OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – The Douglas County Deputy injured in a shooting on Sunday has been identified.
A release from the DCSO identified the deputy as 23-year-old Brayden Artzer.
Artzer began his service with the DCSO in June of 2025, and completed his field training on March 24, 2026.
DCSO says Artzer was released from the hospital today.
After he was shot, Artzer called for backup – and two Omaha Police officers rushed him to Bergan Mercy Hospital in their cruiser.
“The round is actually still present, just on the edge of the ballistic vest – and that’s a testament to how close we came to that round piercing the separation point between the two vests and potentially severely injuring or maybe even killing Deputy Artzer,” Hanson said.
While Artzer was in surgery – deputies and officers from Omaha Police, Nebraska State Patrol, and Boys Town Police forced entry into the building.
“I was not surprised, but very proud to see OPD, NSP, Boys Town PD responding quickly to help come to the aid of a fellow law enforcement officer… two brave Omaha police officers who had to scoop up an injured deputy, put them in their car, and expedite him to the emergency room,” Hanson said.
Sheriff Aaron Hanson says the incident is still under investigation – but points to the circumstances deputies walked into.
The call that started all of this – a domestic disturbance – is the kind law enforcement says is among the most unpredictable they face.
“Domestic violence calls are statistically some of the most dangerous calls that law enforcement will respond to, and that’s because of what we saw right here in this case. Domestic violence calls are often very emotionally fueled and people are oftentimes not thinking with their heads, they’re thinking with anger or with their hearts. In this case, it culminated into an ambush,” Sheriff Hanson said.
Catholic Charities runs the only dedicated domestic violence shelter in Douglas County – and says victims are never without options.
“They’re not alone. Whether they’re ready to leave or not – they can still call us… we’re at least planting the seed so they know there’s somewhere for them to go,” Chief Advocacy Officer Dr. Jacque LaPant said.
An autopsy for Brian Huggins, the suspect in the shooting, has been scheduled for April 14. The DCSO says they plan to release more information on his cause of death.
Douglas County Commissioner Board Chair Roger Garcia shared a statement about the incident:
“Our hearts are with everyone impacted by yesterday’s tragic incident in Douglas County. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the individual who lost their life, and we are keeping the injured Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover. This incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. We lift up our deputies, our partners at the Omaha Police Department, and all first responders who work every day to protect our community. We are deeply grateful for the swift and coordinated response from the Omaha Police Department and all assisting agencies whose actions helped protect both the injured deputy and the community. We stand with our law enforcement community and all first responders as they continue to serve and protect Douglas County.”
– Watch breaking news unfold on our livestream. Download the First Alert 6 streaming app to your TV or find us in your favorite streaming platform. – Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.
