Former Nebraska football player Thunder Collins was arrested Wednesday on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and two felony weapons charges in the shootings that left one man dead and another injured.

Collins was taken into custody at an apartment complex near 81st and Blondo. Investigators believe he was involved in the shooting death of 28-year-old Timothy Thomas of California near 70th and Military on Tuesday.

Twenty-year-old Karnell Burton of Omaha was also booked on multiple charges including homicide, attempted murder and using a weapon in the commission of a felony.

Another victim, 26-year-old Marshall Turner also from California, was found critically wounded inside an SUV at 72nd and Grover. Police say the incidents are connected. Collins is charged with both shootings.

An arrest warrant has also been issued for 21-year-old Ahmad Johnson in connection with the shootings. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call police at 444-7867.

Prosecutors allege the gunfire was the result of a drug transaction that turned into a robbery.

Residents in the area of 70th and Military reported hearing multiple gunshots and what sounded like a car crash around noon on Tuesday. Two cars and an SUV were damaged and a second SUV took off. That vehicle ended up at the Baymont Inn at 72nd and Grover.

"When the SUV went by, he went by so fast I could see the look of terror on his face, to get the hell out of here,” said witness Susan Chinowith. “That's what he was trying to do as fast as he could."

After seeing his picture a day later, she's now coming forward saying the man she saw fleeing was Thunder Collins. "That's him. I know it's him. I think if Thunder Collins is going to be a man, he ought to man up to what he did yesterday and at least admit that he was that second car."

"I don't know who they're alleging is the shooter, I don't know what the evidence is at this point,” said Collins’ attorney James Martin Davis. “I know there was a fight and then shots rang out."

Davis says Turner identified his client as the shooter, but Davis says the investigation is just beginning. "There's no question we have crimes committed because someone is seriously injured and somebody is dead."

Davis says he expects that Collins will be in court Monday and will be held without bond.

The 29-year-old Collins played I-back for NU in 2000 and 2001. His time on the field was cut short by suspensions and problems with the law.

In 2001, Lincoln Police charged Collins with assaulting his girlfriend. In an agreement with prosecutors, the charges were dismissed, but later reinstated after Collins failed to follow through with the agreement.

Those who live at the apartment complex where Collins was taken into custody were surprised. "I'm moving out next week," said neighbor Chuck Gammel. "We just have to get into a better area."

Home on his lunch break, Gammel wasn't happy to hear about the latest happening at his apartment complex. "Just the area, the people, too many things have happened in the last year-and-a-half here."

That includes the murder of 25-year-old Antwain King last year in the parking lot and now the arrest of Collins. "Who knows that you're living right next to somebody like that, that's something you wouldn't think of."