by KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas City community is grieving after 26-year-old police officer Hunter Simoncic was struck and killed while deploying stop sticks during a police pursuit early Tuesday morning.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) confirmed that the young officer lost his life after being hit by a fleeing suspect driving a stolen truck.
The Fatal Incident
According to investigators, the chain of events began around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday when Kansas City, Kansas, police officers responded to reports of gunfire on Everett Avenue.
When officers arrived, they found 31-year-old Dennis Mitchell III unconscious behind the wheel of a truck. As officers approached, Mitchell suddenly woke up and fled the scene, sparking a pursuit across Wyandotte County.
During the chase, Mitchell abandoned the truck and stole another vehicle, continuing to elude law enforcement.
Officer Simoncic and another officer attempted to deploy stop sticks along State Avenue in an effort to end the chase. Tragically, Mitchell allegedly drove directly toward Simoncic, striking him with the stolen truck before speeding away.
Arrest of the Suspect
According to Fox News, After the deadly collision, Mitchell continued fleeing but crashed the vehicle around 12:55 a.m. on Kaw Drive. Authorities quickly took him into custody and transported him to the hospital for evaluation.
He was later booked into the Wyandotte County Jail and is now facing several charges, including:
- Capital murder
- Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement
- Criminal possession of a weapon
- Two counts of theft
Officials also confirmed that both trucks Mitchell drove had been reported stolen.
Remembering Officer Hunter Simoncic
Officer Simoncic had joined the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department in 2023, just over a year before his tragic death.
Before his career in law enforcement, Simoncic worked as a shift supervisor at the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in forensic science.
Beyond his professional life, he was deeply committed to his community. Simoncic volunteered weekly at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School through the Lead to Read KC program, where he read to children and served as a role model.
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The police department honored his dedication in a heartfelt statement, writing:
“While he grew up in a small town in southeast Kansas, he chose to serve our community because, in his words, ‘I want to take what I have learned in life to make positive changes in a community I believe truly deserves it.’”
Community in Mourning
In the wake of the tragedy, Simoncic’s patrol vehicle was covered with flowers and candles as fellow officers and community members paid tribute to his service and sacrifice.
The department acknowledged the “profound sense of loss and pain” felt by his colleagues and the community, noting that Simoncic embodied the spirit of service and compassion.
His death comes just weeks after another devastating loss — Deputy Elijah Ming, who was fatally shot while on duty.
The department expressed solidarity and grief in a Facebook post:
“God speed Hunter. You and Elijah rest easy, we will take it from here.”
Funeral Arrangements
A funeral service for Officer Simoncic is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3, where family, friends, and law enforcement agencies across the region are expected to gather and honor his life.
A Lasting Legacy
Officer Simoncic’s story has left a lasting impact on Kansas City and beyond. His choice to dedicate his life to protecting others, despite being so early in his career, has been described as selfless and inspiring.
As Kansas City, Kansas, mourns, the community continues to rally behind his family and the police department, ensuring his legacy of service and compassion will never be forgotten.
What are your thoughts on how communities can better support officers and their families after such tragedies? Share your views in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
