OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Two early morning shootings left two victims with critical injuries.
First, a shooting near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge blocked off the area. 20-year-old Chiok Tut was shot. No suspects have been identified and there are currently no leads on any suspects.
Omaha Police have confirmed that Tut was transported to Nebraska Medicine. Officers are unsure how many times the victim was shot.
Just minutes later, police were called to the area of 16th and Phelps Street for another shooting.
19-year-old Rico Minzel was found with a gunshot wound. Minzel was also transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Both investigations are ongoing. Anybody with information is urged to call Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP.
UPDATE 2:06 FROM OPD REGARDING SAFETY UPGRADES
The Omaha Police Department will take immediate steps to further enhance public safety on and around the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge following a shooting early Thursday morning.
Officers were called to the bridge at 1:45 a.m. and arrived just minutes after the call. Shortly after their arrival, officers located and arrested a juvenile suspect. The suspect will be booked with 1st Degree Felony Assault and Use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony. The victim is also a juvenile.
The Omaha Police Department Riverfront Patrol Unit continuously patrols on and around the bridge. In response to recent activity, we will have an enhanced presence of Riverfront Patrol and Gang Unit Officers patrolling the area.
Additional security measures are in place or underway.
The installation of new LED lighting on the bridge started several weeks ago and is expected to be completed by mid-June. LED lighting is brighter and will better illuminate the bridge.
Security cameras are already located on the bridge plaza leading to the base of the bridge on the Nebraska side of the river. Additional cameras are being purchased and will be installed across the entire span of the bridge.
The bridge is open 24 hours a day, and closed only during bad weather or for maintenance. Unlike city parks, the bridge does not have an 11 p.m. closing time because it is not a park.
