Nationwide — Elijah Ming, an African American deputy from Kansas City, Missouri, was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance. Authorities say he was ambushed by a gunman and later died at the hospital.
According to WLBT, the incident started when a woman called 911, saying she feared for her safety while moving out of a house. She told police that 38-year-old Shawn Harris had threatened her and her friends with a gun.
Deputy Ming, 34, and a Kansas City police officer arrived at the scene. As they approached the front door, Harris allegedly began shooting. Ming was hit, but the officer was not injured.
More officers rushed to the scene and exchanged gunfire with Harris, who had barricaded himself inside the home. During the standoff, officers worked to rescue and treat Ming, who was then rushed to the hospital. He did not survive.
Harris remained inside for about an hour before surrendering after a phone conversation with police negotiators. He had been shot during the exchange but was treated at the hospital and is now in stable condition.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Harris was released from the hospital. He was then arrested for capital murder of a law enforcement officer. He is currently held in the Johnson County Jail. Charges are still pending.
Meanwhile, Deputy Ming served with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office for nearly nine years. Sheriff Daniel Soptic called him a valued and loved member of the department. He asked the public to keep Ming’s family, colleagues, and the local community in their prayers.