DOUGLAS COUNTY— A man who broke into City Hall early Monday was fatally shot by a city employee who was authorized and trained to carry a firearm within the building, according to Lawrence City Manager Craig Owens and Police Chief Rich Lockhart.
The 28-year-old man forced his way into the building about 8:00am through a back door, then broke through a door on the 4th floor, which is a secured area that is not open to the public.
City employees attempted to remove the man and a struggle began. The man was fatally shot. The investigation will be led by the Lawrence Police Department in cooperation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.
No city employees were seriously injured. The deceased suspect is not known to police nor from the Lawrence area. Investigators are working to notify next of kin.
The Lawrence City Commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm on Tuesday and will proceed as usual.
Other than that meeting, City Hall, including Municipal Court Offices, will be closed until Thursday.