HAYS, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Hays, Kansas, resulting in the death of an officer with the Hays Police Department.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, Hays Police Department (HPD) received a 911 call indicating a female subject had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence in the 2000 block of E. 21st St. The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.
Preliminary information indicates that Sept. 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers from HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing St. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck a HPD officer.
Officers immediately performed life-saving measures. The officer was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.
The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the KBI High Risk Warrant Team responded to the residence where Wickham had barricaded. The teams negotiated with the suspect. Gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone were deployed into the residence during the standoff. No law enforcement officers fired their duty weapons throughout the incident.
At approximately, 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Ellis County Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.
The City of Hays will identify the fallen officer in a later release, once all appropriate notifications have been made.
