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Posted on Thu, Nov. 05, 2009 09:00 AM
Man convicted of assaulting officers in shootout
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A Kansas City man who lost a leg as a result of a shootout with police was convicted Wednesday night of assaulting the officers.
A Jackson County Circuit Court jury deliberated late into the night before finding Ryan C. Christian guilty of four counts of first-degree assault, one count of second-degree assault and five counts of armed criminal action.
Christian, 30, testified that he didn’t know he was shooting at police officers during the October 2008 incident in an alley near 28th and Olive streets.
Christian said he had been shot at the week before by a “rival gang member” and had received threatening calls on his cell phone shortly before two of the officers in plain clothes and driving unmarked cars drove into the alley.
He testified during his trial this week that he heard a shot before he grabbed his .40-caliber handgun and shot back in “self-defense.”
One officer testified that Christian fired at him before he had a chance to even get out of his car and identify himself. One shot shattered the windshield of that officer’s car.
Three other officers who approached the alley from the opposite end testified that he fired towards them as they yelled that they were police officers.
Another man who was with Christian in the alley was armed with an assault-style rifle and allegedly fired numerous shots. His trial is scheduled to begin next month.
Prosecutor Dawn Parsons said in closing arguments that it was a miracle none of the officers was seriously hurt or killed.
Christian suffered several wounds to his leg and buttocks and later had his right leg amputated, according to testimony.
To reach Tony Rizzo, call 816-234-4435 or send e-mail to trizzo@kcstar.com.
Posted on Thu, Nov. 05, 2009 09:00 AM
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