MEDIA RELEASE: October 24, 2010
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol, Troop A, Olathe
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Howard Dickenson 913-782-8100
KHP Officer Involved Shooting
At approximately 12:04 this morning, two troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle for speeding and suspicion of DUI on southbound I-35, just south of the Antioch overpass. As the troopers approached the vehicle, the driver, a 27-year-old female resident of Blue Springs, Missouri exited the vehicle with a handgun and pointed the weapon at one of the troopers.
At that time, both troopers fired at the suspect, striking her at least twice, disabling her. Medical assistance was immediately called to the scene, and the suspect was taken into custody without any further incident. The suspect was then transported to an area hospital where she was treated and remains, still in police custody. She is expected to recover.
I-35 southbound was closed for several hours this morning as the scene was being processed. Several area agencies responded to our "shots fired" call. We thank them for their concern and immediate response. We greatly appreciate their assistance.
Neither of the involved troopers were injured. Both have been placed on administrative leave pending a review of the shooting, which is standard Patrol protocol.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) will be the lead agency investigating this incident, which is standard protocol in a KHP-involved shooting. Any further media inquiries should be directed to the KBI. The Kansas Highway Patrol cannot discuss another agency's ongoing investigation, and will have no further comment on the matter.