Outbreak of violence: Omaha Police respond to weekend shootings
Investigators urge witnesses to incidents contact them to provide valuable information
Investigators urge witnesses to incidents contact them to provide valuable information
Investigators urge witnesses to incidents contact them to provide valuable information
Right in the middle of the College World Series, five shootings spanned the Omaha metro this weekend.
Despite that, visitors and long-time Omahans said they feel that, for the most part, they are not under threat as law enforcement searches for those responsible for the gun violence.
Sunday afternoon, College World Series visitors, like Louisville Cardinals fan Paul Burchell, and baseball lover Jarrod Schott, soaked in the sights and sounds across downtown Omaha and the Old Market.
"It's a great experience, it's a great family atmosphere, lot of fun," Burchell said.
"This is what you want. When you come to a big event like this, you hope that there's a ton of people here. It's been fantastic," Schott said.
With the crowds, came an increased presence from Omaha Police.
Those additional officers responded to gunfire at the Old Market early Saturday morning, when a man was shot near 12th and Harney streets.
Omaha police officials said they have seen outbursts of violence like the one in the last 48 hours, and that they constantly l0ok at crime trends and gang activity, while allocating resources appropriately.
"Our investigation at this point has revealed that the 12th and Harney shooting - we do believe it to be gang-related," Officer Michael Pecha said.
Pecha also said OPD has made additional arrests over the weekend, as it investigates the recent string of shootings. According to OPD, these actions will hopefully prevent future and additional crimes from happening.
It's that response that has fans like Burchell, and Omaha resident Krista Sevening feeling safe when walking downtown Omaha and the Old Market.
"We don't think about that because we feel that [the police] got it under control," Burchell said.
"I don't ever want anyone to not feel safe in our city, and not feel safe at the College World Series," Sevening said.
"We hope that reassures people, but at the same time, we want people to be aware of their surroundings, and if they see something, to say something," Pecha said.
Investigators also said they believe many people witnessed Saturday's shooting at the Old Market, and hope a caller can provide valuable information.
If you have information, call Omaha Crimestoppers at 402-444-STOP.