OMAHA, Neb. — A member of the Cops television show crew was struck and killed by a police officer’s bullet while working at a crime scene in Omaha, Nebraska Tuesday night. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said Cops audio operator Bryce Dion, 38, was the crew member who was killed.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragedy and our main concern is helping his family in any way we can,” Langley Productions said in a statement. “Bryce Dion was a long term member of the Cops team and a very talented and dedicated person. We mourn his passing. An investigation is ongoing and we are cooperating with local authorities.”
Dion was with police when they responded to a robbery at a Wendy’s restaurant. Police said the robbery suspect came out of the restaurant with a hostage and exchanged fire with officers, according to WOWT.com.
The robbery suspect was also shot and later died at the hospital. The suspect, 32-year-old Cortez Washington, was firing an air-soft gun that officers said sounded like a real gun.
The officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
Washington was on parole following a recent conviction in Missouri, police said.
This is a developing story.
