Hays police officer fatally shot in line of duty, suspect identified

HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) – An officer with the Hays Police Department was killed in the line of duty over the weekend.

Just before midnight on Saturday, police received a 911 call from a woman who said she had escaped a domestic violence incident at a home in the 2000 block of E. 21st St. She told officers her significant other had rammed her vehicle with his truck as she tried to flee. She ran to a nearby home for help.

Around 1:55 a.m., while officers and a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were setting up a perimeter near the suspect’s backyard in the 2200 block of Downing St., a single shot was fired from inside the home, striking one of the Hays officers. The officer was flown to a regional hospital, where he died from his injuries just after 4 a.m.

The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s High-Risk Warrant Team all responded to the scene where the suspect was barricaded. The teams attempted to negotiate with the suspect during the standoff, and even deployed gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone.

Around 6:15 a.m., officers entered the home and found the suspect dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. No officers discharged their weapons during the standoff.

The KBI identified the suspect as 34-year-old Zane Wickham of Hays.

The City of Hays said the fallen officer’s name will be released once all notifications have been made. The KBI is leading the ongoing investigation.

There have been 295 line-of-duty deaths recorded in the state of Kansas since 1966. That is, as long as the Officer Down Memorial Page has been keeping track. This is the third law enforcement officer from Hays to die in the line of duty and the first since 1875.

This is the fourth month in a row that a line-of-duty death has happened in Kansas. In June, Phillips County sheriff’s deputy Brandon Gaede was responding to an illegal fireworks call and got shot while trying to arrest the suspect. Less than a month later, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Ming was shot during a call for a domestic violence situation. Then, in August, Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic got hit by a car while a suspect was trying to flee from officers.

Reactions

Kansas lawmakers and law enforcement agencies have taken to social media to offer their condolences.

Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.):

Praying for the loved ones of the Hays Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty. Hays is a small and tight-knit community, and I know the whole community will mourn this loss. Law enforcement officers put their lives at risk every day to protect our communities, and we pray for their safety.”
Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)

Attorney General Kris Kobach (R-Kan.):

My heart is shattered by the tragic loss of a brave Hays Police Department officer, killed in the line of duty last night while selflessly responding to a domestic violence call in Hays. In a world that too often feels unsafe, heroes like this one step forward to protect us all. To the officer’s family, friends, and the entire Hays PD family: Please know you’re in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time of grief. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, hero.”
Attorney General Kris Kobach (R-Kan.)

Miami County Sheriff’s Office:

We are deeply saddened to share that another Kansas law enforcement officer has been killed in the line of duty.

Just one month after the tragic loss of KCK Officer Simoncic—and for the fourth consecutive month—we mourn the death of a Hays Police Officer.

Yesterday evening, the officer responded to a domestic violence call and was met with gunfire upon arrival. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and the officer later succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.

We stand in mourning with the Hays Police Department and the entire law enforcement profession. The senseless violence against those who protect our communities must come to an end.”
Miami County Sheriff’s Office

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch & Department of Corrections:

From all of us at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch and Department of Corrections, our hearts are heavy with grief over the tragic loss of the Hays Police Officer who was shot and killed last night while responding to a domestic violence call.

This officer answered a call for help — the very thing each of us takes an oath to do — and paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. We cannot fully fathom the pain felt by their family, partners, and the Hays community, but we stand with you in your sorrow, and we honor this officer’s courage and sacrifice.

To the fallen officer: your service will not be forgotten. Your bravery lives on in every dispatcher’s calm voice, in every corrections officer’s steady step, and in our shared commitment to public safety.

To the family and colleagues left behind: may you find strength in community, in your memories, and in the knowledge that this loss is shared far beyond Hays. Your pain is ours, and we pledge to carry forward this officer’s legacy — to serve with integrity, respect, and vigilance.

Rest easy, Officer. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch & Department of Corrections

Lyon County Sheriff’s Office:

Another Kansas Law Enforcement Officer was shot and killed in the line of duty last night.

A City of Hays officer was killed while responding to a Domestic disturbance.

We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the officer, their loved ones, the Hays Police Department and their entire community during this difficult time.

The Sheriff’s Office will once again be wearing mourning bands across our badges as we honor their ultimate sacrifice.”
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Barber County Sheriff’s Office:

It is with heavy hearts that we have to share the devastating news of the loss of a dedicated officer from the Hays Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Their bravery and commitment to protecting our community will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in law enforcement as we mourn this tragic loss.”
Barber County Sheriff’s Office

---