Lincoln Police Officer Still On Paid Leave After Shooting Incident

Chief May Hear By Wednesday

LINCOLN — Chris Williams, a Lincoln police officer, remained on paid administrative leave on Monday, according to Chief Russell Morphis.

Morphis said he had not heard from State Special Prosecutor H.G. Foster.

“I talk to him periodically and hope to hear something soon,” Morphis said.

Williams was put on paid administrative leave in connection with an incident involving Williams and a 17-year-old juvenile in early February.

The case was referred to Foster when Washington County Prosecutor John Threet said, due to some “significant issues,” he felt better turning the case over to someone who doesn’t work with the Lincoln police.

The case involved a Feb. 6 call to police about a suspicious vehicle, according to a news release from Morphis issued the following day.

When Williams attempted to stop the vehicle the driver fled traveling at a high speed. Williams followed the vehicle until the driver lost control and crashed into a fence on Rheas Community Road.

The juvenile exited the wrecked vehicle and ran from the officer. Williams reported that he ordered

the juvenile to get on the ground several times, instead the suspect turned and Williams reported he saw a knife in the juvenile’s hand. Williams then fired one shot from his handgun, striking the suspect in the leg.

Morphis said recently he had seen the juvenile and he seemed to be doing OK. He said he also has talked to the boy’s mother a few times since the incident.

“I hope I know something this week,” Morphis said, referring to a recent conversation with Foster when he was told Foster would have an answer last week.

“I’m very confident I’ll get an answer anytime — probably by Wednesday I should know,” Morphis said.

Morphis said Foster has a lot of cases with the Lincoln incident just one of them, and it is taking time for him to work through his case load.