HAYS, KS – A domestic disturbance call Saturday night escalated into a prolonged standoff that ended with a man’s death by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Hays Police Department. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has been called in to assist with the investigation.
Around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, Hays police responded to a report of a physical altercation between a man and a woman at a residence. A minor who reported the incident also stated the man had a firearm. Two other minors were also inside the home.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the man, who refused to exit the home or allow the three individuals inside to leave. This prompted a response from the Hays Police Department’s Special Situation Response Team, the Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team, and a crisis negotiator.
At approximately 1:22 a.m., negotiators successfully secured the release of the woman. She was found to have a head injury and was transported to a Hays hospital before being transferred to Wichita for further medical treatment.
The two minors were released from the home unharmed at 6:42 a.m. and were handed over to family members.
As negotiations with the man continued, officers heard a single gunshot from inside the residence. Upon entering the home, they discovered the man with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 8:15 a.m.
