In a tragic and shocking turn of events, a Nebraska police officer was killed one day before she was to start maternity leave.
Kerrie Orozco, a seven-year veteran of the Omaha Police force, died in a shootout yesterday. She was part of a team of officers serving an arrest warrant to Marcus Wheeler, a suspect in another shooting, who allegedly opened fire as police approached. Wheeler also died in the gunfire.
Orozco, 29, had given birth in February to a premature baby girl, whom she named Olivia Ruth. She returned to work while her daughter remained in the hospital, and was set to begin her maternity leave when Olivia came home today. Orozco also leaves behind two stepdaughters and her husband.
“Officer Kerrie Orozco was not only a top-notch police officer, but she gave back to the community in so many ways,” the Omaha Police Department posted on Facebook, which also has instructions for those wishing to donate to the family. “Her loss will not only impact the police officers, but will also be a huge loss for the citizens of Omaha.”