Sarpy County Team Investigates In-Custody Death in Bellevue

On Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at approximately 12:46 p.m., Bellevue Police were called to respond to a residence in the 9300 block of South 28th Avenue, regarding an unclothed male who was first in the reporting party’s swimming pool and later attempted to enter the residence without success. The male later left the residence and was located by officers in the area of 27th Street and Fairview Street. Once located, the male fled on foot.

Officers later caught the male, attempted to take him into custody, and he physically resisted. Officers were eventually able to subdue the male and place him in handcuffs. The male became unresponsive and stopped breathing. Officers immediately performed life-saving measures until medical personnel from the Bellevue Fire Department arrived on the scene. The male was transported to UNMC, where he was later pronounced dead.

The deceased male has been identified as 43-year-old, Justin Lieffers, of Bellevue. The cause of death is unknown. The Sarpy County Force Investigation Team, which includes multiple law enforcement agencies, is investigating this matter as an in-custody death. The results will be submitted to the Sarpy County Attorney pending a grand jury investigation.

During the incident, one officer sustained minor injuries, which did not require hospitalization. There will be no further details released at this time, as the incident is still under investigation.