A suspect was shot dead and a crew member with the “Cops” television show later died after the apparent disruption of a robbery Tuesday night at a Wendy's restaurant in midtown Omaha, reports the city’s World-Herald. More than 30 shots were fired, officials said. A press conference was schedule for Wednesday afternoon, but officials said both the robber and the TV technician apparently were shot by police officers.
Officials said the robbery suspect apparently was armed with an Airsoft air gun that looked like a real firearm. The victim was described as the crew member who holds the microphone. The robbery suspect was a parolee from Kansas, sources said. “Cops” has been filming in Omaha for much of the summer. Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said earlier that he hoped the show would improve relations with community members. “(I) want the professionalism of our officers on display for the city and world to see,” he said. “Cops” has filmed law enforcement agencies in at about 140 U.S. cities and three foreign countries, according to the show's website. Premiering in March 1989, it was an early example of reality TV.