Ice Cream Man Shot in South Omaha Neighborhood - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Ice Cream Man Shot in South Omaha Neighborhood

Meghan McRoberts

OMAHA (KPTM)- Police say 63- year-old Gilberto Hernandez- Vasquez was shot and killed Thursday night around 8:30 near 19^th and Y streets.

Neighbors say he was an ice cream man who would push his cart through the streets. His cart was found near him last night.

Neighbors tell FOX 42 that he was very loved by the kids in the neighborhood. Juaquin Manzaneres said he had bought ice cream from Vasquez since he was only 15- years- old. "He was a great guy around here, and on hot scorching days he would just give everyone in the neighborhood free ice cream, he was  just a lovable guy," Manzaneres explained.

Neighbors spent the early afternoon setting up a cross with flowers, and kind words on notes where he was found. They say he didn't have much family nearby, and don't want him to be forgotten in the neighborhood.

Neighbor Janie Rapier said she would welcome him to sit in the shade on her porch on hot days, and even share vegetables from her garden with him. "He was still a part of our extended family, and his kindness and gratitude, he was just a peaceful and gentle man," Rapier described.

 Rapier said this isn't the first time he's run into trouble while pushing his ice cream cart. He was mugged about a year ago for only $5, according to Rapier.

"My husband was angry. He wants to move, I mean he was very upset," Rapier said.

Neighbors say they're used to gang problems in the area, such a graffiti, but gunfire is not common.

"I think it's real sad that Omaha has come to this point where a gentle man such as this guy dies in such horrific crime for no reason."