Independence man shot by Kansas City police is charged with assault

A 26-year-old man who was shot by a Kansas City police officer when he lunged toward him armed with a screwdriver was charged Monday with assault.

James D. Brisbin of Independence also faces a charge of armed criminal action in the incident that happened Friday in the 400 block of Grand Boulevard. Police had gone there regarding a “man beating on a woman.”

According to court records, as officers approached Brisbin, allegedly reached into a backpack and pulled out a Phillips screwdriver. Brisbin refused the officers’ demand to drop the weapon.

Still armed with the screwdriver, Brisbin continued to move toward officers as they demanded he stop and drop the weapon. After Brisbin reportedly refused to do so, an officer fired shots, striking Brisbin.

Brisbin was treated at a hospital. Several witnesses told investigators that Brisbin was acting irrationally and violently before officers arrived. Another witness said Brisbin lunged at the officer with what appeared to be a weapon and the officer shot him.

In 2010, Brisbin pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary, according to court records.

This story was originally published October 31, 2016 at 4:53 PM with the headline "Independence man shot by Kansas City police is charged with assault."