PHILLIPSBURG, Kansas — A tragic incident unfolded in Phillipsburg, Kansas, resulting in the death of a sheriff’s deputy during a call about fireworks, and the subsequent killing of the assailant by the injured deputy.
Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede, aged 30, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital following the confrontation on Friday evening. The incident took place in the small community of Phillipsburg, which is situated near the Kansas-Nebraska border, and has a population of roughly 2,000 residents.
The shooting is under investigation by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. According to their findings, Deputy Gaede had been dispatched to a residence in the town in response to reports of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being set off. Upon arrival, Gaede encountered 27-year-old Kolton Griffith, who was identified as the individual responsible for the fireworks.
In the course of the arrest, Deputy Gaede established probable cause to take Griffith into custody. However, as he attempted to handcuff Griffith, an altercation ensued. During the struggle, Griffith retrieved a concealed firearm and shot Deputy Gaede.
Despite sustaining gunshot injuries, Deputy Gaede managed to return fire, striking Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene of the incident.
This article has been amended to correctly reference the source of information on the gunfire exchange to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office rather than the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.
Home Deputy, suspect die in Kansas gunfire exchange after call