Person in custody in shooting of North Kansas City police officer during traffic stop
READ MORE
North Kansas City cop dies in traffic stop shooting
The police officer shot during a traffic stop Tuesday in North Kansas City has died. The officer was identified as Daniel Vasquez, who had been on the force for two years, North Kansas City Police Chief Kevin Freeman said during a news conference. Clay County Prosecutor Dan White charged Joshua T. Rocha, 24, Wednesday with one count each of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Vasquez.
Expand All
Update: The officer shot in North Kansas City has died, the police chief said Tuesday. That story is posted here.
A person has been arrested in the shooting of a North Kansas City police officer during a traffic stop Tuesday, according to Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the officer was shot while trying to pull a driver over for having an expired temporary tag.
The officer pulled the car over about 10:40 a.m. near 21st Avenue and Clay Street in North Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The driver allegedly got out of the vehicle and began firing upon the officer and drove away headed west.
Clay County Sheriff Will Akin said the officer was taken to a hospital by ambulance and transported to University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas. Akin said he assumed the officer had life-threatening injuries.
North Kansas City Mayor Bryant DeLong became emotional while speaking at a Tuesday afternoon news conference about the shooting.
“Every day, our officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve our community and today one of them was hurt doing just that,” he said. “The North Kansas City community’s hearts are with the officer and his family.
“It’s just a sad day for North Kansas City.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas posted a message to Twitter saying he was praying for the officer.
“I am praying for the North Kansas City police officer shot today,” Lucas wrote. “My thoughts are with the officer’s family, friends, the North Kansas City Police Department, and all in the North Kansas City community.”
This story was originally published July 19, 2022 at 1:53 PM.
