October 25, 2026 (David City, Neb.) — The Nebraska State Patrol continues investigating a homicide that occurred Friday morning in rural Polk County that resulted in a pursuit and trooper-involved shooting in Butler County.
Preliminary investigation shows that Polk County 911 received a call from an uninvolved party reporting a shooting at a home in northeast Polk County. Authorities identified Nathan Dohmen, 45, of Clarks, as the suspect.
The resident of the home, John Cyza, 47, of rural Duncan, was located deceased at his home with multiple gunshot wounds. Dohmen had fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The 911 caller provided information that Dohmen may be targeting a second individual. That second individual was located and is safe.
Numerous law enforcement officers responded to the area to search for Dohmen. The Butler County Sheriff located the vehicle on a rural road in Butler County. As the sheriff began checking the vehicle, Dohmen fired at the sheriff with a rifle. The sheriff was not struck. Dohmen then fled in the vehicle.
After fleeing that scene, Dohmen stopped at a store in Bellwood and stole a case of beer. A short time later, Dohmen’s vehicle was located by trooper pilots in the NSP helicopter and troopers patrolling on the ground. A brief pursuit ensued before Dohmen pulled into a farmhouse driveway northeast of David City, near 37 Road and O Road.
Dohmen then fired at the troopers, who returned fire. Dohmen was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene. No troopers were injured in the incident. The resident of the farmhouse was also not injured.
The Polk County Sheriff requested that the NSP Investigative Services Division investigate the homicide in rural Duncan. The Butler County Attorney has asked the NSP Special Investigations Unit to investigate the trooper-involved shooting, with assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Both investigations remain ongoing.
“This incident is a strong reminder of the dangers our troopers face in protecting the people of Nebraska,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “I’m proud of the troopers, dispatchers, pilots, investigators, and command staff who responded with professionalism, courage, and an unwavering commitment during a dangerous situation. I have tremendous confidence in the professionalism and dedication of our team. We will stand firmly with our troopers and ensure they have the support and resources they need throughout this process.”