UPDATE:
Matthew Briggs, 41, a suspect involved in a felony domestic violence incident and a person of interest in a homicide investigation was killed in a shooting involving officers Saturday afternoon.
Here's what we know from police:
OPD said together with the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, Council Bluffs Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are working on various aspects of Saturday’s incidents involving Matthew Briggs. These incidents occurred in multiple local and state jurisdictions in Nebraska and Iowa, said police.
Omaha Police responded to a southwest Omaha residence shortly before 6 a.m. Saturday for a report of a domestic violence assault. It was learned that Briggs had physically assaulted an adult female after forcing entry into her residence, said police. The female was able to run from the residence and call 911 from a separate location. Briggs left the residence prior to the officers arriving.
Through the investigation, OPD learned that Briggs attempted to drive his 2005 red Buick Century sedan through the garage door of another southwest Omaha residence but was unsuccessful at gaining entry. This occurred minutes after the above assault at the previous residence, said police.
Authorities said Briggs would leave this residence and return a second time around 6:20 a.m. where he again drove into the garage door, this time gaining entry into the residence. The female resident was not home at the time of these incidents.
Briggs shot at a neighbor attempting to check on him as he was leaving the residence, said police. Information was provided to Omaha Police that led officers to 99th and Essex Drive shortly before 7 a.m. for a well-being check of the resident.
According to OPD, officers saw forced entry into this residence once they arrived and during a safety search of the house, they located Steven Donsbach, 52, inside who appeared to have been shot to death.
Based on the information provided to Omaha Police and evidence uncovered during the homicide investigation, Briggs was a person of interest in this incident, authorities said.
Omaha Police immediately began to search for Briggs using multiple investigative resources and law enforcement personnel, and around 1 p.m. the public and local media were notified of the need to locate Briggs and his car.
Authorities said a citizen contacted 911 advising they located a red Buick sedan at Mandan Park where officers were able to confirm the car belonged to Briggs. It was found unoccupied and a search of the area using multiple OPD investigative units was conducted that included the Air Support Unit and K9 Unit, said police.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m., OPD was notified through 911 that there was a carjacking that just occurred south of Mandan Park in Sarpy County. The suspect description matched that of Briggs and the car that was taken was a blue Toyota Camry, said OPD.
Officers quickly located the car, a pursuit was declared with ABLE 1 assisting. Authorities said the pursuit crossed into Iowa and resulted in a shooting involving officers near College Road and Valley View Drive.
An Omaha Police Officer and Council Bluffs Police Officer discharged their service weapons resulting in Briggs being shot inside the Toyota, said OPD. Officers immediately provided medical aid to Briggs and he was taken to Nebraska Medicine by medics where he died.
Two firearms were located in the stolen car Briggs was driving.
The investigation is ongoing at this time.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting an investigation into the shooting involving officers. The two involved officers from Omaha and Council Bluffs have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policies. Both officers will be interviewed at a later date by DCI investigators.
The investigation will be reviewed by the Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office at its conclusion.
An updated news release will be provided by the Omaha Police Department Public Information Office related to the OPD investigations as more information becomes available.
OPD said Briggs is 41. It was previously reported he was 42.
PREVIOUS:
According to OPD, the car Briggs was driving has been located. Briggs has yet to be located.
Mr. Briggs’ car has been located. Thank you to the 911 caller who helped us locate it.
— Omaha Police Dept (@OmahaPolice) July 8, 2023
Mr. Briggs has yet to be located. Please do not try to make contact with him. Call 911 immediately if you have any information on his whereabouts
PREVIOUS:
The Omaha Police Department is searching for a suspect involved in a felony domestic violence incident and a person of interest in a homicide investigation from Saturday morning.
Matthew Briggs, 42, is white, 5’11”, approximately 260 lbs, with brown eyes, brown and white hair with a goatee beard. Briggs is believed to have a firearm in his possession.
Briggs was driving his registered 2005 red Buick Century sedan with Nebraska license plate YLH330.
Do not attempt to make contact with Mr. Briggs. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact 911 immediately.
Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage.
Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox.
