LEOs across the nation put on their uniform everyday knowing that today could be the day. For this sacrifice they are often ridiculed, berated, or often harassed. We would like to take a moment to thank our LEOs for putting their lives on the lines everyday to protect and serve their communities. Unfortunately a sheriffs deputy from Wichita was shot and killed sunday in the line of duty sunday after responding to the report of a suspicious person.
A sheriff’s deputy in Kansas was shot and killed in the line of duty on Sunday, investigators said.
Sedgwick County Deputy Robert Kunze III, 41, died Sunday afternoon after responding to a call about a suspicious character, officials said.
Kunze approached the suspect who was armed with a .40 caliber handgun, KSAL reported. The deputy tried to apprehend the suspect and a struggle ensued, according to the station.
When backup arrived around 1:50 p.m., both Kunze and the suspect had been shot. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Kunze was taken to a hospital where he later died, KSAL reported.
A ballistics investigation is underway to determine if the .40 caliber handgun was fired, KWCH reported. No additional information on the suspect was released.
“Robert was a great asset to the sheriff’s office,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said at a news conference. “Robert was an exceptional deputy who was loved by everyone he worked with.”
Kunze, a 12-year veteran of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, was survived by his wife and daughter.