Manhunt intensifies for suspect in Kansas City highway shootings that injured 4, killed 1
The Kansas City Police Department is urging the community to provide information about the possible location of a man suspected of shooting several people Tuesday evening.
As of Thursday afternoon, police across the Kansas City area continue to search for Oscar Sanchez-Munoz, who is wanted in connection with the string of shootings that injured four and killed one.
A manhunt has been ongoing since the shootings. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
“KCPD officers and detectives are using all investigative resources available to them,” said Capt. Jake Becchina, a police spokesperson. “Including other local, state and federal partnerships to search for Sanchez-Munoz.
“Detectives have received some information from the public.”
The shootings occurred during a short period of time Tuesday evening at Interstate 670 and Wyoming Street, Interstate 70 and Paseo Boulevard, I-70 and Prospect Avenue, and at Truman Road and Hardesty Avenue.
One victim recovering from the shooting is an Uber driver who was taking fans to Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium for a World Cup match Tuesday evening, police confirmed Wednesday. The shootings took place about eight miles from the stadium, which is hosting six World Cup matches this tournament.
Another man, who died after his vehicle crashed at Truman Road and Bennington Avenue, is also thought to have been shot by the same suspect, Becchina confirmed Wednesday.
Prior to Tuesday’s shootings, Sanchez-Munoz already had an active warrant for his arrest, which was issued in Wyandotte County for a previous aggravated assault charge. That warrant carried a $100,000 bond.
Two standoffs end without suspect in custody
After two standoffs — one Tuesday and another overnight into Wednesday morning — police have come up empty, and the intensity of the search is rising.
“Detectives investigating the case overnight developed information that led to a house in the 1600 block of Kensington,” Becchina said. “Prior to detectives searching the residence for any evidence, they wanted to ensure that it was safe, and the wanted suspect was not inside.”
They worked with SWAT officers on a tactical operation, Becchina said, to ensure the house was clear of any people, including Sanchez-Munoz.
“There was never any contact with the suspect and the residence was deemed clear as of about 6 a.m. this morning,” Becchina said. “The tactical operation concluded at that time.”
Detectives continue their investigation at this location as well as searching elsewhere for the suspect.
Sanchez-Munoz was first located Tuesday night at a home in Independence. The police department initiated the first standoff at that location.
The home eventually caught fire, prompting a response from the Independence Fire Department.
That Independence residence in the 700 block of South Brookside Avenue is thought to be Sanchez-Munoz’ primary residence. Officers reported that he had barricaded himself inside.
Police said the house caught fire around midnight Wednesday. Investigators said they did not know whether Sanchez-Munoz set the fire intentionally.
Anyone who sees Sanchez-Munoz is asked to call 911 immediately, Becchina said. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
The Star’s Judy L. Thomas and Kendrick Calfee contributed to this report.
