Illegal Immigrant and Convicted Felon Wounds Four Officers in Omaha Gas Station Shootout
OMAHA, Neb. — A violent confrontation at a local gas station ended with four Omaha police officers wounded and the suspect, identified as Juan Melgar-Ayala, fatally shot by law enforcement, authorities confirmed Thursday. Melgar-Ayala, a 28-year-old Salvadoran national and convicted felon residing in the United States illegally, allegedly opened fire on a 61-year-old man at a neighborhood grocery store earlier that day before engaging officers in a deadly shootout at a QuikTrip gas station.
The incident began when Melgar-Ayala reportedly fired randomly at a shopper without any known motive or prior connection to the victim. Police quickly responded, and after a pursuit involving six officers, the suspect was cornered inside the men’s restroom of the gas station. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts describe how Melgar-Ayala, wearing a face mask, fired at least 16 rounds during the exchange, injuring four officers before being killed at the scene.
Authorities identified the wounded officers as Sgt. Emilio Luna, who sustained a gunshot wound to his foot; Detective Brock Rengo, who suffered a grazing gunshot wound to his leg; Detective Jordan Brandt, also shot in the leg; and Detective Christopher Brown, who was injured by shrapnel in his foot. Sgt. Luna has since been released from the hospital, and all officers’ injuries are reported as non-life-threatening.
Governor Jim Pillen addressed the incident Friday, emphasizing the bravery of the officers and the dangers they face daily. “Juan Melgar-Ayala, a convicted felon in our country illegally from El Salvador, started a shootout with Omaha police this week – and paid the price,” Pillen said. “Thank God the OPD officers shot by Melgar-Ayala face non-life-threatening injuries. The men and women of law enforcement are heroes — and protect us every day.”
Court records reveal Melgar-Ayala’s criminal history includes multiple felony burglary convictions in Douglas County. In 2021, he entered no-contest pleas to two burglary charges related to a series of business break-ins and thefts. Additionally, he had admitted guilt in several traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license or insurance.
“Detectives are continuing to investigate how he obtained the handgun used in both violent incidents,” the Omaha Police Department stated. Family members have also reported that Melgar-Ayala suffered from mental health issues.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about crime involving illegal immigrants and convicted felons residing in the United States. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has frequently noted the challenges of tracking and removing individuals with criminal records who remain in the country unlawfully.
Local law enforcement and federal agencies continue to collaborate on investigations involving violent crimes and immigration enforcement. Data from the Department of Homeland Security underscores the complexity of addressing public safety while navigating immigration laws.
As Omaha police investigate the circumstances surrounding Melgar-Ayala’s possession of a firearm and his motivations, the community remains focused on supporting the officers injured in the line of duty. The Omaha Police Department has a longstanding commitment to transparency and public safety, providing updates as the investigation progresses.
For more information on law enforcement efforts and public safety initiatives, visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites.
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