Sept. 05--A police officer fired several times after he said someone acting suspicious appeared poised to shoot at him with a rifle or shotgun in southwest Wichita late Tuesday, authorities said.
The officer, a nine-year veteran of the force, was parked in the 2800 block of West Pawnee while he filled out paperwork just before midnight. He noticed a man looking around the corner of a building at him on the south side of the street, Capt. Brent Allred said.
The man's behavior prompted the officer to get out of his patrol car and call 911 for additional officers. The man then reappeared at the corner of the building and appeared to aim at him with a "long gun," such as a rifle or shotgun, Allred said.
The officer began firing in self-defense and retreated behind his patrol car. Investigators found no evidence that the suspect fired, Allred said.
Several officers converged on the location and cordoned off the area, but a search of the neighborhood uncovered no weapon or suspect.
Allred said the officer estimated the man with the gun was 30 to 40 yards away when he fired. In accordance with department policy, the officer is on administrative duties until he is cleared to return to patrol.
"We did talk to one individual," Allred said. "We don't believe that individual is a suspect at this time."
The investigation is continuing, he said.
Reach Stan Finger at 316-268-6437 or [email protected].
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