Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office provides update on Wichita Police Department officer-involved shoot

Summary

On July 31st, an officer-involved shooting occurred after the Witcho Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle suspected of leaving a known drug house. During the stop, a passenger, Brennan Russell, allegedly displayed suspicious behavior and was found with fentanyl. A struggle ensued, and Russell drew a firearm, pointing it at an officer. The officer fired five rounds after Russell self-inflicted a gunshot wound to the head. The incident is under investigation, with body camera footage providing crucial evidence. No other individuals in the vehicle were charged at the time of the incident.

Takeaways

• 🕒 The incident occurred on July 31st at approximately 11:18 PM at a restaurant near Hillside and Elm.
• 🚔 The Witcho Police Department was conducting a follow-up on a known drug house when they initiated a traffic stop for an altered and expired license plate.
• 👮 Two male officers were involved in the traffic stop, with Officer A on the passenger side and Officer B on the driver's side.
• 🔍 Officers noticed suspicious movements by the backseat passenger, which led to the identification of fentanyl on the floorboard and residue on the suspect's hands.
• 🚨 Officer B recognized the movements as an officer safety issue and asked the individual to step out of the vehicle, leading to a struggle.
• 🔫 Mr. Russell, the backseat passenger, drew a firearm from his pocket and pointed it at Officer B, who then transitioned from his taser to his handgun.
• 🎯 Officer A fired five rounds into the vehicle after Mr. Russell pointed the firearm at his head and self-inflicted a gunshot wound.
• 🚑 EMS arrived on the scene, but Mr. Russell was pronounced deceased; no other injuries were reported among the vehicle's occupants.
• 📝 The timeline includes a traffic stop, backup request, shots fired, EMS request, CPR initiation, and the eventual death pronouncement.
• 🧑‍🦱 Mr. Russell, a 29-year-old white male, was identified as the deceased individual.
• 🔍 Body camera footage from Officer B provides a clear view of the incident, showing Mr. Russell pointing the gun at his head and Officer A retreating to fire.
• 🏠 The vehicle's occupants were en route to meet a drug dealer to purchase fentanyl, and the driver of the vehicle has since absconded from parole probation.

Q & A

What was the date and time of the officer-involved shooting incident?

The incident occurred on July 31st at approximately 11:18 p.m.

Why were the police officers following the vehicle involved in the incident?

The officers were following the vehicle because it had an altered and expired Texas license plate, and they were conducting a follow-up on a known drug house complaint.

How many people were in the vehicle when the traffic stop was initiated?

There were three males in the vehicle: a male driver, a male in the front passenger seat, and a male in the back seat.

What did the officers observe that led to the escalation of the situation?

The officers observed the backseat passenger making suspicious movements, and Officer B noticed what appeared to be fentanyl on the floorboard of the vehicle.

What happened when Officer B asked the individual to step out of the vehicle?

The individual refused to get out, and a small struggle ensued inside the vehicle, leading to the officer announcing that the individual was under arrest.

What actions did Officer A take when the suspect drew a firearm?

Officer A transitioned from his taser to his handgun and fired five rounds into the vehicle after the suspect pointed the firearm at his head.

Did the suspect fire a shot before the officer?

Yes, the suspect, Mr. Russell, fired the first shot, which was self-inflicted to his head.

What was the outcome for Mr. Russell after the incident?

Mr. Russell was pronounced deceased at the scene after EMS arrived and performed CPR.

Were there any injuries to the other individuals in the vehicle?

No, there were no injuries to the driver or the front seat passenger.

What evidence was observed or collected regarding the presence of fentanyl?

The officers observed what appeared to be fentanyl on the floorboard and residue on the suspect's hands. Fentanyl paraphernalia was also recovered from the scene.

What is the procedure following the incident for determining if charges need to be filed?

The evidence and facts will be compiled and presented to the DA's office for an educated determination on whether any charges should be filed.

What was the connection between the individuals in the vehicle and the supposed drug house?

The individuals were going to meet a person at a different location to purchase fentanyl from the drug house, and they were caught en route.

What is known about the driver's current status after the incident?

The driver has absconded from his parole probation and is currently being sought by the authorities.

What is the process for reviewing additional evidence such as surveillance footage?

All cameras in the area are being reviewed as part of the standard procedure following such incidents.