Advertisement Police chief: 'Officers had no choice' but to respond in the manner they did 'Cops' TV crew member killed while documenting armed robbery Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Omaha police said three officers had no choice but to respond the way they did to an armed robbery at a fast-food restaurant Tuesday night that left the suspect and a television crew member dead.At a news conference Wednesday, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer identified the armed robbery suspect as Cortez Washington, 32, a parolee from Missouri. He was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the Nebraska Medical Center.Watch the entire news conferenceOne "Cops" television crew member accompanying responding officers was also struck by gunfire and later died. He was identified as Bryce Dion, 38."It was an officer's round that struck Mr. Dion," Schmaderer said.RELATED: 'Cops' contract appears to absolve liability for City of OmahaAuthorities said the incident began as an armed robbery at the Wendy's restaurant near 43rd and Dodge streets."He pointed (a gun) at me and told me to get all the money," said Roxanna Galloway, an assistant manager at Wendy's who witnessed the shooting.Video: Wendy's asst. manager describes moments before shootingSee photos from the sceneVideo: 'Cops' TV show crew member killed by police gunfireDetective Darren Cunningham, who had just responded to a robbery at a nearby Little Caesar's Pizza, called for backup from the Wendy's around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, police said.Officers Brooks Riley and Jason Wilhelm, who were accompanied by a two-member crew with "Cops," immediately responded."I was typing in my numbers to get into the register and open it," Galloway said. "That's when the cops came inside."Police said the three officers entered the restaurant, and three witnesses confirmed that Washington was holding a handgun and fired twice at Cunningham and Riley."After he ran outside and the cops ran after him, the cameraman from the 'Cops' show that was back in the lobby, he ended up coming up to the front. In between the doors was his partner," Galloway said.Cunningham, Riley and Wilhelm returned fire, striking Washington. Washington was able to flee the restaurant, but he collapsed outside.Dion was also struck by a single gunshot and collapsed in the east doorway as Washington fled."I am glad the cops came when they did," Galloway said. "(At) that point it was technically like I was a hostage."Both Washington and Dion died from their injuries.Video: Gunfire strikes business next doorSchmaderer said the shooting was captured on video by the production crew, and it has been entered into evidence. Schmaderer said he has personally reviewed the video and determined "officers had no choice but to respond in the manner in which they did."The chief would not specify the number of rounds fired by officers; however, he said he didn't feel it was excessive.Listen to police scanner traffic from the incident27753068It was later determined the gun Washington had was an Airsoft pistol that fires plastic pellet bullets. Schmaderer said it looked like and functions like an actual firearm.Video: Can you tell the difference between an airsoft gun and the real thing?A grand jury will review the evidence and investigate the actions of the officers, Schmaderer said.Washington, originally from Kansas City, Kansas, had previously served time for four criminal convictions, including drug possession, property damage and two counts of fleeing from police.Video: Suspect's family says police account of shooting is 'bogus'The three officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard policy in officer-involved shootings.Langley Productions, which produces the show, issued the following statement Wednesday:"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 very talented and dedicated person. We mourn his passing. An investigation is ongoing and we are cooperating with local authorities."Dion is believed to be the first member of the "Cops" production staff killed in the 25-year history of the television show.Dion is credited on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) as a sound mixer on a variety of television series.Shows he's worked on include "Extreme Weight Loss," "Undercover Stings," "Container Wars," "Trading Spaces" and "Real Vice Cops.""Cops" has been filming in Omaha for much of the summer. At the time the filming was announced, Schmaderer said, "I am proud of the department and want the professionalism of our officers on display for the city and world to see."Schmaderer described Dion as a friend to the officers that he'd been embedded with."This is as if we lost one of our own," Schmaderer said. "That is the grieving process we're going through right now."Asked whether "Cops" would stop production in Omaha, the police chief said, "We haven't gotten that far." The investigation is ongoing, he said, and is relying in part on the "Cops" team's footage."Mr. Dion paid the ultimate price for his service -- to provide the footage of the real-life dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis to television viewers throughout the world," Schmaderer said.