On Saturday, February 20, 2021, Lincoln police officers and Nebraska State Patrol troopers were involved in a shooting that resulted in the deaths of 30-year-old Hailey R. Stainbrook of Casper, Wyoming and 26-year-old Christian W. Alexander of Evansville, Wyoming. Both individuals were suspects in an armed robbery who fled after law enforcement officers attempted to stop their vehicle.
As NSP troopers pursued the vehicle, LPD Officer Jesse Hilger responded to assist. After the vehicle was stopped, Officer Hilger discharged his firearm.
Officer Hilger is a 19-year veteran of the Lincoln Police Department. He has served as a firearms instructor, a defensive tactics instructor, and a field training officer. We are fortunate that no law enforcement officers or members of the public were seriously injured, and we are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of community support. Per policy, Officer Hilger was placed on paid administrative leave immediately following the incident and will remain on leave until the internal investigation is completed.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Lincoln Police Department are continuing their respective investigations into this incident. Any loss of life is tragic, and we ask the public and media to respect the privacy of all officers involved, as well as the families of Stainbrook and Alexander.
Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, issues the following statement upon the announcement from Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner that law enforcement actions were justified during an officer-involved shooting Saturday morning in Lincoln.
“We’d like to thank the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent and thorough investigation into Saturday’s incident,” said Colonel Bolduc. “All NSP personnel continue to cooperate fully with that investigation. Above all, we are thankful for the safety of all law enforcement personnel involved, as well as the general public. The trooper who was injured continues to recover, but may require additional treatment for the injuries he sustained when his patrol vehicle was struck by the suspects’ vehicle.”
The Nebraska State Patrol has a long-standing policy of not releasing the identities of officers during internal investigations. As NSP’s internal process continues, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office continues its work, NSP will not release the names of the two troopers involved in the incident. In accordance with Nebraska State Statute, a grand jury will also convene to investigate the incident.