Homicide Suspect Killed in Shootout

(DAVID CITY, Neb.) — A 45-year-old Clarks man suspected of killing a rural Duncan resident was fatally shot by Nebraska State Patrol troopers Oct. 23 after allegedly firing at a Butler County sheriff and later exchanging gunfire with troopers during a pursuit.

The Nebraska State Patrol identified the suspect as Nathan Dohmen, 45, of Clarks. The victim was identified as John Cyza, 47, of rural Duncan, who was found dead at his home in northeast Polk County with multiple gunshot wounds.

According to the State Patrol, Polk County 911 received a call from an uninvolved person reporting a shooting at the residence. Dohmen had left before law enforcement arrived. The caller also warned authorities that Dohmen might be targeting another person, who was located and confirmed to be safe.

As officers searched the area, the Butler County sheriff located Dohmen’s vehicle on a rural road. When the sheriff began checking the vehicle, Dohmen allegedly fired at the sheriff with a rifle. The sheriff was not struck, and Dohmen fled in the vehicle.

After leaving the area, Dohmen stopped at a store in Bellwood and stole a case of beer, according to investigators.

Trooper pilots in a Nebraska State Patrol helicopter and ground units later located the vehicle. A brief pursuit followed before Dohmen pulled into a farmhouse driveway northeast of David City, near 37 Road and O Road.

Authorities said Dohmen fired at troopers, who returned fire. Dohmen was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. No troopers were injured, and the resident of the farmhouse was not hurt.

Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Col. Bryan Waugh praised the troopers, dispatchers, pilots, investigators and command staff involved in the response, citing their professionalism during a dangerous situation.

The investigations are being handled separately. At the request of the Polk County sheriff, the State Patrol’s Investigative Services Division is investigating Cyza’s death. The Butler County attorney requested that the State Patrol’s Special Investigations Unit investigate the trooper-involved shooting, with assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

The two troopers involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with State Patrol policy. Under Nebraska law, a death during a law enforcement encounter requires a grand jury investigation.

Both investigations remain ongoing, according to the State Patrol.