Cambridge man in critical condition after being shot by deputy he struck with car

KEARNEY, Neb. — A Cambridge man is in critical condition in Good Samaritan Hospital after being shot by a Red Willow County sheriff's deputy after the man struck the deputy with his car Tuesday night.

The deputy was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and has been treated and released from Community Hospital in McCook.

According to a release from the Red Willow County Attorney's office:

"On Jan. 17, 2022, at 10:59 p.m. the Nebraska State Patrol in North Platte was notified of an "Officer Down" call for help from the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office. Troopers responded to the 1900 West B Street area in McCook along with the McCook Police and Fire Departments.

"The Nebraska State Patrol was requested to conduct the investigation by the Red Willow County Attorney.

"The preliminary investigation shows that the Sheriff and Chief Deputy were in the area of the Walmart parking lot searching for an individual threatening to harm himself. The Sheriff and Chief Deputy made contact with a male standing outside of his vehicle on the south side of the parking lot. Contacted was 37-year-old Scott Kutnink of Cambridge, Nebraska. It was discovered later that Kutnink was unrelated to the initial search for the male threatening to harm himself.

"During the contact, the male entered his vehicle and struck the Chief Deputy by running over him. The Chief Deputy discharged his service weapon one time and struck the male. The male continued to drive east in the parking lot and over an embankment before coming to a stop.

"First responders on scene began rendering emergency medical aid to Kutnink. Kutnink and the Chief Deputy were transported to the Community Hospital of McCook. Kutnink's injuries are life-threatening and he was airlifted to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney where he remains in critical condition. The Chief Deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been released.

"Kutnink's family has been notified by the Furnas County Sheriff's Office.

"Troop D Investigations is coordinating with Troop C to have a Trooper present at Good Samaritan."