Who is Simon Kafka, suspect in stabbing involving Lincoln police officers?

The Lincoln Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into a concerning incident where a man allegedly stabbed an officer, prompting another officer to fire and injure the suspect.

This incident unfolded near the Lincoln Bus Depot, situated at the intersection of North 52nd and Superior streets.

Who is Simon Kafka?

According to the Lincoln police, an officer was stabbed by a man identified as 27-year-old Simon Kafka while on board a bus. In response to the threat, a second officer discharged their service weapon, striking Kafka once. An eyewitness on the bus, Skip Hall, shared that he had attempted to pay for Kafka’s fare before the situation escalated rapidly.

The confrontation began when Kafka reportedly boarded a departing bus without the necessary funds for a ticket and subsequently refused to exit when requested to do so. A heated altercation ensued, involving Kafka in a physical struggle with officers at the back of the bus. During the struggle, Kafka lunged at an officer, stabbing the officer in the neck with a knife. Kafka then disregarded commands to drop the weapon and made an attempt to reach for the officer’s firearm.

Approximately 20 passengers were on the bus at the time of the incident, and fortunately, no passengers sustained injuries.

The swift and courageous response of the Lincoln Police Department has been commended. The injured officer, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the stabbing, is reported to be in recovery and good spirits.

Simon Kafka, hailing from Chicago, has been released from the hospital and is now in custody. He faces charges of first-degree assault on an officer and the use of a weapon to commit a felony.

In line with standard procedure, the officer who discharged their weapon has been placed on administrative leave.

The city’s mayor, Leirion Gaylor Baird, expressed gratitude for the service and sacrifices made by the police officers and their families. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the considerable risks that law enforcement personnel face daily in their commitment to public safety. The community extends its thoughts and support to the injured officer and their family during the recovery process.