Officer involved Shooting
C1001310
Date:
February 24, 2021
For More Information:
Terry T. Wagner, twagner@lancaster.ne.gov
MEDIA INFORMATION
February 24, 2021
The investigation into the Officer involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning continues.
Christian Alexander age 26 died Tuesday at approx. 3:30 P.M. an autopsy is scheduled for today to determine the cause of death. Investigators have been in contact with both Alexander and Hailey Stainbrook’s families. They have assisted our investigation with regard to the preceding days and weeks of this shooting. Our condolences go out to both families over the tragic outcome of this event.
Investigators have reviewed video evidence from the in-car cameras, the body worn cameras, and the businesses where the two suspects had gone.
We know Stainbrook and the victim of the armed robbery had met Friday evening via a social media app and spent some time together at the victim’s hotel. We have also learned the initial Nebraska State Trooper located the white trailblazer parked in front of a convenience store on Superior Street and pulled his patrol vehicle in behind the trailblazer. Stainbrook backed into the patrol vehicle, moving it out of the way, fleeing the scene. The Trooper pursued the suspects on Superior. At 14th street the pursuit went north and at Alvo Road, the Trooper attempted an intervention technique which was not successful. The suspects proceeded to the N. 56th and Arbor Rd area where another intervention technique was attempted. At this time Alexander pointed a handgun out of the window at the trooper. At this time two NSP troopers and one LPD officer were present. The suspect vehicle came to rest in the southbound traffic lanes of N. 56th (U.S. 77) below the I-80 bridge. Alexander pointed the handgun at officers and they fired their weapons. When the threat from Alexander was over, negotiations began with Stainbrook to have her drop the weapon she had so officers could provide First Aid to Alexander. These negotiations lasted approximately 7 minutes which ended when Stainbrook pointed her weapon at officers and a State Trooper fired his weapon. As soon as that threat was over, officers provided first aid to both suspects.
Ballistic and forensic evidence is being examined to determine which of the suspects may have fired a revolver recovered from the vehicle. The revolver had live rounds and a fired round in the weapon. Another semi-automatic pistol was recovered from the Trailblazer, it turned out to be a .177 cal. Pellet pistol, a Sig Sauer lookalike.
In consultation with the Lancaster County Attorney, our preliminary investigation has determined the officers were legally justified in using deadly force against both suspects.
The Nebraska State Patrol will be releasing a statement regarding the Troopers’ involvement in this incident.
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