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.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.