OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Omaha Police say a Westroads Mall shoplifting call escalated into an armed standoff in a North Omaha neighborhood Thursday night, triggering emergency phone alerts and a heavy law enforcement response.
Sgt. Devin Washington said officers were called to the mall just before 7 p.m. for a shoplifting complaint. They located a vehicle of interest and tried to stop it, but the driver took off.
The man was seen with a gun, and at one point pointed the gun at an officer.
We believe there are two innocent people in the home the suspect entered.
— Omaha Police Dept (@OmahaPolice) August 14, 2026
An OPD helicopter followed the vehicle to the area of 39th and Fort streets, where Washington said a lone man got out of the car and went into a nearby home. He said an officer saw the man armed with a gun, and that the suspect also pointed the firearm at an officer.
Washington said police believe two people were in the home’s basement and that they may still have been inside while he was speaking with reporters.
During that briefing, loud bangs could be heard in the neighborhood. Washington said they appeared to be flash-bang devices going off as officers worked in the area.
Barricade situation in North Omaha(WOWT)
Earlier in the evening, public safety alerts were sent to some cell phones, warning people about police activity near 38th and Camden streets and urging residents to avoid the area and shelter in place. Omaha Police called it “an active investigation” and set up a media staging area near 40th and Fort streets.
First Alert 6 crews at the scene saw people running and ducking behind vehicles as police moved in.
Officers have not said whether the suspect knew the people inside the home or chose the house at random. No information about injuries or arrests has been released.
First Alert 6 saw two people coming out of the home and observed U.S. Marshals at the scene. Omaha Police had said on X/Twitter that “the two innocent people” had been able to get out of the home.
The two innocent people are out of the residence.
— Omaha Police Dept (@OmahaPolice) August 14, 2026
Omaha Police say a Westroads Mall shoplifting call escalated into an armed standoff in a North Omaha neighborhood Thursday night, Aug. 13, 2026, triggering emergency phone alerts and a heavy law enforcement response.(Isaac Autry / WOWT)
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This is a developing story. Stay with First Alert 6 for updates.
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