Lincoln Police Investigator Passes Away From Injuries

A Lincoln police investigator shot while serving an arrest warrant last month has died of his injuries. Investigator Mario Herrera died early Monday morning at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Herrera, a 23-year police veteran, was part of a fugitive task force trying to arrest a murder suspect at a home near 33rd and Vine in Lincoln on August 26th. Herrera was shot once in the torso during the incident.

In a statement Monday morning, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said, “Sadness does not begin to describe fully our community’s sense of loss with the passing of investigator Mario Herrera. Our hearts are with his wife Carrie and their four children and we remain forever grateful for their family’s profound sacrifice to keeping our community safe.”

Governor Pete Ricketts has directed flags to be flown at half-staff from now until September 11, which is Patriot Day. In a statement, Ricketts said, “Susanne and I were devastated to learn of the passing of Mario Herrera. Investigator Herrera’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

In a statement Monday morning, Senator Ben Sasse said, “We mourn the death of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera. Our hearts break for his family and we join Nebraskans united in prayer for his family.”

17-year-old Felipe Vazquez and another man, 19-year-old Orion Ross, have been charged in connection with the shooting. Both fled the scene and were captured a short time later. Vazquez was wanted in the stabbing death of a man in March.