SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Wichita.
At 6:34 a.m. on Thursday, police reported shots fired in the parking lot of the department's Patrol North Substation, 3015 E. 21st St. N. in Wichita, according to Police Spokesman Andrew Ford.
Preliminary investigations reveal that an on-duty Wichita Police officer was concluding their shift and unloading equipment from a patrol vehicle when two men approached. One of the men, later identified as 19-year-old Nehemiah C. Flemming, inquired about WPD policy regarding shooting people with guns.
During the encounter, Flemming brandished a handgun, leading to a brief struggle in which he pointed the gun at the officer. The officer then dove to the ground for cover.
Two additional officers, one on duty and one off duty, witnessed the confrontation and both discharged their weapons, striking Flemming.
Officers on the scene provided immediate medical assistance and called for Sedgwick County EMS and fire response. Flemming was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.
The second male fled the area before the shots were fired but has since been located. There are no outstanding suspects in this case.
No officers were injured during the incident. Based on preliminary interviews with Flemming’s family, investigators believe this may be a case of suicide by police.
In accordance with department policy, Chief Joe Sullivan activated the Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.