WYANDOTTE COUNTY—In honor of the sacrifice given by Deputy Elijah Ming, the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office and the Unified Government will hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, July 30, at 8:30 p.m. in front of the Wyandotte County Courthouse (710 N 7th Street).
Parking will be available in lots 1, 2, 3, and E. Lots 1 and 2 are on the West side of Memorial Hall, and lots 3 and E are East of City Hall on both the North and South sides of the street.
The Kansas City Kansas Fire Department will be assisting with transporting individuals who may be unable to walk long distances. We know the support from our community is strong and we hope to see you there to honor and remember Deputy Ming.
Just before 3:30 p.m. Saturday, a woman called requesting that police accompany her as she moved out of a residence, due to concerns about her safety. She reported that when friends tried to assist her, a man threatened them with a firearm. At around 3:45 p.m., a deputy from the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) arrived at the residence at 2627 S. 30th St.
Preliminary information indicates as they approached the front door, a male subject inside the house fired multiple rounds at the officers. Rounds struck 34-year-old Deputy Elijah Ming. The KCKPD officer was uninjured. Multiple law enforcement officers then responded to the scene.
As responding officers attempted to provide aid to Deputy Ming, gunfire was exchanged between the man, later identified as Shawn Harris, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas, and officers from the KCKPD and the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. Harris was shot during the exchange of gunfire while he barricaded in the home.
Deputy Ming was transported to the hospital. Despite lifesaving measures, he died of his injuries.
After a standoff, police arrested Harris. He faces a capital murder charge.