Photo: Jeremy Hogan / Photodisc / Getty Images
(Lincoln, NE) -- The Lincoln Police Department (LPD) is investigating after a man took his own life while in police custody.
Officers responded to a disturbance at a home near S. 54th and Meredeth streets in southeast Lincoln around 7:58 p.m. They found a man in his 40's trying to get into a home through a basement window. Officers were told he was having a mental health crisis.
The man was placed into custody. He was searched by officers and seated in the back of a police cruiser.
Around 8:45, while the officers were interviewing witnesses and evaluating the need to place the man into Emergency Protective Custody, he was able to move his hands to the front of his body. The man pulled a firearm from inside his pants and shot himself.
There were immediate lifesaving efforts by officers and Lincoln Fire and Rescue at the scene. The man was taken to a hospital where treatment by medical professionals was unsuccessful. The man passed away around 9:30 p.m. The identity of the man is not being released at this time pending family notification. The incident was captured on body worn and cruiser cameras.
No officers were injured. The officer whose cruiser was involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as required by LPD General Orders.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency number at 402-441-6000. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, report online at lincolncrimestoppers.com or download the free P3 app.
Photo from Getty Images