Capt. Robert Melton, a police officer for Kansas City, Kansas, was shot and killed Tuesday while going after suspects in a drive-by shooting. Melton had been with the department for 17 years.
Police Chief Terry Ziegler said the office was looking for four people inside of a car when a car chase went down. The chase had ended about 2 miles from where the suspects were reported to a 911 dispatcher. The chief said,
“As Capt. Melton was arriving, the suspects bailed from the vehicle and opened fire. I don’t have any more details than that.”
Police spokesman Thomas Tomasic says Robert Melton was a “good friend, good person.” There is three suspects behind bars. Police are doing their best to find the second suspect. The Melton family has released a statement saying they just want privacy. Kansas City Mayor Mark Holland released a statement saying,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that, for the second time this year, our KCK Police Department has lost an officer in the line of duty. Capt. Robert “Dave” Melton was shot this afternoon while responding to a drive-by shooting. Capt. Melton’s death comes a little more than two months after Det. Brad Lancaster died at the hands of another criminal. Their deaths remind us of the tremendous risks our law enforcement officers take every day to keep us all safe. Please join me as we offer our prayers and our support to those most affected by this senseless tragedy—Capt. Melton’s family, his friends, and his fellow officers. Join me, also, in thanking the first responders and medical team who worked so hard to try to save Capt. Melton’s life.
This is a very tense and volatile time in our community and our nation. It is important that we not jump to conclusions or speculate about this situation. Our police and city officials will share information as it becomes available. As we wait for that information, let us focus our thoughts and prayers on Capt. Melton’s family, our Police Department, and on the community.
SOURCE: CNN
