Details released on officer-involved Hastings shooting

    The Nebraska State Patrol is releasing more details in its investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Hastings.
    The suspect, Seth Burge, faces four felony charges in connection to the incident.
    The Hastings Police Department requested that the Nebraska State Patrol conduct the investigation, which included crime scene investigation, interviews and examination of footage from the officers’ body-worn cameras and security video from a nearby business.  
    The investigation, in consultation with the Adams County Attorney, has determined that the officers’ actions were justified in this incident.
    On Feb. 27, two Hastings police officers observed a subject, Seth Burge, 28, of Hastings, for whom there was an active arrest warrant. When the officers advised Burge of the warrant, he fled on foot the officers pursued on foot.
    During the pursuit, Burge allegedly retrieved a handgun from his clothing and attempted to point it at the pursuing officers. An officer in the pursuit discharged his firearm, striking Burge a single time in the midsection.
    Both officers, and a third officer who arrived on scene later, rendered medical aid to Burge. He was transported to Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings and has since been transferred to a hospital in Lincoln for further treatment of a non-life-threatening injury.
    Investigators located a handgun and a rifle in Burge’s possession at the scene, as well as suspected methamphetamine.
    Burge has been placed under arrest for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, terroristic threats, use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of methamphetamine. He is in the custody of the Adams County Sheriff’s Department during his hospital treatment.