A man in Jackson County, Missouri, is facing severe charges for allegedly shooting and killing an Independence police officer and a civil process server, while also injuring two other law enforcement officials on Thursday.
The office of Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters revealed that Larry D. Acree has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault, and three counts of armed criminal action.
Officer Cody Allen of the Independence Police Department and Drexel Mac, a process server for Jackson County Circuit Court, are both accused of being killed by Acree.
Based on court documents, Mac visited a residence around 1 p.m. on Thursday at N. Elsea Smith Road to check on a notice to vacate that had been placed on the property six days earlier.
Accompanied by two individuals identified as Witnesses 1 and 2, Mac visited the location on Thursday.
Despite knocking and announcing their presence, they did not receive a response. Subsequently, they drilled out the lock to gain entry into the home.
Mac and another individual entered the home, according to court documents. Gunshots were then fired, hitting Mac and causing him to collapse inside the front door.
One individual managed to exit the residence and contact authorities for assistance. Three Independence police officers quickly responded and entered the home to retrieve Mac, when additional gunshots were fired from inside.
Court filings indicate that victim 2, who was named as Officer Cody Allen, was shot in the head, while another officer was hit in the abdomen.
Police officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect, later revealed to be Acree, and by 1:30 p.m., He was apprehended.
All individuals who were injured were transported to a nearby hospital for medical care.
Tragic Loss in Independence Police Department
Allen and Mac were later declared deceased, while the officer who was shot in the abdomen underwent surgery and was expected to recover from the injuries.
Independence Police Department Chief Adam Dustman praised Allen for his constant smile, describing him as unique and a compassionate individual.
Allen’s family includes his wife, their two young children, and his parents.
Judge Jalilah Otto from the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri mentioned that Mac had been part of the court for more than 12 years.