[Update: July 19 5:45 pm] The deceased officer has been identified as Captain Robert Melton by Police Chief Terry Zeigler. Zeigler told reporters the incident started as a drive by shooting on First Street. When police arrived the suspects fled to the scene where Melton would sustain his life-ending injuries. The suspects opened fire on Melton as they were fleeing the vehicle. Tom Tomasic, police spokesman, stated Melton was alone at the time of the altercation. He is unsure why Melton was traveling without a partner.
[Update: July 19 5:00 pm] Local news agencies are reporting the officer was a Captain with KCKPD. One suspect is now in custody. Two others have been detained to determine if they were involved in the shooting. Eyewitnesses claim the men were driving around the neighborhood firing off rounds when police arrived. The now-deceased officer’s car was spotted in the middle of the road surrounded by blood and glass.
A police officer with the Kansas City Police Department was shot in Kansas City, Kansas. The police officer was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving according to CBS. According to police, several people fled from the scene at the time of the shooting. One person is in police custody and another has been detained.
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Police Chief Terry Zeigler confirmed the attack by tweeting news of the shooting.
A 911 caller told police that approximately three people were seen shooting from a vehicle. The officer was shot approximately 20 minutes after police received the first call.
The suspect fled when police swarmed the area with dozens of officers armed with rifles. Police are searching for an additional 1-2 suspects.
This will be the second death of the year of Kansas City Police. Detective Brad Lancaster was shot and killed on May 9 while responding to a crime spree near the Hollywood Casino.
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