Kansas City police officer-involved shooting investigation

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is conducting an independent investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Kansas City, Kansas, on the morning of August 23.

According to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, officers were initially dispatched to the 500 block of Ohio Avenue for a noise complaint around 12:27 a.m. Shortly after, they returned to the area following reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers encountered 19-year-old Leonel Lozoya-Esparza, who was armed with a firearm.

Police report that Lozoya-Esparza failed to comply with verbal commands to drop the weapon and instead turned toward officers while holding the firearm. An officer discharged their weapon, striking Lozoya-Esparza. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. No officers were injured. The investigation will be reviewed by the Wyandotte County District Attorney once completed.