Crime
Suspect fatally shot by Wichita police after pursuit and armed standoff outside Spirit AeroSystems
During the livestream, he mentioned Spirit AeroSystems as a potential location.
WICHITA, KS – A man identified as Devario Edwards was fatally shot late Wednesday night following an officer-involved shooting in the 3900 block of South Oliver Street, outside the Spirit AeroSystems facility.
The incident involved multiple law enforcement officers from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Wichita Police Department.
According to authorities, the events began around 9 p.m. when Edwards allegedly arrived at a residence and attempted to shoot an acquaintance.
However, the firearm malfunctioned, and no shots were fired. Edwards then fled the scene in his vehicle, prompting law enforcement to initiate efforts to locate him based on information provided by the intended victim.
Investigators determined that Edwards had gone live on Facebook, making alarming statements, including threats that he intended to provoke a deadly confrontation with police.
During the livestream, he mentioned Spirit AeroSystems as a potential location.
Utilizing advanced technology, a license plate reader detected Edwards’ vehicle as it approached the Spirit AeroSystems facility. Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, leading to a high-speed pursuit.
Edwards eventually stopped in the parking lot of the facility, where he exited his vehicle and fired approximately 20 rounds from a rifle, striking two sheriff’s deputy vehicles.
In response, law enforcement officers from both the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office returned fire, striking Edwards multiple times. He was pronounced dead at approximately 1 a.m.
Wichita Police Department spokesperson Andrew Ford emphasized the critical role of social media monitoring in law enforcement operations.
“It was crucial that officers were able to obtain real-time intelligence from the suspect’s social media activity. His Facebook Live provided vital information, allowing responding officers to understand the threat level and prepare accordingly,” Ford said.
A total of eight law enforcement officers—five from the Wichita Police Department and three from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office—discharged their firearms during the encounter. No officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has taken over the investigation, as is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding Edwards’ motivations or further background information at this time.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.
BARTOW, FL — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday evening at 120 Polk Street East in Bartow.
The incident resulted in three individuals sustaining gunshot wounds, including a Bartow Police Department (BPD) officer, a public safety aide (PSA) officer, and the suspect involved.
Emergency medical services were immediately requested at the scene to provide critical aid to all three gunshot victims.
The conditions of the injured individuals have not yet been released.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Law enforcement officials have secured the area as forensic teams and investigators begin processing the scene.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction.