Kansas City Kansas Police Department
WYANDOTTE COUNTY —On Wednesday, the men and women of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, family, friends, community members, and civic leaders gathered to honor the life and legacy of Officer Hunter Simoncic on the one-year anniversary of his line-of-duty death.
Hunter was a valued member of the KCKPD family, a dedicated public servant, and a young officer whose impact continues to be felt throughout our department and community. While the loss of Hunter remains profound, today’s dedication of Officer Hunter Simoncic Blvd. on the Kansas City, Kansas Community College campus will serve as a lasting tribute to an officer who gave his life in service to others.
Just as importantly, Wednesday’s event reflected the strength of a community that comes together in both grief and remembrance. Law enforcement officers, students, educators, elected officials, and residents stood side by side, united in honoring Hunter’s sacrifice and supporting his family and all those who loved him.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Kansas City Kansas Community College and the Unified Government for their partnership, leadership, and commitment in making this meaningful tribute possible.
Though a year has passed, Officer Simoncic’s memory continues to inspire us. We will always remember his dedication, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Kansas City, Kansas.
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At approximately 12:30 a.m., August 26, 2025, officers from the Kansas City, Kansas were dispatched near the 7700 block of Everett Ave, regarding shots being fired.
At approximately 12:40 a.m., officers located an unconscious man in the driver’s seat of a truck. As officers approached the driver, he woke up and fled the scene.
The driver, later identified as Dennis Mitchell III, 31, of Kansas City, was pursued by law enforcement. He abandoned the truck, entered another vehicle, and continued fleeing from officers.
During the pursuit, two Kansas City, Kansas officers exited their vehicle to stage stop sticks in the 7200 block of State Ave.
Mitchell drove toward an officer, striking him before continuing to flee the area. The officer, identified as Hunter Simoncic, 26, was struck and transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
At approximately 12:55 a.m., Mitchell crashed the truck near the 6400 block of Kaw Drive. He was taken into custody and was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center for examination. Mitchell was treated, released and transported to the Wyandotte County Jail. It was later learned both trucks had been reported stolen.
Mitchell was arrested and later charged with first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, theft, criminal possession of a firearm, and aggravated failure to appear.