PHILLIPS COUNTY, Kan. — A Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy was shot and killed Friday night while attempting to make an arrest as he was investigating reports of illegal fireworks.
Deputy Brandon Gaede was attempting to place the suspect in handcuffs when a struggle broke out, during which the suspect, identified as Kolton Griffith,27, of Phillipsburg, pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire.
Even after he was shot, Deputy Gaede was able to return fire, striking Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene, while Deputy Gaede was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds shortly after arrival.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has asked the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to handle the investigation into the shooting, which is ongoing.
Deputy Gaede, 30, is survived by his wife and three young children.
