Omaha police share body camera audio, screenshots from deadly shooting of Steven Phipps

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Two officers conducted a traffic stop on 22-year-old Steven Phipps and an unnamed passenger around 5:45 p.m. Saturday near 31st Avenue and Taylor Street, Omaha police said.

The traffic stop was for expired plates.

Omaha police said Phipps got out of the Monte Carlo and stood near the open door of the vehicle. Phipps can be seen on body-worn camera standing near the car door.

Zendejas can be heard on body-worn camera audio giving three loud verbal commands for Phipps to stay in the vehicle. Omaha police said Atkinson also gave an additional verbal command.

In a voluntary interview after the incident, Zendejas said he could see the outline of a handgun in the front pocket of Phipps' hoodie. Phipps can be seen with a gun on body-worn camera stills.

Omaha police said Phipps ignored the officers' verbal commands and ran south, with both officers in pursuit.

Zendejas can be heard on body-worn camera audio, giving loud verbal commands for Phipps to stop. Authorities said Atkinson also gave three additional loud verbal commands to stop.

Omaha police said Phipps jumped over a chain link fence on the northern border of Metro Transit's North Omaha Transit Center.

Zendejas said he saw Phipps remove a handgun from the front of his body, and the gun was in Phipps' right hand. He said as Phipps went over the fence, the gun was pointed toward officers, which created an imminent threat.

Omaha police said Zendejas fired eight shots from his service weapon, hitting Phipps eight times, and then immediately gave medical attention to Phipps. Atkinson did not fire his service weapon.

Investigators retrieved a cellphone that Phipps dropped as he ran from the traffic stop. A loaded black handgun was located in the grass, and a search of the Monte Carlo showed another gun and magazine, as well as live round ammunition on the floor of the vehicle.

Omaha police said Phipps legally allowed to carry the firearms.

Investigators said that statements from Zendejas and Atkinson were consistent with body-worn camera and physical evidence at the scene.

Omaha police said Zendejas has been with the department for three and a half years and does not have any previous discipline for use of force. Atkinson has been with the department for five years, and does not have any previous discipline for use of force.

Schmaderer said that at this time, the use of force was within Omaha Police Department policies.