Update on Columbus Police Officer-Involved Shooting

August 4, 2025 (Columbus, Neb.)  — The Nebraska State Patrol continues investigating a Columbus Police Department officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday.

The female subject involved in the case has been identified as Lauree Jankowski, 33, of Columbus. Preliminary investigation shows that at approximately 4:54 p.m. Saturday, Columbus police officers were conducting an investigation in the 3000 block of 13th Street when Jankowski attacked one of the officers with a knife.

Another officer then fired their service handgun, striking Jankowski. Officers rendered aid immediately, but Jankowski was pronounced deceased at the scene. The injured officer was treated at Columbus Community Hospital and was released later Saturday evening. The knife was recovered at the scene.

The Columbus Police Department requested NSP to investigate the incident. That investigation is ongoing. In accordance with Nebraska law, this will be a grand jury investigation.

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