2 people dead in shooting with police at Independence apartments
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - Two people are dead after an officer-involved shooting in Independence Thursday afternoon.
The shooting happened at the Oval Spring Apartments complex – a few blocks south of E 23rd Street and MO-291 Highway. Police were originally called to the area for a domestic disturbance.
Independence Police say they arrived at the Oval Spring Apartments complex around 1:45 p.m. on Thursday. What happened immediately after is not clear – but a police officer fired a gun, and two people are dead. IPD called the situation tragic.
“It always is. There is never an instance where this doesn’t affect the community and your first responders,” said Kelly Rupert, a spokesperson for IPD. “This isn’t the outcome anybody wants.”
“I looked around and there was just nothing but cops everywhere,” said Heather Roszell, who lives at Opal Spring. “My neighbors around here started texting me what was going on.”
“The whole Independence police station was here,” said Lincoln Clay, who has lived in the complex for seven years. “It’s nice to know that they came on time to try to help with the situation or whatever transpired, I don’t know, but it’s sad to see. Right outside your door, it’s really sad.”
Department leaders noted that law enforcement officials were involved in the shooting therefore the Eastern Jackson County Officer Involved Investigating Team is now overseeing the case.
Just before 7 p.m., the Independence Police Department said two people are dead as a result of the incident, which happened around 1:45 p.m. IPD said officers were initially called to the area for a domestic disturbance call.
KCTV5 News crews at the scene have observed police turn vehicles at the Oval Spring Apartments away. Residents are being made to walk into the complex.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office also said it would play a role in the investigation. Until witness interviews and evidence are reviewed, the agency will not release a comment.
“We will move forward with our review as quickly as reasonably possible,” said a spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office. “Our condolences go out to those involved and their families.”
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