COLUMBUS, NE – A welfare check conducted by a local police officer in Columbus, Nebraska, tragically ended in the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy, according to state police. The Nebraska State Patrol is now investigating the incident. The deadly shooting took place on Tuesday afternoon in Columbus, located over 80 miles from Omaha.
The Nebraska State Patrol explained in a press release that the Columbus Police Department had been carrying out a welfare check at the time of the incident. The individual they were checking on was reportedly displaying signs of potential self-harm.
According to the state police, during this welfare check, an officer ended up shooting the 17-year-old. Sadly, the teenager was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
The Columbus Police Department decided to contact the Nebraska State Patrol following these events, requesting that they carry out an “in-custody death investigation,” which is currently underway.
The involved officer was placed on administrative leave in line with standard procedures. The results of the investigation, per the Nebraska State Patrol. The Columbus Police Department assures that there is currently no active threat within the community.
Further details regarding this case have not been disclosed at this time by the Nebraska State Patrol or the Columbus Police Department.