Kansas City police release surveillance video of man near worker's fatal shooting

Kansas City police on Thursday released a video of a person of interest in the shooting death of a utility worker near Ninth Street and Brooklyn Avenue.

Johnathon L. Porter, 23, of Appleton City, was installing pipe Tuesday morning when he and other workers were approached by a passerby who asked him for a cigarette.

Porter, who doesn't smoke, told the man he couldn't help him. As he walked away, the man turned and fired several shots in the direction of Porter, striking him.

Police released a 16-second video and asked for the public's help in identifying the man seen walking near where the shooting occurred.

Anyone with information should call the Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Porter, who was expecting his first child in late May, was rushed to a hospital, where he later died. A preliminary investigation indicated the shooting was random.

Police have made no arrests and continued their investigation Thursday. Investigators released a photo of a person of interest in the shooting.

InfraSource has stopped work at its construction site on Brooklyn Avenue in Kansas City where Porter was killed.

The company, which also is offering counseling to its Kansas City staff, said it had not determined when work at the site would resume.

A website also has been established with the United Way of Greater Kansas City where donations can be made to assist Porter’s family.

This story was originally published April 26, 2018 at 2:38 PM with the headline "Kansas City police release surveillance video of man near worker's fatal shooting."