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Police say criminal illegal alien injured 4 officers in Nebraska gas station shootout

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Police say criminal illegal alien injured 4 officers in Nebraska gas station shootout

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The armed suspect accused of wounding multiple officers in a gas station shootout after allegedly firing on a 61-year-old man in an earlier, seemingly random shooting has been identified as an illegal immigrant and convicted felon, authorities revealed Thursday. 

Officials said Salvadoran national Juan Melgar-Ayala, 28, injured four officers at a QuikTrip in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday before being killed at the scene by responding officers. Melgar-Ayala was reportedly on the run after an earlier shooting at a neighborhood grocery store that left a 61-year-old man injured. Police said the suspect had no known motive or connection to the victim.

“Juan Melgar-Ayala, a convicted felon in our country illegally from El Salvador, started a shootout with Omaha police this week – and paid the price,” Gov. Jim Pillen said Friday.

Court records indicate Melgar-Ayala had a history of felony burglary convictions in Douglas County, according to local media KETV. In 2021, he reportedly entered no-contest pleas to two burglary charges tied to a series of business break-ins and thefts. He also admitted guilt in multiple traffic-related cases involving driving without a valid license or proof of insurance, the outlet said.

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OMAHA BYSTANDER FLEES GAS STATION BATHROOM MOMENTS BEFORE ARMED MAN FIRES ON OFFICERS

Suspect points a gun inside a restroom at a QuikTrip in Omaha, Nebraska, on Dec. 3, 2025. (@TeamPillen/X)

“Detectives are continuing to investigate how he obtained the handgun used in both violent incidents,” the Omaha Police Department said. “Family members have reported he suffered from mental health-related issues.”

Authorities said six responding officers chased Melgar-Ayala to a QuikTrip, where the suspect immediately ran into the men’s restroom wearing a face mask. Another bystander was reportedly inside the restroom before being rescued. The suspect fired at least 16 rounds and injured four officers before being fatally shot, according to the officials.

Authorities released the identities of the officers, who sustained injuries by either gunfire or shrapnel. Sgt. Emilio Luna sustained a gunshot wound to his foot; Detective Brock Rengo suffered a grazing gunshot wound to his leg; Detective Jordan Brandt sustained a gunshot wound to his leg; and Detective Christopher Brown suffered a shrapnel injury to his foot, the police said. Detective Kyle Graber and Sgt. Jonathon Holtrop were reportedly not injured in the exchange. 

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The Omaha Police Department told Fox News Digital that Sgt. Luna has since been released from the hospital.

“Thank God the OPD officers shot by Melgar-Ayala face non-life-threatening injuries,” Pillen said. “The men and women of law enforcement are heroes — and protect us every day.”

ICE NABS 3-TIME DEPORTED ILLEGAL ALIEN CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING A POLICE OFFICER: ‘GOOD RIDDANCE’

(From top left) Detective Jordan Brandt, Sgt. Jonathan Holtrop, Detective Kyle Graber, Detective Chris Brown, Detective Brock Rengo and Sgt. Emilio Luna responded to a shooting at a QuikTrip in Omaha, Nebraska, on Dec. 3, 2025. (Omaha Police Officers Association)

Prior to the shootout at the gas station, Melgar-Ayala allegedly opened fire on Michael Kasper, 61, at the neighborhood grocery store Phil’s Foodway. Kasper was reportedly grabbing a shopping cart when Melgar-Ayala exited his own vehicle and began firing a handgun, striking him multiple times.

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Investigators recovered 15 shell casings from the parking lot, and Kasper was hospitalized in serious condition but is expected to survive, the police said. 

Omaha police investigating an incident at a QuikTrip gas station, that injured four officers and left the suspect dead in Omaha, Neb., on Dec. 3, 2025.  (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)

Following the violent sequence of events, Pillen criticized what he described as failures in federal border policy, saying the “lax Biden-era border security policy” has allowed dangerous criminals into the state.

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Omaha Police Department arrive at a QuikTrip near S 32nd and L Street in Nebraska on Dec. 3, 2025. (Provided by Omaha Police Department )

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“Sadly, after years of lax Biden-era border security policy, every state is now a border state,” he said. “That’s why I believe the @ICEgov detention facility in McCook is an absolute necessity. Nebraska must continue to do our part to assist @POTUS, his Administration, and @DHSgov in their efforts to get criminal, illegal aliens off our streets. This keeps Nebraska safe. It keeps America safe. I’m proud that we are stepping up and making a difference for our country.”  

Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for more information. 

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Midwest

WATCH: Walz, Ellison, Omar refuse to answer when pressed on fraud after contentious fraud hearing

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WATCH: Walz, Ellison, Omar refuse to answer when pressed on fraud after contentious fraud hearing

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Following the highly anticipated House Oversight Committee hearing on fraud Wednesday, Fox News Digital pressed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison about their roles in the scandal but received no response from the embattled officials.

“Why wasn’t the fraud caught sooner, governor?” Walz was asked after the hearing. “Almost $10 billion — why wasn’t it caught sooner?”

Walz declined to answer as he was escorted down a hallway by staff but stopped briefly to speak with another individual. During a second encounter, Walz again declined to answer the question but acknowledged a security guard as he walked down the hallway.

“Mr. Attorney General, can you tell us why the fraud wasn’t caught sooner?” Ellison was asked after his testimony.

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TAFOYA RIPS WALZ ‘DODGING’ ACCOUNTABILITY IN HEARING, UNVEILS PLAN TO FIGHT FRAUD: ‘FULL WEIGHT OF THE LAW’

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, AG Keith Ellison and Rep. Ilhan Omar avoided questions from Fox News Digital on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

Ellison did not respond and continued walking up a staircase.

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, who did not testify Wednesday but has faced criticism for her ties to the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal in the state, did not respond after the hearing when Fox News Digital began asking her questions.

Walz and Ellison faced a barrage of tough questions from Republicans during the hearing on the massive fraud scandal in the state, with most focused on one key theme: What did they know, and when did they know it?

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Walz and Ellison were asked multiple times for specifics about when they were first made aware of the fraud and faced sharp rebukes from Republican members, including Rep. Virginia Foxx.

WALZ MOCKED ONLINE AFTER GOP LAWMAKER FLOATS THEORY IN HEATED HEARING ABOUT WHY KAMALA HARRIS CHOSE HIM AS VP

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz testifies during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing in the U.S. Capitol Building on March 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“You did not do your job, you did not do your job,” Foxx told Walz. “You did not protect taxpayer dollars. You allowed massive fraud. You and Mr. Ellison allowed massive fraud to go on in the state of Minnesota. It is unfortunate, as somebody said, that you can’t be held personally responsible at this stage in the game.”

An exchange between GOP Rep. Jim Jordan and Walz sparked immediate pushback from conservatives on social media. 

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One of the most contentious exchanges came during questioning from GOP Rep. Nancy Mace when she pressed Walz for specific numbers on how many children are in his state, the massive increase in autism care spending and why that occurred, without getting specific figures from Walz.

“OK, so your excuse before — that you didn’t know what the 2017 autism numbers were — because you were not governor, and today you can’t answer the numbers about 2024 as governor, and you still said you prepared for this hearing today. It’s unbelievable.”

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Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks to reporters after announcing he would not seek reelection at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S., January 5, 2026. (Reuters/Tim Evans)

GOP Rep. Clay Higgins confronted Ellison in another heated moment, asking him to say he was “leading” the fight to root out corruption. Without receiving the specific answer he was looking for, Higgins called for Ellison’s resignation.

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“I’m not talking about Medicaid fraud, don’t hide behind that,” Higgins said, interrupting Ellison. “You have the authority to prosecute anything criminally that the governor asks you to, and this thing is big. I’m giving you an opportunity, sir, are you leading the criminal investigative effort into this massive fraud across the board…or not?” Higgins pressed.

“You are not leading. I’m going to say, Mr. Chairman, that the attorney general of the state of Minnesota should resign,” Higgins said.

At the close of the hearing, things became tense again when GOP Rep. Nick Langworthy suggested that Walz, who is still serving as governor despite dropping out of his reelection bid due to the fraud scandal, should be impeached for “malfeasance,” citing Minnesota’s Constitution.

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Detroit, MI

4Warn Weather Alert issued for Wednesday morning in Metro Detroit — What this means

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4Warn Weather Alert issued for Wednesday morning in Metro Detroit — What this means


A 4Warn Weather Alert has been issued for Wednesday morning in Metro Detroit following overnight thunderstorms.

A Flood Watch is in effect for most of Southeast Michigan through 2 p.m. on March 11, prompting a 4Warn Weather Alert as rounds of rain and storms move across the region during the morning commute and through midday.

Full forecast –> Wild weather: Heavy rain leading to flood concerns in Metro Detroit

What is a 4Warn Weather Alert?

We issue a 4Warn Weather Alert when we’re expecting weather conditions that will be inconvenient to our viewers.

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Why did we issue an alert for Wednesday morning?

Early Wednesday morning, thunderstorms were rolling through Metro Detroit. While severe weather was a possibility overnight, most storms in Southeast Michigan remained below severe limits. Stronger storms developed across West Michigan earlier, and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for the Saginaw area.

Meanwhile, parts of the Thumb and Mid-Michigan are dealing with freezing rain and icy conditions, while Northern Michigan is under Ice Storm Warnings, including Alpena.

The biggest concern in Southeast Michigan Wednesday morning is heavy rainfall.

Several rounds of rain could produce localized flooding, especially in areas that typically collect water, such as low-lying neighborhoods, underpasses and roads with poor drainage.

A Flood Watch is in effect for most of Southeast Michigan through 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (WDIV)

Flood safety tips

Drivers should be cautious of standing water on roadways. Even shallow water can hide hazards or stall vehicles Here is an important rule during flood events: Turn around, don’t drown.

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Just a foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways and should seek alternate routes if water covers the road.

Just a foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways and should seek alternate routes if water covers the road. (WDIV)

Heavy rain can also lead to basement flooding in some homes. Residents are encouraged to check sump pumps, clear nearby drains if possible and monitor lower levels of their homes for water intrusion during prolonged rainfall.

Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.



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Milwaukee, WI

Forest Home Avenue construction to resume in Milwaukee County

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Forest Home Avenue construction to resume in Milwaukee County


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Construction on a stretch of Forest Home Avenue in Milwaukee County is set to resume as part of a Wisconsin Department of Transportation resurfacing project, according to WisDOT.

The project affects Highway 24 — also known as Forest Home Avenue — between Janesville Road in Hales Corners and 45th Street in Milwaukee. The project started in early 2025 and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

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Here’s what to know about the latest construction update.

When will Forest Home Avenue construction resume?

Preparation work for construction along Forest Home Avenue is expected to begin the week of March 16, according to WisDOT.

Active construction work is scheduled to begin the week of March 23, weather permitting.

Where will construction be?

Construction work will take place in two segments along the corridor. The segment between 45th Street and Howard Avenue is already largely complete and will include minor lighting work and restoration.

The segment between Howard Avenue and Janesville Road will include resurfacing, permanent pavement markings, guardrail installation and improvements at several intersections.

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What work will be done during construction?

The Highway 24 project will improve about 5 miles of roadway. The work includes resurfacing pavement, replacing traffic signals and lighting at numerous locations, making improvements to the bridge at 76th Street and upgrading sidewalks and curb ramps.

Traffic impacts during Forest Home Avenue construction in Milwaukee County

During construction, Highway 24 will be reduced to one lane in each direction in active work zones. Drivers may also encounter parking lane restrictions, overnight or short-term closures at ramps and intersections, and temporary pedestrian detours.

Access to businesses and residences along the corridor will be maintained during construction.

When will the project be completed?

The project is currently scheduled to be completed in early summer, though WisDOT says the timeline may change depending on weather conditions.

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Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.



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