Jun 29, 2025

Jury: Man guilty in attempted murder of Kansas officer

Posted Jun 29, 2025 10:00 PM
Hrabik photo Lyon Co.
Hrabik photo Lyon Co.

EMPORIA, Kan. — A Lyon County jury has found Adam Jay Hrabik, 45, of Lyons, guilty of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced Friday.

Hrabik was charged in connection with the October 2020 shooting of Lyons Police Officer Cory Ryan and Lyons High School teacher Brian Friess. Officer Ryan was shot multiple times while responding to a 911 call from Friess, who had reported being threatened with a firearm. Both men sustained serious injuries, and Ryan spent nearly two weeks hospitalized in Wichita before recovering.

Law enforcement on the scene in Lyons in 2020 -file photo courtesy KWCH
Law enforcement on the scene in Lyons in 2020 -file photo courtesy KWCH

Originally charged with attempted capital murder, Hrabik was convicted after nearly five years of legal proceedings. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Nicole Southall and J.D. Hatcher, and investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation with support from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Rice County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol.

“We are deeply thankful for the tireless efforts and commitment of our law enforcement partners,” said Southall. “It is a profound relief to see justice delivered for the victims, whose strength in the face of hardship is truly commendable.”

Deputy Attorney General Jessica Domme praised the courage of law enforcement officers, stating, “We commend their unwavering courage and resilience in the face of danger.”

Hrabik is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21 at 1:00 p.m. in Rice County District Court by Senior Judge Merlin Wheeler.