Omaha, Neb. — A 41-year-old homeless man is in custody following an alleged assault on an off-duty Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy who was working security in the downtown area. The incident marks a continuation of troubling behavior from the accused, who has previously displayed violent tendencies.
The altercation occurred when Chen Vang was rummaging through a trash bin outside a convenience store in Omaha’s Old Market district. Sheriff’s Sergeant Tom Flynn confronted Vang twice, instructing him to leave the area. Instead, Vang reportedly became aggressive and allegedly struck Flynn in the face, prompting a physical confrontation that ended with Flynn subduing Vang.
Witnesses observed Flynn limping away from the scene, though he returned to his duties shortly thereafter. “There was no regard for authority; he displayed pure aggression from the start,” Flynn recounted of the encounter. Vang was subsequently taken into custody, facing charges of assaulting an officer.
Investigations into Vang’s past reveal a pattern of violent incidents. About eight months prior, Vang allegedly attacked a security guard who attempted to wake him while he was sleeping in a parking garage. The guard recounted the assault, describing a terrifying encounter that left her bruised. Despite her harrowing experience and the presence of bystanders, the charges against Vang for that incident were dismissed due to claims of his mental unfitness for trial.
In another instance, Vang faced charges after allegedly assaulting a Union Pacific employee, but again, the case ended with the charges being dropped. Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson highlighted the significant challenges posed by Vang’s repeated encounters with the legal system. “He has a long history of incidents, and without adequate mental health resources, we struggle to keep dangerous individuals from re-offending,” he stated.
The sheriff noted that Vang has been involved in at least 15 cases, most of which resulted in dismissals. This raises critical questions about the balance between mental health treatment and public safety. “We need to ensure that individuals receive the rehabilitation they need, but not at the expense of community safety,” Flynn emphasized.
The aftermath of the recent attack has left a profound impact on those who encounter Vang. The former security guard, who chose to remain anonymous for her safety, expressed relief that she survived her ordeal. She reflected, “I felt lucky to be alive after that incident.”
Authorities confirm that Vang is currently held on a $5,000 bond, with the Douglas County attorney’s office indicating they would pursue felony charges related to the assault on the deputy. As the community grapples with issues of mental illness and public safety, many are left wondering what measures can be taken to prevent further violence.
While Vang awaits his next court appearance, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities at the intersection of mental health and law enforcement, raising ongoing discussions about the support structures needed to address such challenges effectively.