Douglas County Deputy Recovering After Shooting During Domestic Call

Deputy Brayden Artzer was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance, with the suspect also found fatally shot.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:50am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing or other small piece of crime scene evidence, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A close examination of the physical evidence from a shooting incident reveals the stark realities of law enforcement's dangerous work.Omaha Today

A 23-year-old Douglas County Sheriff's deputy is recovering at home after being shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Deputy Brayden Artzer was the first to arrive on the scene, where 39-year-old Brian Huggins was trying to break into a former girlfriend's apartment. Artzer was shot as he approached the building, but was rushed to the hospital and has since been released. Huggins was later found fatally shot in the apartment hallway, though it's unclear if responding officers fired their weapons.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents can often escalate into dangerous situations for law enforcement, highlighting the risks deputies face when responding to these calls. This incident also raises questions about the use of force and the need for continued training and support for officers dealing with volatile domestic disputes.

The details

According to the sheriff's office, Deputy Artzer was the first to arrive on the scene near 103rd and Weber streets after the former girlfriend of 39-year-old Brian Huggins called 911 reporting that Huggins was trying to break into her apartment. As Artzer approached the building, he was shot. An Omaha Police officer then rushed Artzer to CHI Bergan Mercy hospital, where he underwent surgery and spent a night before being released to recover at home.

  • The incident occurred on April 13, 2026.
  • Artzer completed his field training less than a month ago on March 24, 2026.
  • An autopsy on Huggins' body is planned for Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Deputy Brayden Artzer

A 23-year-old Douglas County Sheriff's deputy who was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Brian Huggins

A 39-year-old man who was found fatally shot in an apartment hallway after the incident.

Aaron Hanson

The Douglas County Sheriff who released a statement addressing the incident and expressing support for the deputy and the domestic violence victim.

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What they’re saying

“Your support means a lot to our Deputies, who put their lives on the line every day in service to Douglas County.”

— Aaron Hanson, Douglas County Sheriff

“I would also like to express our support to the victim of the initial domestic violence incident. Domestic Violence is a serious and traumatic challenge that is faced by too many in our community.”

— Aaron Hanson, Douglas County Sheriff

What’s next

An autopsy on Brian Huggins' body is planned for Tuesday, April 15, 2026 to determine the cause of his fatal shooting.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to domestic violence calls, and the need for continued training and support to help officers safely de-escalate these volatile situations. It also underscores the trauma and risks faced by victims of domestic abuse in the community.