Crime
Video shows moments shots fired near Newburgh Free Academy
On Tuesday, a lockout was implemented at Newburgh Free Academy (NFA) after reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the school, according to a statement issued by the district.
The district confirmed that the lockout, initiated as a precautionary measure, lasted approximately 10 minutes.
The incident occurred near the school around dismissal time.
While initial reports indicate shots were fired following an assault, both incidents were partially captured on cell phone video.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries related to the shooting or the subsequent lockout.
In a message to parents and the community, the district expressed gratitude for the swift response from local law enforcement and emphasized its ongoing collaboration with authorities.
“The district is thankful for the quick response of local law enforcement and will continue to collaborate with them to assist in their investigation. The investigation is still ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.”
The quick implementation of the lockout ensured the safety of students and staff while authorities assessed the situation.
The lockout was lifted after it was deemed safe, and normal operations resumed.
The district and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As of now, no further details have been released. Community members are urged to report any relevant information to assist in the ongoing investigation.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and the value of effective coordination between schools and local law enforcement to ensure safety in the face of potential threats.
Crime
Jesse James West, 36, Dies After Being Shot by Kansas City, Kansas, Police Officer During Disturbance Response
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A family’s request for help ended in tragedy Friday evening, November 6, 2026, when 36-year-old Jesse James West died after being shot by a police officer responding to a reported disturbance at a residence in Kansas City, Kansas.
The incident occurred in the 6500 block of Kansas Avenue, where officers were dispatched following a call from a woman who reported that a relative was behaving erratically inside a vehicle parked in the driveway. What began as a request for assistance became a fatal encounter that has left West’s loved ones grieving and raised difficult questions as investigators work to establish exactly what happened.
According to information released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), officers were dispatched at approximately 7:35 p.m. Two Kansas City, Kansas, police officers arrived at the residence around 7:50 p.m. and approached an SUV parked in the driveway.
Inside the vehicle, officers encountered West. One officer reportedly observed that he had a firearm.
The officers initially moved away from the SUV and instructed West to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. They later approached again and repeated their commands.
At approximately 7:56 p.m., as officers approached the SUV, one officer fired a single round, striking West. According to the KBI’s preliminary account, West was standing just outside the vehicle’s door when he was shot.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical assistance while waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive.
West was transported to The University of Kansas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
No officers were reported injured during the incident. Investigators also said they located what they believe were components of a rifle at the scene.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at approximately 8:25 p.m. The KBI is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Once the investigation is complete, the findings are expected to be submitted to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Authorities have not released further conclusions about the circumstances leading to the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will help determine the full sequence of events.
Jesse James West was 36 years old. His death has left family members and loved ones facing a painful loss following an incident that began with a call for assistance.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter remain under investigation, and many questions may not be answered until investigators complete their review.
As his family mourns, thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved West. Losing someone unexpectedly is devastating, and the pain can be especially difficult when the circumstances remain unclear.
Our deepest condolences go out to Jesse James West’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find strength, support, and comfort as they grieve.
May Jesse James West rest in peace.