By Scott Carlson
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-An investigation is underway after a suspect in an arson was shot and killed by a Lincoln County Sheriff's deputy early Wednesday morning.
North Platte police said at approximately 12:23 a.m., the North Platte 911 Center received a report of a house fire at 710 S. Walnut. The North Platte Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.
Police said an investigation revealed evidence the fire was deliberately set. The arson investigation is being investigated by the North Platte Fire Marshall’s Office, the Nebraska State Fire Marshall’s office and the North Platte Police Department.
At approximately 12:25 a.m., a deputy checked out on a suspicious vehicle in the Floral Lawns Cemetery south of North Platte. Within a minute, the deputy radioed for emergency assistance reporting that shots had been fired.
Deputies, officers from the North Platte Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol responded to assist.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Keith A. Hinrichsen, 52, exited his vehicle, pointed a firearm in the direction of the deputy and refused commands to drop the firearm. Hinrichsen was shot by the deputy and pronounced dead at the scene. The deputy was not injured.
Hinrichsen was the owner of the property at 710 S. Walnut. These two incidents appear to be related.
This is preliminary information.
The incident is being investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the North Platte Police Department under the direction of the Lincoln County Attorney.
This case will be treated as an open, ongoing matter until all evidence and relevant material has been presented to a Grand Jury.