Rural Kansas Horror: 4 Officers Shot Responding to Domestic Violence Call; 22-Year-Old Suspect Killed, Grandfather Wounded
CARBONDALE, KANSAS — Four law enforcement officers were shot and injured Saturday morning after responding to a domestic violence call at a rural home south of Topeka. The suspected gunman, a 22-year-old man, was killed at the scene after exchanging gunfire with officers, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).
Gunfire Erupts Within Minutes of Officers Arriving
Authorities say the shooting happened around 10:30 a.m., shortly after deputies arrived at the residence on a two-lane rural road near Carbondale, a town of about 1,300 residents roughly 16 miles south of Topeka.
Three Osage County sheriff’s deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were hit in the gunfire. The KBI’s director said officers were on scene less than 10 minutes before shots broke out.
Patrol Superintendent Erik Smith said:
“After being on scene less than 10 minutes, gunfire erupted.”
Two deputies required surgery at a Topeka hospital and are now in good condition. A third deputy was treated and discharged. The trooper was transferred to University of Kansas Medical Center and is expected to recover.
Suspect Killed; 77-Year-Old Grandfather Also Shot
The gunman, whose name has not yet been released, died at the scene from gunshot wounds. Authorities confirmed that his 77-year-old grandfather was also shot during the incident. The grandfather is expected to survive.
The KBI said:
“The suspect’s 77-year-old grandfather was wounded in the gunfire, but he and the officers are all expected to recover.”
Police have not disclosed what triggered the confrontation inside the home or how the conflict escalated into a deadly exchange of gunfire.
Neighbors Shocked, Describe Family as Peaceful and Respected
Local residents John and Heather Roberts, who live about a mile from the scene, expressed their disbelief upon learning of the shooting. The family involved was well-known in their small rural area.
John Roberts recalled seeing officers racing toward the home:
“Both of them were running well over 100 miles an hour as they went by. Then the city of Topeka officers started going by. That’s when I started to really get concerned.”
The couple described the suspect as polite and well-mannered.
Heather Roberts shared:
“I love the family. They’re great people. Every time he visited our home, he would give me a hug. I don’t know what snapped in him today.”
Neighbors said the family were hunters, like many in the area, and gun ownership was common.
Investigation Continues as Police Search for Answers
Authorities from multiple agencies are working to piece together what happened inside the home and what caused the sudden eruption of violence. Investigators are interviewing family members, examining the crime scene, and reviewing evidence related to the domestic disturbance that prompted the initial 911 call.
Officials say more information will be released as the investigation continues.
As Kansas authorities continue investigating this violent and heartbreaking incident, residents across the region are urged to stay informed and support the injured officers recovering from the attack. For more updates on major crime investigations and breaking public-safety news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.