MINNEOLA, Kan. (AP) - Law enforcement officers fatally shot a driver in southwest Kansas when he got out of his sport utility vehicle holding a gun after a chase, authorities say.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release that 67-year-old Jim Wright, of Fowler, was pronounced dead Tuesday night at the scene in Minneola.
Deputies tracked Wright down after his relatives called the Meade County Sheriff’s Office expressing concerns about his welfare, but he drove off when he saw them, the KBI said.
Law enforcement officers from several area agencies joined the pursuit before it ended in Minneola after Wright drove across tire-puncturing spike strips. The KBI said Wright then exited his vehicle holding a firearm, and law enforcement officers ordered him to drop it.
The KBI said two deputies from the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy from the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, and a game warden from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism fired at Wright, striking him.
No law enforcement officers were hurt, and an investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Minneola Public Schools canceled Wednesday classes following the shooting. Minneola is about 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) south of Dodge City.
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