A routine eviction process turned into a devastating tragedy in Independence on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of an Independence Police officer and a civil process server. The incident occurred near N. Elsea Smith Road and Bundschu Road, shaking the community to its core.
The civil process server, whose identity has not been disclosed, visited the residence and requested law enforcement assistance. The Independence Police Department promptly dispatched two officers to the scene. Tragically, during the course of the incident, a seasoned officer lost their life, while another recently hired officer sustained severe injuries.
In a statement, Circuit Court Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto expressed profound grief over the incident, stating, “We are devastated that a court employee, who is a public servant, was shot by a member of the public while performing their job. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with our employee, our entire Court family, and the Independence Police Department.”
Law enforcement agencies, including the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, are providing assistance to the Independence Police Department at the scene. Initially, there were concerns about another individual inside the residence, but all searches conducted returned negative results.
The incident, which occurred just a few miles away from several schools within the Fort Osage R-I School District, prompted a precautionary lockdown. However, the lockdown was later lifted, and schools proceeded with dismissal as scheduled, with assurance that all students and schools were secure.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, Governor Mike Parson expressed his support, tweeting, “Teresa and I are praying for the @IndepMoPolice officers involved and all who work to protect us.”
The community of Independence is left reeling from this senseless act of violence, as they mourn the loss of two individuals who dedicated their lives to serving others.