ATCHISON– Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Missouri, the subject in the weekend officer-involved shooting in Atchison, died from his injuries in a local hospital early Monday, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. An autopsy is scheduled.
At around 5:45 p.m. Friday, the Atchison Police Department responded to a call about a person with a gun and a second call of a subject breaking into an apartment. As officers arrived at 508 N 9th St. in Atchison, an officer exited his vehicle and shots were fired at him, striking his police vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The man, identified as Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Mo., then fled back into a residence. Additional officers from the Atchison PD were called to the scene.
Officers learned that a woman known to McCray was being held inside of the residence. Atchison PD requested Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team’s assistance. They also requested assistance from the KBI High Risk Warrant Team. Law enforcement attempted to peacefully negotiate throughout the night with McCray insisting he release the woman inside the residence. The subject did not cooperate with the negotiations and fired multiple shots at law enforcement officials throughout the incident.
Preliminary information indicates that at around 2:30 a.m., an attempt was made to rescue the female hostage. During the rescue attempt, McCray and the hostage were separated momentarily, and a KHP trooper fired at McCray striking him. At that time, the hostage was safely rescued. Life-saving measures were made on McCray at the scene and at an area hospital. McCray was subsequently transported to a Kansas City hospital where he died on Monday. No law enforcement officers were injured during the rescue attempt or during the interactions with McCray.
This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.
When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Atchison County Attorney.