Accident – Death – Obituary News :
SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place on March 6th in the vicinity of 21st Street North and Arkansas in Wichita, a bustling city in the heart of Kansas.
Just before 8 p.m. last Wednesday, Sedgwick County 911 received a distress call reporting a person in a house pointing a firearm at another individual in the 2300 block of North Fairview, as disclosed by Sedgwick County Sheriff Lt. Nathan Gibbs.
The suspect had vacated the premises before law enforcement officers arrived at the scene. Several Wichita Police Officers swiftly arrived in the area around 7:54 PM and encountered a man later identified as 35-year-old Luis A. Rivera, standing in the street with a gun pressed against his own head, according to Gibbs.
The officers made attempts to engage Rivera in conversation and convince him to lower the weapon. However, Rivera proceeded to walk away from the officers, heading south on Fairview, all the while maintaining the gun against his head and shouting at the officers.
While some officers pursued Rivera on foot, others trailed in police vehicles. A Crisis Negotiator was also present on the scene and employed the patrol car’s public address system to communicate with Rivera, instructing him to relinquish the gun.
Rivera continued his westward journey on 21st Street, persisting in holding the gun to his head and disregarding the repeated requests to discard the weapon. Concurrently, additional officers in the vicinity endeavored to redirect traffic on 21st Street to mitigate the potential hazards posed to the public, officers, and Rivera.
At approximately 8:04 PM, a supervisor requisitioned less-lethal munitions as Rivera approached a parking lot adjacent to a vacant building at the intersection of 21st Street and Arkansas. A law enforcement officer discharged a less-lethal 40mm foam projectile, striking Rivera in the back in an attempt to elicit compliance.
While the officer was in the process of announcing the use of the less-lethal round, Rivera menacingly declared his intention to escalate the situation. Rivera then turned towards the officers, pointing his gun in their direction and discharging multiple rounds. In response, eight officers returned fire, striking Rivera multiple times.
Officers administered aid to Rivera until the arrival of the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS at approximately 8:14 PM. Tragically, Rivera was pronounced deceased at the scene at approximately 8:21 PM.
Fortunately, no officers sustained injuries during the course of this incident, marking a relief amidst the intensity of the circumstances.
Following the completion of the investigation, the findings will be submitted to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for thorough review and evaluation.
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