LEAVENWORTH COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday morning in Leavenworth, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.
Just before 5 a.m. on Sunday, a woman called 911 to report that a male acquaintance was near 4th St. and Miami Street in Leavenworth, and was armed with a handgun.
Preliminary information indicates that officers from the Leavenworth Police Department, the Lansing Police Department, and the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area.
Upon arriving they located an armed man standing in the middle of the street at the intersection of 5th Street and Seneca Street. They blocked traffic and began to negotiate with the man, who was later identified as Donald Barden Jr., 31, of Leavenworth. From a distance, they attempted to convince him to drop his gun. During the incident Barden ignored commands, waved his gun around, and made suicidal statements.
At approximately 6:20 a.m., Barden ran toward officers while pointing his gun in their direction. One officer from the Leavenworth Police Department and one officer from the Lansing Police Department fired rounds toward Barden, striking him. At the same time, another officer from the Leavenworth Police Department fired bean bag rounds at Barden.
Officers then rendered aid to Barden. EMS, who had been waiting nearby during the incident, responded and took over life-saving measures. EMS transported Barden to the KU Medical Center where he is currently in critical, but stable condition.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.