Kansas Community Grapples with Shooting; Four Officers Injured
CARBONDALE, Kan. – A quiet Kansas community is shaken after a shooting on Saturday morning left four law enforcement officers injured. Officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call in a rural area near Topeka when the incident occurred.
The suspect, a 22-year-old man, died at the scene from gunshot wounds. His 77-year-old grandfather was also injured. Officials say the grandfather and the officers are expected to recover.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed that three Osage County sheriff’s deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were shot. Two deputies underwent surgery and are in stable condition, while the third was released. The trooper was transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center.
The incident occurred in Carbondale, a small town of roughly 1,300 people south of Topeka. Law enforcement officials stated that gunfire broke out shortly after their arrival on the scene.
Neighbors expressed surprise and disbelief. One neighbor, John Roberts, noted that gun ownership is common in the area due to the popularity of hunting, stating the family involved also owned guns. He described the suspect as a “good kid.” His wife, Heather Roberts, added that the suspect was always respectful and gave her a hug. They are praying for the wounded officers and their families, emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement in these uncertain times.
