Month: July 2016

State officials offer condolences upon death of KCK captain

Gov. Sam Brownback and Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer today expressed their condolences following the death of Kansas City, Kan., Police Capt. Robert Melton.

Statement from Gov. Sam Brownback: “Serving his community, Captain Melton today made the ultimate sacrifice laying down his life in the line of duty,” said Governor Brownback. “Kansans everywhere mourn his loss, grieve with his family, and pray for his fellow brothers and sisters in blue. Every day they risk their lives to protect ours and we are grateful for their service.

“I have spoken with the Mayor to offer any assistance he may need and to express my personal condolences for this loss. I ask all Kansans to take a moment to honor the service of Capt. Melton and all officers across our state and across the nation.”

Statement from Lt. Governor, Jeff Colyer: “We honor the courage and service of Capt. Melton,” said Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, M.D. “We send our thoughts and sympathies to his family and friends. I urge all Kansans to pray for unity and healing as we mourn Capt. Melton.”

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued the following statement on the death of Kansas City, Kan., Police Department Capt. Robert Melton:

“For the second time in only 10 short weeks, our hearts are broken by the ultimate sacrifice of a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all in the law enforcement community and share in Kansas City’s sorrow. My prayers and deepest sympathies remain with the men and women of the KCK Police Department, with all officers who protect and serve with honor, and with the family and friends of Captain Melton.”

KCK police captain dies in shooting

Kansas City, Kan., officials and KU Hospital officials announced at 4 p.m. that Capt. Robert Melton has died. (Staff photo)
Kansas City, Kan., officials and KU Hospital officials announced at 4 p.m. Tuesday that Capt. Robert Melton had died. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert)

Capt. Robert Melton
Capt. Robert Melton

Capt. Robert D. Melton, 46, of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department died Tuesday after being shot, University of Kansas Hospital officials announced at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Trauma surgeon Dr. James Howard made the announcement.

In a news conference at the hospital, Mayor Mark Holland asked the community for prayers.

Police Chief Terry Zeigler said around 2 p.m. Tuesday, there was a drive-by shooting. The suspect vehicle left, and there was a vehicle chase. As Capt. Melton was arriving, suspects bailed out of a car near 22nd and Haskell and fired, fatally wounding him, according to Chief Zeigler.

He said as the investigation continues, police may find out more of the facts about the case.

“Our city and our department just went through the tragic loss of Detective Lancaster in May, obviously that’s a lifetime of healing all in itself,” Mayor Holland said. “We have a lot of grief already in our department.”

He said everyone should not jump to conclusions about what happened today, and the police need to make a thorough investigation and get the facts.

“My encouragement is we not go down a path of fear and conclusion and hatred, but we go down a path of thoughtful prayerful reflection on what we can do to make our community safer,” he said.

Capt. Melton served 17 years with the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, according to a spokesman.

A police spokesman said Capt. Melton died around 2:55 p.m. at the hospital. The disturbance began with a call to police around 1:33 p.m. at 2nd Street and Edgerton Drive, according to the police spokesman.

A large police presence was investigating in the area of Klamm Park, near 22nd and Haskell, north of Parallel Parkway.

Police earlier said they took one person into custody and were seeking two others.

Officials said the investigation was still ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Kansas City Kansas Community College extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Capt. Robert David Melton, a KCKCC alumnus, and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.

Melton received an associate of general studies in corrections from KCKCC in 2000. He has worked with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department since late 1999 and previously worked as a deputy at the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. He was also a member of the Kansas National Guard.

“We were terribly saddened to hear of the death of Captain Melton,” said KCKCC President Doris Givens. “Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow officers.”

KCK police officer shot near 22nd and Haskell

A Kansas City, Kan., police officer was shot today at 22nd and Haskell.

According to a police spokesman, the officer is in critical condition.

A police spokesman said a call came in about an armed disturbance at 1:33 p.m. July 19 at 2nd Street and Edgerton Drive. The caller said he was being shot at by more than one person in a vehicle.

Officers arrived about 1:37 p.m. and about that time, three or four persons bailed from the vehicle, the spokesman said.

At 1:39 p.m., an officer took one of the persons into custody, the spokesman said.

At 1:57 p.m., the other officer on the scene tried to make contact with another suspect, multiple shots were fired and the officer was shot, according to the spokesman. The officer was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Police are now looking for the other suspects, the spokesman said.