The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting Friday night in Phillipsburg, in the northern part of the state.
It started just before 9:30 p.m., when the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received a report of illegal fireworks being detonated at a home in Phillipsburg.
Deputy Brandon Gaede responded to the scene and contacted the resident and individual believed responsible for the fireworks.
Deputy Gaede determined he had probable cause to arrest the suspect, Kolton Griffith, 27. As the deputy attempted to place the suspect in handcuffs, a struggle broke out and Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on Deputy Gaede. Despite being hit by gunfire, the deputy returned fire and hit the suspect multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.
EMS transported Deputy Gaede to a local hospital but despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries about an hour later. He was 30 years-old and leaves behind his wife Karlye and 3 young children.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office will release the findings to the Phillips County Attorney once the investigation is complete.
Saturday afternoon, first responders from across the state escorted Deputy Gaede’s body from Phillips County to Wichita where the autopsy will be conducted. Honor guards lined the streets outside the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center.