Image Credit: Omaha Police Department 
An illegal alien from El Salvador was killed in a gun battle with police after he shot a man at random in front of a Nebraska grocery store, according to reports.
The harrowing string of events unfolded at around noon on Wednesday in Omaha.
Michael Kasper, 61, pulled up to Phil’s Foodway and while grabbing a shopping cart in the parking lot, 28-year-old Juan Melgar-Ayala stepped out of his own vehicle and opened fire on Kasper, discharging roughly 15 rounds, according to the Omaha Police Department (OPD).
Kasper was struck several times and hospitalized in serious condition, but is expected to survive.
OPD detectives were able to locate Melgar-Ayala’s vehicle elsewhere in the city and followed it to a QuikTrip gas station where they observed the suspected shooter enter the convenience store.
Officers entered the shop and found Melgar-Ayala in restroom stall.
Melgar-Ayala eventually exited the stall and opened fire on officers stationed near the doorway.
Officers returned fire while extracting an uninvolved bystander from the bathroom.
One officer was shot in the leg and another was struck by shrapnel during the exchange.
Melgar-Ayala ignored verbal commands issued in English and Spanish to disarm himself and once again fired at OPD, striking another officer.
Officers unleashed a barrage of gunfire, neutralizing Melgar-Ayala, who died at the scene.
“Background information on the suspect revealed that Mr. Melgar-Ayala was from El Salvador, was not a legal U.S. resident, and was a convicted felon,” OPD explained in a statement.
“Detectives are continuing to investigate how he obtained the handgun used in both violent incidents. Family members have reported he suffered from mental health–related issues.”
One officer suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, two officers suffering gunshot graze wounds to their legs, and one officer suffered a shrapnel wound to his foot.
All are expected to recover.
