Reality TV show Cops film crewmember Bryce Dion, 38, of Boston, was struck by friendly fire while filming police as they responded to a call about an an armed robber at a fast-food diner in Omaha, Nebraska.

In the frenzied scene that ensued, a stray bullet from one of the officer's gun struck Dion, one of two Cops crewmembers who were on the scene. The bullet unfortunately slipped past an opening on his bulletproof vest and delivered a fatal wound. The robbery suspect was also fatally wounded on scene.

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The weapon the suspect was carrying later turned out to be a Co2 pellet gun. It looked and sounded real enough to fool both witnesses and Officers.

Dion, audio supervisor, is the first crewmember of the long-reigning Fox TV show to have been killed while filming a dispute in action.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said the incident began when drive-thru customers alerted Detective Darren Cunningham - on his way to a different robbery scene in midtown Omaha - to an armed robbery at a Wendy's. Cunningham called for backup, and Officers Brooks Riley and Jason Wilhelm - along with Bryce Dion and a Cops cameraman - arrived at the restaurant within 15 seconds, Schmaderer said.

As the Cops film crew followed the officers into the fast-food restaurant, the police confronted a hooded and masked man. The cameraman sprinted across the dining area and crouched down in an attempt to capture the action on footage.

Unfortunately, Dion did not make it past the enclosed entrance to the restaurant. Apparently, the suspect raised and fired his weapon forcing the officers to engage. It was then that a bullet hit Dion in the chest.

Langley Productions President John Langley and Executive Producer Morgan Langley described Dion as talented - one of our best - who had worked for the show for seven years.

Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said he accepted the invitation from Cops to film in Omaha in the name of transparency.

"Personally, I will live with this forever," Schmaderer said. "If I'd have known that this would happen, of course, I wouldn't have done it."

TagsTV Show Cops, police shooting, Omaha, Bryce Dion, Todd Shmaderer, cameraman killed