Omaha police kill COPS soundman Bryce Dion while firing 30+ rounds at man robbing Wendy's with air gun

Update: The cops who killed Bryce Dion had a union contract but he didn't.

Many police departments will have nothing to do with COPS, a long-running, low-rent reality show featuring repetitive exploitation of petty criminals who look good shirtless and are willing to trade television humiliation for bail money.
     The Lincoln Police Department has never allowed the show to do ride-alongs and until this summer, neither had Omaha's police.
     That changed in June, when COPS was given a green light to tape in Omaha.
     AKSARBENT saw the 2-person TV crew at a gas station in its neighborhood (which is full of primo Cops bait: good-looking, half-dressed miscreants either awaiting trial or just out on parole.)

AKSARBENT counted about 12 bullet holes in three windows.
The World-Herald said more than 30 shots were fired by police.

     Last night, during a ride-along, a robbery in progress was spotted at the Wendy's near 42nd & Dodge. The Omaha World-Herald said more than 30 bullets were fired, killing both the alleged robber (32-year-old Cortez Washington, who wielded a realistic looking, but not sounding, AirSoft gun) and the COPS sound man, Bryce Dion, who was wearing a bulletproof vest. Both were pronounced dead at the University of Nebraska Medical Center which is blocks away. AKSARBENT saw about 12 bullet holes in three Wendy's windows this afternoon.

Above right: Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has promised a "full and transparent" investigation. Stothert, who carries a purse-sized Glock, was affectionately portrayed by right-wing Omaha radio station KFAB as a modern Calamity Jane. Above left: Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, who was quoted by the Omaha World-Herald last June when he approved COPS ride-alongs: "I am proud of the department and want the professionalism of our officers on display for the city and world to see." At today's press conference Schmaderer said he would not have allowed “Cops” to record video with his officers had he been able to anticipate the tragedy. 

Bryce Dion was 38, single and from the Boston
area. Picture: Langley Productions

     In today's press conference, Schmaderer identified the officers who fired as 10-year veteran officer Darren Cunningham, 37; 4-year veteran officer Brooks Riley, 35; and 4-year veteran officer Jason Willhelm, 39. The chief's opening statement did not reveal that Dion was shot by Omaha Police; Schmaderer did not disclose the information until pressed by a reporter.
     Said Langley Productions: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragedy and our main concern is helping his family in any way we can. Bryce Dion was a long-term member of the COPS team and a very talented and dedicated person. We mourn his passing. An investigation is ongoing and we are cooperating with local authorities.”