RENO COUNTY, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday evening in Hutchinson.
The Hutchinson Police Department requested KBI assistance at approximately 7:23 p.m. Sunday, June 7. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene.
At approximately 6 p.m., Hutchinson police officers responded to a residence at 3313 Dartmouth Road to conduct follow-up on a theft investigation. An individual wanted for questioning, identified as Jonathan Lawrence, 30, of Hutchinson, stepped outside the residence to speak with the officers.
During the encounter, the officers observed that Lawrence was armed with a handgun. As the officers attempted to detain and disarm him, a physical altercation ensued. Lawrence battered both officers before fleeing into the garage of the residence.
One officer deployed a Taser, which caused Lawrence to fall and drop the handgun. While the second officer attempted to gain control of Lawrence, Lawrence reached for and regained control of the firearm. The officer who deployed the Taser, drew a service weapon, and fired multiple rounds, striking Lawrence.
Officers immediately rendered life-saving measures, and responding deputies from the Reno County Sheriff’s Office assisted with medical aid until EMS arrived. Lawrence was transported to the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel, and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings, which take several weeks to complete.
The investigation remains ongoing.
