Steven Phipps dies in fatal Omaha shooting
Steven Phipps dies in fatal Omaha shooting
Fatal Omaha shooting death of Steven Phipps – Obituary.
Omaha police have identified the individual involved in a deadly shooting during a confrontation that took place following a traffic stop. The incident occurred when officers attempted to pull over 22-year-old Steven Phipps and a passenger around 5:45 p.m. Saturday near 31st Avenue and Taylor Street.
Police Chief Todd Schmaderer expressed his condolences to Phipps’ family during a meeting where he shared body-worn camera footage from the incident, calling it one of the most emotional encounters he has experienced in his 12 years as chief. The traffic stop was initiated due to expired license plates on Phipps’ vehicle, a Monte Carlo.
Officers Noah Zendejas and Alex Atkinson, both in uniform and operating a marked cruiser, conducted the stop, which ended in a vacant lot. After pulling over, Phipps exited the car and stood near the door, where he was subsequently seen on the body camera footage.
Zendejas can be heard giving multiple commands for Phipps to remain in the vehicle, while Atkinson also issued commands. During a voluntary interview, Zendejas reported seeing the outline of a handgun in Phipps’ hoodie pocket, which was later confirmed in still images from the body camera.
Ignoring the officers’ orders, Phipps fled on foot, prompting a pursuit by both officers. As he escaped, Phipps reportedly vaulted over a chain link fence, at which point Zendejas claimed to have seen him brandishing a handgun. According to police, the gun was pointed at the officers, creating an immediate threat.
In response, Zendejas discharged his firearm eight times, striking Phipps. Following the shooting, he rendered medical aid. Atkinson did not discharge his weapon during the incident.
Investigators recovered a cellphone that Phipps dropped while fleeing, along with a loaded handgun found in the grass. A search of the Monte Carlo revealed another firearm, a magazine, and live ammunition. It was determined that Phipps was legally permitted to carry the firearms.
Both officers involved in the shooting have a clean disciplinary record regarding the use of force, with Zendejas serving for three and a half years and Atkinson for five years. Chief Schmader stated that the use of force appeared to be within department policy.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert extended her sympathies to the Phipps family, while the Douglas County Attorney’s Office is set to review the investigation, alongside a separate internal inquiry by the Omaha Police Department. Both officers have been placed on leave pending the outcome of the critical incident review, and a grand jury will be convened to evaluate the circumstances of the shooting. Body-worn camera footage will be released after the grand jury concludes its investigation.
Steven Phipps dies in fatal Omaha shooting Fatal Omaha shooting death of Steven Phipps – Obituary. Omaha police have identified the individual involved in a deadly shooting during a confrontation that took place following a traffic stop. The incident occurred when officers attempted to pull over 22-year-old Steven Phipps and a passenger around 5:45 p.m.…
Steven Phipps dies in fatal Omaha shooting Fatal Omaha shooting death of Steven Phipps – Obituary. Omaha police have identified the individual involved in a deadly shooting during a confrontation that took place following a traffic stop. The incident occurred when officers attempted to pull over 22-year-old Steven Phipps and a passenger around 5:45 p.m.…