KCPD says officer’s story about shooting at intruder isn’t supported by evidence
More than a week after an off-duty Kansas City police officer reported he had fired shots at an intruder inside his home, the police department said evidence “does not support” the officer’s story.
Police announced that conclusion Wednesday, adding that the officer has left the department.
The investigation stemmed from an incident reported around 2:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at the officer’s home in the 3500 block of St. John Avenue, according to the Kansas City Police Department.
The officer told police he was at home by himself when he heard someone else inside the house. He said he went downstairs and found a male in the home. Reciting the officer’s version of the events, police said the officer feared for his safety and shot at the intruder, who then ran from the scene.
No injuries were reported. Police at the time said they searched the blocks around the home and checked with hospitals but did not locate anyone involved in the incident.
The police department released the following statement Wednesday in regard to the investigation:
“Police have investigated the shooting, and the evidence does not support the off-duty officer’s claim that there was an intruder in his home. The officer has voluntarily separated from the KCPD.”
An investigation into “any potential criminal wrong-doing” was ongoing, police said. The case is expected to be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review.
Earlier this year, Kansas City police investigated a separate incident involving an officer that raised doubts.
The officer reported he was off-duty and working at 63rd and Blue Ridge, where he patrolled a shopping center parking lot. About 1 a.m., he said, he heard noises coming from a nearby treeline. When he went to investigate, he said, he heard gunshots.
The officer said he retreated and requested assistance. While taking cover, the officer said, he realized he had been shot, but the bullet hadn’t penetrated his bullet-resistant vest.
Police investigating the incident later “discovered the officer’s account was not an accurate report of events,” the department said in a Sept. 23 statement. The officer was suspended while the investigation was ongoing.
This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 5:41 PM.
