Juan Melgar-Ayala, an illegal alien from El Salvador, shot a 61-year-old American man in the chest. Police engaged in a shootout at a grocery store and neutralized the suspect, but four brave officers were injured in the process. The victim is currently fighting for his life in critical condition.
Here is the kicker: Melgar-Ayala had a PRIOR criminal history, including felony burglary charges in 2021. Why was this criminal allowed to remain in our country? THIS is exactly the kind of person the Democrats are fighting to protect while our citizens suffer. The Omaha Police Department’s (OPD) Officer-Involved Investigations Team has released the names of the officers injured, the suspect, and the victim. According to a release from the OPD, the suspect, Juan Melgar-Ayala was also a convicted felon. How he obtained the gun used is still under investigation.
In the shooting earlier in the day, Melgar-Ayala shot Michael Kasper, 61, at Phil’s Foodway, a local grocery store. As of December 4, detectives with the OPD Assault Unit have not found the motive or connection between Melgar-Ayala and Kasper. Melgar-Ayala reportedly shot Kasper multiple times. Kasper is in serious condition, but is expected to survive. More interviews and an investigation into the shooting at Phil’s Foodway are still ongoing.
In the shooting earlier in the day, Melgar-Ayala shot Michael Kasper, 61, at Phil’s Foodway, a local grocery store. As of December 4, detectives with the OPD Assault Unit have not found the motive or connection between Melgar-Ayala and Kasper. Melgar-Ayala reportedly shot Kasper multiple times. Kasper is in serious condition, but is expected to survive. More interviews and an investigation into the shooting at Phil’s Foodway are still ongoing.
The release states that officers attempted to give Melgar-Ayala commands to leave the restroom where he was hiding in both English and Spanish. After he left the bathroom, Melgar-Ayala shot at officers. Officers returned fire, killing Melgar-Ayala. Officials said that Melgar-Ayala was struggling with mental-health-related issues. Preliminary evidence showed that Melgar-Ayala shot at officers 16 times, but had more live ammunition on his person.
The case will be presented to a grand jury after the investigation is complete, according to the release. The officers involved, assignments, years of service, and, if provided, the injury sustained.
Sergeant Jonathon Holtrop, Uniform Patrol Bureau, 17 years
Sergeant Emilio Luna, Gang Unit, 11 years, sustained a gunshot wound to his foot
Detective Brock Rengo, Assault Unit, 8 years, sustained a grazing gunshot wound to his leg
Detective Jordan Brandt, Gang Unit, 15 years, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg
Detective Christopher Brown, Gang Unit, 19 years, sustained a shrapnel injury to his foot
Detective Kyle Graber, Gang Unit, 11 years
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer released a statement thanking the OPD for their service during the shootings. “The Omaha Police Department is a professional agency committed to confronting the most dangerous threats to our community. Our citizens can take comfort in knowing that OPD officers willingly put themselves in harm’s way to save lives. I am proud of the men and women of the Omaha Police Department, and I am thankful that our injured officers and citizen are expected to recover.”
Sergeant Jonathon Holtrop, Uniform Patrol Bureau, 17 years
Sergeant Emilio Luna, Gang Unit, 11 years, sustained a gunshot wound to his foot
Detective Brock Rengo, Assault Unit, 8 years, sustained a grazing gunshot wound to his leg
Detective Jordan Brandt, Gang Unit, 15 years, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg
Detective Christopher Brown, Gang Unit, 19 years, sustained a shrapnel injury to his foot
Detective Kyle Graber, Gang Unit, 11 years
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer released a statement thanking the OPD for their service during the shootings. “The Omaha Police Department is a professional agency committed to confronting the most dangerous threats to our community. Our citizens can take comfort in knowing that OPD officers willingly put themselves in harm’s way to save lives. I am proud of the men and women of the Omaha Police Department, and I am thankful that our injured officers and citizen are expected to recover.”
















