CUSTER COUNTY— More information has been released following the officer-involved shooting that took place on Dunning Road north of Arnold on Monday, February 24. During a press conference on Tuesday, February 25 Nebraska State Patrol Colonel John Bolduc, Troop D Captain Tyler Schmidt, and Custer County Sheriff Dan Osmond spoke to the media regarding the officer-involved shooting.
The three offered their condolences to the Zutavern family and said a great deal of effort, planning, and restraint went into the situation to try and resolve it peacefully. Captain Schmidt read the details of the incident (which were included in the press release) and added that additional support was given from the NSP air wing division, K-9’s, a robot, and an armored vehicle.
Following the comments by NSP and the Custer County Sheriff, the two entities answered media questions. A number of the details of the incident could not be released due to the ongoing investigation, including the name of the NSP Trooper who was involved in the shooting.
Captain Schmidt said the situation took place at a residence 15 miles north of Arnold. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after family members called 9-1-1, but was unable to contact Print Zutavern at any time. The NSP was the only agency able to contact Print during the incident. According to Sheriff Osmond, Print was threatening self-harm and was also threatening to harm others.
Captain Schmidt also noted that Print had killed young bucket calves around the residence before officers had arrived. Captain Schmidt said family members were present in the home during the incident, but were not hostages and left the residence freely.
Per NSP policy, an investigation will take place into the shooting which will be conducted by investigators from Troop C in Grand Island. Troop C was not involved in the incident.
