The suspect involved in a dramatic shootout at a gas station, which left several police officers injured, has been identified as an illegal immigrant with a prior felony record, authorities announced on Thursday.

Officials named the suspect as Juan Melgar-Ayala, a 28-year-old from El Salvador. He allegedly shot four officers at a QuikTrip in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday before being fatally shot by police. This incident followed an earlier shooting at a local grocery store, where a 61-year-old man was injured. Authorities noted that there was no apparent motive or connection between Melgar-Ayala and the victim.

“This week, Juan Melgar-Ayala, a convicted felon and illegal immigrant from El Salvador, engaged in a shootout with Omaha law enforcement and faced the consequences,” stated Governor Jim Pillen on Friday.

According to court records reviewed by KETV, a local media outlet, Melgar-Ayala had a history of felony burglary charges in Douglas County. In 2021, he pleaded no contest to two burglary charges related to a series of break-ins and thefts. He also admitted to several traffic violations, including driving without a license or insurance.

The suspect was captured on camera pointing a gun inside a restroom at the QuikTrip in Omaha on December 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. 

“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.”

(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.

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.

“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 Omaha Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security for more information.