Gunman Involved in Omaha Hospital Incident Dies
OMAHA, Neb. — Two Omaha Police Department officers were injured and the suspected gunman died after a shooting in Creighton University Medical Center’s (CUMC) cafeteria.
The officers’ injuries were minor, reports KETV, while the suspect, 39-year-old Jeffrey Layten, succumbed to his wounds from the shooting.
The Sept. 29 incident started after authorities arrived at Layten’s residence in response to a domestic disturbance call. The gunman fled the home in his vehicle carrying three firearms. Police then received word that Layten had threatened his sister-in-law and mother-in-law.
When police attempted to stop the suspect as he was driving his truck near his mother-in-law’s home, he fled and led officers on a high-speed chase, which was called off by police. Layten then walked several miles and eventually ended up at CUMC where the shooting occurred.
Police were able to locate Layten because he had contacted his relatives from a first floor pay phone in the hospital, reports Omaha.com. One of his relatives called 911, concerned about Layten’s well-being because he was making suicidal comments. Dispatchers were then able to locate police to the gunman’s location.
As many as six gunshots were fired during the incident. Officer Lee Kerniskey, a four-year veteran, was graced in the thigh, while Officer Eric Picht suffered a gunshot wound to his foot. Both were treated at the facility and released.
The facility was placed on limited lockdown so the crime scene could be processed. CUMC will be offering counseling to those affected by the shooting.
The following is a public statement made by CUMC President and CEO Gary Honts:
“The shooting incident at Creighton University Medical Center this morning was extremely unfortunate. We currently have not identified any link between the suspect and our hospital, employees or patients. Thankfully, none of our patients, employees or members of the public were harmed.
“We are extremely grateful to the Omaha Police Department (OPD). The OPD did an exceptional job of containing and stabilizing the situation. While two officers were injured during this incident, our physicians and nurses were able to quickly treat and release them. We owe these officers a great deal of gratitude and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
“I would like to personally thank our entire CUMC community for their perseverance and professionalism throughout this very difficult day. Their commitment to each other, our patients and our community are truly awesome.”
Related articles:
- Special Report: Responding to Active Shooters in Hospitals
- Did Your Hospital Pass the Security Stress Test?
- U. of Texas Gunman Kills Self in Library
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