Officer Killed, 2 Wounded in Independence Eviction Shooting

By Better Today On Feb 29, 2024

TL/DR –

A police officer was killed and two others, another officer and a Civil Process server, were critically injured in a shooting during an eviction in Independence, Missouri. The process server was serving an eviction notice when the shooting began, leading to the police officers being shot as they responded to the 911 call. A suspect is in custody and believed to have suffered minor injuries, while messages of support have poured in from the Kansas City area police departments and the mayor.

An Officer Killed in Independence Shooting

The Independence Police Department confirmed an officer was killed and two others injured, including another officer and a Civil Process server, during an eviction-related shooting in northeast Independence. A suspect with minor injuries is now in custody.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at 1111 N. Elsea Smith Road. Currently, the second officer and Civil Process server are in critical condition at Centerpoint Medical Center. Names of the injured are not being released at this time.

The process server, a court official delivering court documents, was at the home serving an eviction notice when they were shot. They dialed 911 for help, leading to the two Independence police officers getting shot while responding.

Judge and Police Spokesperson Comment on Incident

Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto expressed deep sorrow for the court employee who was shot while executing their duties. Similarly, Independence police spokesperson Kelley Rupert asked for prayers and positive thoughts.

Various Kansas City area police departments and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas have expressed their support. Missouri Governor Mike Parson confirmed he’s receiving updates on the shooting.

Emergency Response and School Safety

KMBC 9 currently has crews and NewsChopper 9 on the scene. The shooting site is near Fort Osage High School, however the school district confirmed there’s no threat to their institutions. The district’s brief lockdown is now lifted.

MSHP and other Kansas City area agencies are assisting Independence Police Department, the only law enforcement at the initial shooting, with the investigation.

As the situation unfolds, this article will be updated as more information becomes available.