Family Has Unanswered Questions After Police Officer Shoots, Kills Former Firefighter

There are still many unanswered questions in the tragic shooting of a retired Yukon firefighter. The man's family wants to know why an off-duty police officer pulled the trigger.

Wednesday, April 20th 2011, 9:14 pm

By: News 9


Jennifer Pierce, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There are still many unanswered questions in the tragic shooting of a retired Yukon firefighter. The man's family wants to know why an off-duty police officer pulled the trigger.

The case is still under investigation. Yukon police have not formally questioned the Piedmont police officer or his wife, who was also in the house when former Yukon firefighter Devin Nemecek entered the family's home.

Both sides now have attorneys, but the victim's son opened up about the tragic situation that took his father.

Garrett Nemecek said his father, Devin Nemecek, was a man who helped people during his 20 plus years of work for the Yukon fire department.

"He had great pride in the community, great pride in this wonderful neighborhood I grew up in," Garrett said. "He really would never do anyone harm."

He said what happened Tuesday morning was likely a result of his father's heart and lung problems.

"When his oxygen level goes down you can definitely tell he is out of his mind. He doesn't know his name or where he's at," Garrett said.

Devin was likely confused when he was trying to get into his neighbor's home-- an off-duty Piedmont police officer.

"I do want to raise the question, he is a trained officer and why did he have to shoot to kill?" Garrett said.

Former law officer and trained firearms expert Trent Painter can answer that.

"He had the fear of his life," Painter said. "Your body begins to shake you have all this adrenaline rushing through your body. Your fine motor skills go out the window, and all you're left with is your gross motor skills."

Painter said Officer Jack Neumann's training kicked in, he was likely fatigued from work and he was protecting his home.

"Just like any citizen, if they are in fear of their life because of immediate threat they have the right to defend themselves," Painter said.

Officer Neumann is on paid administrative leave. The Piedmont police chief would not comment about the officer because of the investigation.

Nemecek's funeral service is this Friday at 2 p.m. at Life Church in Yukon.

More: Piedmont Police Officer Shoots, Kills Former Firefighter

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