An individual attempting to deliver an eviction notice at a residence in Independence, Missouri, tragically lost their life on Thursday.
Additionally, two police officers who arrived to assist were also shot, with one of them succumbing to their injuries
“I regret to inform you that we have lost one of our own,” stated Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman. The deceased officer was identified as Cody Allen, 35.
Dustman mentioned that Allen consistently had a smile and characterized the police department as a fractured family following his passing.
The second officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, underwent surgery and is anticipated to make a full recovery, according to Dustman.
Officer Injured in Eviction Shooting
Another officer was also hit by gunfire and sustained minor injuries, according to the police chief.
The shooting took place as court employee Drexel Mark attempted to deliver an eviction notice.
Mack or another individual at the home contacted 911 to report that Mack had been shot, according to Dustman.
At approximately 1:10 p.m., the officers arrived and went to assist Mack when they were fired upon, according to his account.
A helicopter video from KMBC-TV captured emergency vehicles surrounding a spacious, remote house situated in the center of a field.
This region features a blend of forests and farmland, dotted with homes on spacious lots. There is a church nestled among the residential houses.
According to Corporal Justin Ewing from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the man believed to be involved in the shooting is in custody and has minor injuries.
Officer Jack Taylor from the Independence Police Department mentioned that there were no immediate details regarding the events leading up to the shootings.
Mack, in his early 40s, had been employed by Jackson County for more than ten years.
“It is heartbreaking that a court employee, as a public servant, was shot by a member of the public while carrying out their duties,” expressed Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto in a statement.
“Our hearts are saddened, and our thoughts are with our employee, our entire Court family, and the Independence Police Department.”
A group of officers gathered outside Centerpoint Medical Center late Thursday afternoon to accompany the bodies to the medical examiner’s office.
People embraced and comforted each other once the procession departed.
Independence, a suburb of Kansas City, is home to approximately 122,000 people.
