Man shot by Scottsbluff officer is in hospital

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — A 29-year-old man remained in a Scottsbluff hospital Wednesday after being shot by a police officer during a standoff, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

Matthew Schwab was listed in stable condition at Regional West Medical Center, the patrol said.

Schwab was shot by a Scottsbluff police officer around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday after holding officers at bay for nearly three hours, the patrol said.

Officers were sent around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday to check a report about an armed man who was yelling while standing in a street on the southeast side of the Nebraska Panhandle city. When they arrived, the officers said, Schwab retreated into a recreational vehicle that was parked nearby on the street. Other officers were called in, and a negotiator soon made contact with Schwab, they said.

The patrol said Schwab came out of the RV about 10:30 p.m., pointing a handgun at officers. Scottsbluff Police Chief Kevin Spencer said his officer yelled at the man to put his gun down, but he didn't. The patrol said Officer Matt Herbel then fired two times, striking Schwab in the upper body twice.

Herbel is an 11-year veteran of the Scottsbluff department. He was placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the patrol's investigation. The patrol said once its report is complete, it will be sent to the Scotts Bluff County attorney, who will decide whether any charges are warranted.

Spencer said none of his officers were injured during the incident. Schwab did not fire, the patrol said.

Nebraska online court records show Schwab has been convicted of theft, burglary and assault in the past.