Suspect killed in officer involved shooting in Finney County

Garden City, KS(westernkansasnews.com) Garden City Police and Finney County Sheriff’s Departments held a press conference Thursday afternoon following an officer involved shooting earlier in the day.

A 29 year old male suspect was shot an killed during the incident in rural Finney County. The man was a suspect in a disorderly conduct and criminal damage incident Thursday morning in Garden City.

Shortly after 12 p.m. A deputy from the Sheriff’s Office arrived in the area just before 12 p.m. and located the subject who was armed with a knife, and holding it to his own throat. Shortly after, the subject retreated to his vehicle and locked the doors. A second sheriff’s deputy and an officer from the Garden City Police Department arrived on the scene, and attempts were made to speak with the subject until he emerged from his vehicle and charged toward them. At that time two law enforcement officers, one from each agency, fired at the subject, fatally injuring him.

“After a standoff with law enforcement, the suspect is alleged to have become increasingly aggressive and came toward the officers in a threatening manner,” said Undersheriff John Andrews. “Officers opened fire fatally striking the suspect.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the suspect’s family at this time. This is an unfortunate situation,” said Police Chief Michael Utz. “We are thankful that our officers are safe.”

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation of the situation. The Garden City Police Department and Finney County Sheriff’s Office are each also conducting internal investigations.

The three officers involved in the shooting, two Finney County sheriff’s deputies and one Garden City police officer, have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.