FEBRUARY 8, 2024 (Columbus, Nebraska) — The Nebraska State Patrol is able to provide additional details on the Columbus Police Department officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, Columbus police officers were conducting a welfare check following a report of potential self-harm at a residence in the 3600 block of 39th Avenue in Columbus. Officers contacted the subject, a 17-year-old male, inside the residence. The subject was in possession of a knife.
During the encounter, a Columbus police officer discharged their duty weapon, striking the subject. Another officer deployed a taser during the incident. The subject succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The subject has been identified as Chase Ditter, 17, of Columbus.
The Columbus Police Department has requested the Nebraska State Patrol to investigate the incident. The NSP Special Investigations Team is conducting the in-custody death investigation.
The Columbus Police Department has placed both officers involved in the incident on administrative leave. The NSP investigation remains ongoing.