SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting during a high-speed chase and have identified the victim as Debra D. Arbuckle, 51, Andover, according to Lt. Tim Myers with Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.
Arbuckle had 3 active felony arrest warrants in Sedgwick County at the time of the pursuit. The warrants were issued for failing to appear in court on criminal charges of Possession of Opiates, Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, and traffic charges. Arbuckle has been arrested 38 times. 35 times in Sedgwick County, Kansas, 2 times in Newton, Kansas, and once in Texas, according to Myers.
Just after 3a.m. Monday, police were involved in a pursuit with a Volkswagen. A short time later, Sedgwick County deputies attempted to stop the same vehicle driven by Arbuckle that was traveling on MacArthur just west of Kansas 15 Highway, according to Colonel Brian White with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.
Arbuckle refused to stop and led deputies on a chase that last approximately 19 minutes.
During the pursuit, law enforcement used tire deflation devices on two occasions, according to White. Both deployments were successful but the driver refused to stop.
Law enforcement attempted tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) three times during the chase. The second attempt was successful but the driver managed to regain control and continue driving.
Just after 3:43 a.m., the pursuit ended after the 3rd TVI method was used.
The deputy gave several commands to Arbuckle to turn off the vehicle. She did not comply with the commands. Arbuckle placed the vehicle in reverse and accelerated toward deputies.
Fearing for his life and life of the other deputies, a deputy fired several rounds striking her and she was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:00 a.m.
The body was transported to the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center where an autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Events of this nature escalate quickly. From the time the deputy got out of his car to the time the shots were fired was less than a minute.
The KBI, Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, and the Professional Standards Unit of the Sheriff’s Office were all notified. The KBI is assisting with the case. The investigation is still very active. There are multiple body camera videos to review and multiple patrol vehicle videos to review.
No injuries were reported by the deputies involved. The deputy who fired the shots is 26-years-old and has been a deputy with the sheriff’s office for almost 6 years.
It is unfortunate anytime someone is injured or killed in a use of force event. Whenever an incident such as this occurs we conduct a thorough investigation to determine if there were any violations of law or our policy.
Upon the completion of the criminal investigation, the case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for review.