who was fleeing police during a traffic stop. Schmaderer stated that police followed protocol and that body camera footage showed Phipps holding a gun as he fell from a fence, prompting the officer to shoot him. Phipps’ family was shown video and audio from the incident, with conflicting reports about what Phipps said before and after he was shot.
Despite claims from Phipps’ family that he was asking not to be shot while holding his hands up after falling, police stated that most shots were fired while Phipps was still midair. The officer believed Phipps posed a threat because of the gun in his possession. The incident also raises questions about whether Phipps intended harm or if the gun was accidentally pointed at officers during the fall. The officer involved had no previous use-of-force violations on record and will undergo further scrutiny by county authorities.
Authorities revealed that Phipps was not shot in the back, but the details of his autopsy have not been made public. The county attorney will review the case and determine if charges will be filed, with a grand jury also set to review the shooting. Phipps’ family, who are grieving his loss, believe that the use of force was unnecessary and unjustified, especially given Phipps’ compliance in disclosing his possession of a gun in past interactions with law enforcement.
In response to the incident, Chief Schmaderer emphasized the importance of following police orders and the need to curb gun violence in the community. He defended officers’ actions in pursuing suspects who flee, highlighting the role of law enforcement in crime prevention. The incident comes shortly after another fatal shooting involving a different officer, who was fired for violating department procedures in the death of an unarmed Black man during a no-knock warrant operation.
The community is grappling with these incidents, and Schmaderer acknowledged the need to rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement. Efforts to address concerns and engage with the community are underway, as authorities seek to prevent further instances of violence and ensure accountability for officers involved in fatal encounters. The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings will provide more insight into the circumstances surrounding Steven Phipps’ death and the actions taken by the officers involved.
