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Residents concerned over safety at Evans Tower

Posted at 5:43 PM, Jan 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-02 19:13:45-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) -- — Residents of the Evans Tower Apartments say this week’s officer involved shooting raises security issues with people who can access the building.

Body cam photos show the moments when Terry Hudson, 57, came out of an apartment raising the gun, and saying “kill me” before exchanging gunfire.

Read more: Details released in shooting that injured Omaha officer

At 10pm Tuesday, officers responded to a domestic disturbance where Hudson allegedly pulled a gun and choked his girlfriend Dana Wells in her Evans Tower apartment. Hudson was killed when bullets were flying. Wells was later found dead in the apartment.

The Evans Tower is a senior living building run by the Omaha Housing Authority. Wells lived there, Hudson was not an OHA resident.

A resident KMTV spoke to, who didn't want to be identified, says security is a major issue. People who don't live there come in and out all the time.

"People are trying to go out the door and they're afraid to go out because the people that don't live here are trying to get in. Drug dealers, prostitutes, all of that trying to get in and they're afraid to go out the door,” the resident explained.

Residents have complained about a door not locking properly to keep people without a key card out of the building.

Omaha Housing Authority CEO Joanie Poore says they've been taking a comprehensive look at security including more secure entries, more cameras and parking lot lighting.

She says their team was there Thursday to make sure the door was properly working or fixed immediately.

"Like you and I we want to be safe in our home, and so it's a top priority for us. We don't want there to be drug activity or any other illegal activity, people should be able to feel safe and comfortable in their homes,” Poore described.

OHA Commissioner Eric Burgin is encouraging residents to speak up at the next o-h-a board meeting.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Dana Wells at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-dana-wells?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2WdccK9XjGhW9wXBRbnlYENTusoD10AOPy2j0PRpbjs5qcTp0OSpLHEDg