KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tragedy struck in northeast Independence as one officer from the Independence Police Department and a Jackson County Process server lost their lives during a shooting incident. Two other police officers were injured in the violent encounter as well. The fallen victims were identified as 35-year-old officer Cody Allen and 42-year-old Civil Process server Drexel Mack.
Following the incident, a suspect has been taken into custody, sustaining minor injuries during the fatal exchange that occurred at a residence on N. Elsea Smith Road. The injured officer and Process server are currently receiving treatment at Centerpoint Medical Center for serious injuries and are listed in critical condition.
The 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Jackson County confirmed that one of their process servers was involved in the shooting. The process server had been serving an eviction notice when gunfire erupted from inside the residence, prompting a call to 911 for assistance. As Independence police officers responded to help, they were also shot at the scene.
Expressing deep sorrow over the events, Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto emphasized the risk faced by public servants, extending thoughts to the injured parties and the Independence Police Department. A call for positivity and prayers was echoed by Independence police spokesperson Kelley Rupert in the wake of the tragedy.
Messages of support poured in from various Kansas City area police departments, including Mayor Quinton Lucas, who acknowledged the impact on law enforcement in the region. Missouri Governor Mike Parson also shared updates on the situation and expressed prayers for the injured officers involved.
As investigations continue, additional law enforcement agencies have arrived at the scene to assist in determining the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting. Although near Fort Osage High School, the school itself was not implicated, with normal dismissal procedures being followed after a brief lockdown.
The Independence Police Department remains at the forefront of the initial incident response, collaborating with other agencies for a thorough investigation. This developing story will be updated as more details become available, shedding light on the tragic events that unfolded in northeast Independence.