Omaha, Nebraska – The Omaha Police Department (OPD), in a recent public statement, has shared information regarding a violent series of events that unfolded early Saturday morning.
These incidents concluded with an officer-involved shooting near Iowa Western Community College, following an intense cross-state pursuit.
According to the statement, the OPD is collaborating with the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, Council Bluffs Police, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation in a joint probe. Their respective investigations center around Matthew Briggs, the 41-year-old suspect.
As per the OPD report, officers were dispatched to a residence in southwest Omaha shortly before 6 a.m. Saturday following a reported domestic violence assault. Preliminary investigations indicate that Briggs allegedly perpetrated a physical assault on a woman after unlawfully entering her home. The victim managed to escape and call 911 from a different location, while Briggs had vacated the premises before the officers’ arrival.
In a subsequent incident, Briggs reportedly attempted to force entry into a separate southwest Omaha residence by ramming his red Buick Century sedan into the garage door. Despite his initial failure, he allegedly returned around 6:20 a.m. and successfully breached the house. It was confirmed that the resident was not at home during the incident. The police further allege that Briggs discharged a firearm at a neighbor who was attempting to verify his activities, which prompted another 911 call.
The sequence of events led law enforcement to conduct a welfare check at 9927 Essex Drive shortly before 7 a.m. Upon their arrival, officers noted signs of forced entry and discovered 52-year-old Steven Greg Donsbach inside, seemingly a victim of a gunshot wound. Based on gathered evidence and information, the police identified Briggs as a person of interest in the homicide.
Briggs’ abandoned red Buick sedan was subsequently located in Mandan Park following a tip from a civilian. Police initiated a search for Briggs, employing the police helicopter and K9 Unit.
Later, around 3:30 p.m., a carjacking incident was reported south of Mandan Park in Sarpy County, with the suspect description matching Briggs’. He allegedly absconded in a stolen blue Toyota Camry. A pursuit involving ground and air units soon ensued, crossing into Iowa.
The chase culminated in an officer-involved shooting near College Road and Valley View Drive. According to the police statement, “An Omaha Police Officer and Council Bluffs Police Officer discharged their service weapons resulting in Mr. Briggs being shot inside the Toyota. Officers immediately provided medical aid to Mr. Briggs. He was then taken to Nebraska Medicine by medics where he died. Two firearms were located in the stolen car Mr. Briggs was driving.”
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is spearheading the probe into the officer-involved shooting. Concurrently, the OPD and other associated agencies persist in their investigations. The involved officers from Omaha and Council Bluffs have been placed on paid administrative leave in line with department policies and will be interviewed by investigators at a later date.
The Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office will review the completed investigation. The OPD has committed to releasing additional information as it becomes available.
