The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating the attempted murder of a woman in Smith County, as well as an officer involved shooting which occurred as police attempted to apprehend the 15-year-old suspect.
Preliminary information indicates that on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 15 just after 10:20 a.m., the Smith County Sheriff’s responded to 10021 O Road approximately six miles north of Smith Center. Upon arriving, they located a 66-year-old white female victim who reported being restrained, beaten, and strangled. She was taken to Smith County Memorial Hospital for treatment and is expected to recover.
The suspect is a 15-year-old black male who, as a minor, will not be publicly identified. He fled the area on horseback. When he was located by Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) troopers at 100 Road and L Road in Smith County he was armed with a firearm. KHP and Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies spent a few hours attempting to apprehend the suspect. Just before 2:20 p.m. the suspect fired at troopers. Two troopers returned fire, striking the subject.
They rendered medical aid and EMS responded. EMS transported him to Smith County Memorial Hospital. He was later flown to a Kearney, Neb. hospital where he underwent surgery. His condition is currently unknown. The identity of the subject will be withheld because he is a juvenile.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.
UPDATE: 3:18 p.m.
Smith County officials confirm a minor has been taken into custody by the Kansas Highway Patrol following a pursuit/search which took place over several hours today after being initiated by law enforcement at approximately 10:30.
According to Smith County Public Information Officer Sharon Wolters, a shooting occurred in Smith County today, and a suspect is being sought north of Smith Center. The incident began to unfold at approximately 10:30 a.m.
The Smith County Emergency Management Director said no alerts for concerns of public safety were necessary as the suspect is contained by law enforcement within an unspecified area north of Smith Center.
Smith County confirms there is a minor involved, and a victim was transported to Smith County Memorial Hospital. Clarification has since been made that the individual transported to the hospital had not been shot. No further details nor the condition of the victim are available at this time.
