6 things you need to know on Thursday Oct. 3 Daybreak

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - 6 News Daybreak has the headlines you need to know to get your Thursday started.

Investigation continues for Omaha Police officer-involved shooting

The Omaha Police Department is investigating after an officer-involved shooting incident on Saturday that left Steven Phipps, 22, dead.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has defended the officer’s use of force seen in the video of the fatal shooting.

In a news conference Wednesday, officials showed video of the shooting, along with audio and body cam visuals.

They released the name of the two officers involved, as well as naming officer Noah Zendejas as the one who fired eight shots in less than three seconds.

Chief Schmaderer also reported Wednesday that there have been five officer-involved shootings in Omaha this year; four of them have been fatal.

Omaha community reacting to officer-involved shooting

Members of the North Omaha community are reacting after Wednesday’s news conference.

Questions are being raised about why Phipps was shot eight times. Rumors were circulating that he was shot in the back, but the autopsy showed no injuries there.

Phipps’ family has also spoken out after the news conference. They say he was targeted by police and that he was afraid — a fear that others say is contagious in North Omaha, especially among Black males.

A town hall will be held at Clair Memorial United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. Sunday to address the situation.

Omaha man remembered after fatal hit-and-run

Walter Tighe, an 89-year-old Omaha man, is being remembered after he was killed in a hit and run.

Tighe was allegedly walking to church when he was struck by a vehicle, according to family.

Police have found the suspect vehicle, but they are still looking for the driver of the silver Chevy Silverado.

The fatality has the neighborhood concerned for pedestrian safety, especially with young children in the area.

The investigation is ongoing as police work to track down the suspect.

OPPD updates public on Hurricane Helene efforts

Mutual aid crews with the Omaha Public Power District are working to help restore power in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

In an update Wednesday, the 16-person team said that they are moving south to Virginia after responding in West Virginia.

Crews with Nebraska Task Force One and Lincoln Electric System were also sent out to help with efforts.

On Thursday, President Biden will visit parts of Florida and Georgia that have faced devastation from the hurricane.

As of late Wednesday, AP reports that the death toll has topped 180.

Event supporting Omaha birthing and bereavement suite Thursday

Omaha’s first birthing and bereavement suite is set to start being built this month.

An event is being held by the organization on Thursday to raise money for the project, organized by the “No Foot Too Small” nonprofit.

The space is being built to “provide comfort and privacy for families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss” that is away from traditional environments.

The budget of the project is $264,000.

Decision 2024: Bacon and Vargas to debate Friday

6 News is hosting a debate Friday for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.

Rep. Don Bacon will take on State Sen. Tony Vargas in a live debate at noon Friday at the Omaha Press Club.

The livestream will be available in our 6 News app, as well as our Facebook and YouTube pages.

6 News Political Reporter Brian Mastre will be moderating the debate.

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