SHAWNEE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer involved shooting which occurred Thursday night on the Kansas Turnpike in Shawnee County.
Just before 8p.m., a KHP trooper identified a stolen tag on a black Chevy S10 pickup in Douglas County along the Kansas Turnpike, according to a media release from the KBI.
When he attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Robert F. Knapp, 40, from Springfield, Mo. refused to stop, and a pursuit began.
Preliminary information indicates Troopers pursued the pickup heading west on the turnpike toward Topeka. Troopers then deployed tire deflation devices, flattening the vehicle’s tires. Knapp continued driving and the troopers utilized a tactical vehicle intervention to attempt to stop the pickup. The vehicle hit the concrete divider causing it to rest facing east in the westbound lane. Then, the suspect’s vehicle rammed the KHP patrol car, and one trooper fired multiple shots. Knapp was grazed by a bullet. The shooting occurred at approximately 8 p.m. near mile marker 180.
EMS responded to the scene and both the trooper and Knapp were taken to a local hospital to be assessed and treated for minor injuries. Both have been released from the hospital, and are expected to fully recover.
Knapp was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for aggravated battery, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of stolen property, criminal damage to property, interference with a law enforcement officer, and fleeing or attempting to elude.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting on the Kansas Turnpike.
Just after 8pm. Thursday, Kansas Highway Patrol attempted to stop a westbound Chevy S-10 on the Kansas Turnpike just west of the K-10 exit for displaying a stolen license plate, according to Lt. Adam Winters.
The driver failed to stop and troopers initiated a pursuit. Authorities were able to successfully deploy a tire deflation device.
After hitting the deflation device, the driver continued until troopers used a tactical vehicle intervention to stop the Chevy. Once the TVI was completed, the pickup rammed a KHP vehicle and the trooper fired shots at the pickup.
The trooper suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment and released, according to Winters.
As is standard practice, the trooper involved has been placed on administrative leave while the Kansas Bureau of Investigation conducts an investigation of the shooting. Authorities have not released details on the suspect. A KBI spokesperson said the agency will release additional details later Friday.