WYANDOTTE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, where a Wyandotte County sheriff’s deputy was killed, according to a media release from the agency.
Just before 3:30 p.m., a woman called requesting that police accompany her as she moved out of a residence, due to concerns about her safety. She reported that when friends tried to assist her, a man threatened them with a firearm. At around 3:45 p.m., a deputy from the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) arrived at the residence at 2627 S. 30th St.
Preliminary information indicates as they approached the front door, a male subject inside the house fired multiple rounds at the officers. Rounds struck 34-year-old Deputy Elijah Ming. The KCKPD officer was uninjured. Multiple law enforcement officers then responded to the scene.
As responding officers attempted to provide aid to Deputy Ming, gunfire was exchanged between the man, later identified as Shawn Harris, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas, and officers from the KCKPD and the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. Harris was shot during the exchange of gunfire while he barricaded in the home.
Deputy Ming was transported to the hospital. Despite lifesaving measures, he died of his injuries.
Police negotiated with Harris over the phone until he surrendered and came out of the house, just after 5 p.m. He was taken into custody.
EMS transported Harris to an area hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He is currently in good condition.
This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.
When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney for charging decisions. The investigation is ongoing.
