OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Omaha police have interviewed the two officers involved in a shooting that killed one and injured another Thursday.

In a statement released Friday, OPD says the two officers involved in the incident, Pablo Jimenez and Noah Zendejas, faced a “highly volatile” situation.

According to an OPD investigation, Rafael Crespo and a 36-year-old woman were both barricaded in an interior closet.

Officers initially tried to defuse the situation, but when they heard gunshots, they intervened.

“The officers acted heroically, putting themselves in harm’s way to save a hostage whose life was in imminent danger,” said Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer. “The officers involved responded effectively based on their training and made a quick decision to intervene in a dangerous, fast-moving situation.”

The officers gave voluntary interviews, according to the OPD statement, and told investigators their decision to intervene was “driven by concern for their life, (the woman’s) life and the safety of other officers.”

Evidence from the crime scene and the autopsy report that Rafael Crespo, who died on Friday nightdied of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officer Jimenez has more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, according to the statement.

Officer Zendejas has been with OPD for three and a half years. He was also involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting in September.

The case, according to the statement, will be presented to a grand jury once the investigation is complete.

OPD will adhere to the Nebraska grand jury statute regarding the release of body camera footage from the incident.

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