Omaha Police Reveals That 'Cops' Cameraman, And Sound Supervisor, Bryce Dion Was Shot And Killed By Friendly Fire

Omaha police have revealed that Cops crew member, Bryce Dion, 38 was shot and killed by friendly fire, during a police shootout with an armed robbery suspect, at a Wendy's Restaurant, according to NBC News.

TMZ revealed that the Omaha Police Department held a news conference to review and discuss the details surrounding the death of the Cops employee. Dion, a sound supervisor was part of a 2-person "Cops" camera crew, died tragically during taping of a live shootout.

The police said that the 38-year-old, and his partner were tagging along with a patrol squad that responded to the armed robbery call at a Wendy's. Police revealed that there were multiple rounds of shooting where Dion was located in the entryway of the Wendys when the robber started firing shots, as police returned fire.

Investigators claim that the deceased crew member was caught in the crossfire, and hit by a bullet or bullets coming from the Omaha police gun. Despite Dion wearing an armored vest, the bullet went through the arm hole of the vest, killing him.

"It is the first time a crew member for "COPS" has been killed in the documentary-style show's 25-year-old history," co-creator John Langley shared. "Dion, a single and private man who grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, worked on the TV series for seven years and recently had been promoted to sound supervisor," John Langley added.

"He really is one of our best, this is a hard time for us. He's a very talented guy and he did something that he loved and was passionate about. We're very fortunate that over the years we've never had an incident like this. Unfortunately, it happened and we're dealing with it," Langley expressed.

Omaha PD has determined that the officers were not putting on a show for the camera, when they started shooting at the robber, 32-year-old Cortez Washington who also died Tuesday night at a local hospital.

"Three individuals inside of Wendy's witnessed Mr. Washington holding a handgun, and discharge the handgun directly at detective Cunningham and Officer Riley," Todd Schmaderer, Omaha Police Chief said. "The witnesses described hearing the suspect's handgun being fired and seeing the slide recoil with the shots. The first two audible shots were from Mr. Washington."

Police later found out that the Washington was firing an Airsoft pellet gun, the officers on duty did not know this at the time of the robbery shootout.

"This was as if we've lost one of our own," the emotional chief expressed. "He was an incredible man. The tears and hugs that I got when I arrived at the hospital, I could feel everyone's pain."

The three police officers on duty that night have been ordered on a paid administrative leave, as a pending grand jury investigation is determined.

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Cops producer, and co-founder, John Langley, along with his father, and co-creator Morgan Langley attended the news conference, and revealed that other fellow crew members, who've been working in Omaha for 2 months are currently getting counseling.

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Cops' TV Crew Member Shot And Killed During A Taping Of A Shootout And Armed Robbery