Increasing number of shooting incidents in Omaha, four people shot to death in the last few days

OMAHA, Nebraska – Four individuals have been killed in a series of shootings that have occurred in north Omaha during the past several days.

On Wednesday morning, various incidents of gunfire took three individuals to local hospitals. The most recent round of gunfire also caused damage to four vehicles and a business, according to the Omaha Police Department.

Early Wednesday morning, workers at the NP Mart on 56th and Ames were busy fixing bullet-damaged windows. Management stated that they are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of their personnel and clients.

Anne Gordon, the general manager of Chubbs Foods & Grocery, stated that she is also replacing shot-out windows with bulletproof glass to ensure the safety of her employees.

“I’ve got security seven days a week. I’ve got bulletproof glass. We’ve got the best surveillance in town — OPD knows that. So, I’m doing everything in my ability,” she said. “If I could provide more, I would.”

But that can’t stop what’s happening on the streets.

“I was told between 70 and 80 shell casings were recovered between Ames Avenue and here,” Gordon said. “The store was shot by the gunfire when they were shooting but then the victim ran inside the store.”

A passenger in a vehicle heading down Ames Avenue was also hurt, according to the police.

A few miles distant, shots were fired at a residence around 24th and Ellison. The house’s facade was peppered with bullet holes.

Clair Memorial United Methodist Church is led by Pastor Portia Cavitt.

Her church is located just adjacent to the damaged business.

“No, we don’t need this, and I’m not sure where it’s all stemming from and who is actually doing; but we have to regard life a little bit better,” Pastor Cavitt said. “Bullets don’t really have anyone’s name on it. They just fly everywhere, and innocent people can be getting hurt.”

In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer reported that three arrests had been made in connection with the recent spate of shootings.

Noting that 2022 has been a low-homicide year, OPD Chief Schmaderer stated that violent crime rises are not uncommon and that the department has a plan to act.

“The Omaha Police Department is entrenched in addressing the recent spike in violence in our community. We are working diligently and taking proactive steps to keep our community safe by redeploying our resources and bolstering our response with the assistance of our law enforcement partners.

Spikes in violent crime are not uncommon and the OPD has a game plan to intervene; it is important to note that 2022 has been a low year for homicides, even considering the current spike. I want to thank our community partners for assisting us in getting a handle on the spike in violent crime and to Crime Stoppers for the tips we have been receiving.”