SALINE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday afternoon in Salina, Kansas.
The Salina Police Department requested KBI assistance at approximately 5:22 p.m. on Monday, May 11. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene.
At approximately 4:55 p.m., officers from the Salina Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle. During the initial encounter, the suspect exited the vehicle armed with a firearm. As officers attempted to make an arrest related to a previous law enforcement interaction, the suspect returned to his vehicle and fled, initiating a pursuit.
Law enforcement deployed stop sticks at two locations as the pursuit continued. At the second location, the suspect drove toward a deputy with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.
The pursuit concluded in the 1200 block of Pacific Ave. At approximately 5:11 p.m., the suspect exited his vehicle wearing body armor and fired a handgun at responding law enforcement. Three officers from the Salina Police Department and one deputy from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office returned fire, striking the suspect.
The Salina Fire Department arrived and attempted lifesaving measures. The suspect, identified as Brandon Michael Sears, 44, of Salina, was pronounced deceased at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel, and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings, which take several weeks to complete.
The investigation remains ongoing.
