Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Authorities in Sedgwick County are currently investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place on March 6 in the vicinity of 21st Street North and Arkansas in Wichita.
According to Sedgwick County Sheriff Lt. Nathan Gibbs, the incident unfolded just before 8 p.m. on Wednesday when a call was made to 911 reporting a person allegedly pointing a gun at someone inside a residence on the 2300 block of North Fairview.
The suspect, later identified as 35-year-old Luis A. Rivera, had already left the house by the time officers arrived at the scene. Rivera was found in the street, holding a gun to his head, as officers tried to engage with him and persuade him to drop the weapon.
Despite repeated attempts to communicate with Rivera, he continued to walk away from the officers, keeping the gun to his head and shouting at them. Some officers followed him on foot while others trailed in police vehicles. A Crisis Negotiator was also present, using a patrol car’s public address system to communicate with Rivera.
As Rivera made his way to a parking lot at 21st and Arkansas, a supervisor requested less lethal munitions. An officer then fired a less lethal foam projectile at Rivera in an attempt to subdue him. However, Rivera defiantly turned towards the officers, aimed his gun at them, and fired multiple shots. In response, eight officers opened fire, striking Rivera multiple times.
Despite immediate aid from the officers, Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services personnel. Thankfully, no officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Following the completion of the investigation, the case will be handed over to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for further review.
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