KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police say a Good Samaritan was shot and killed by an off-duty Whiteman Air Force Base airman Wednesday morning following a domestic disturbance call in Warrensburg.
Around 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, Warrensburg police were dispatched to the 700 block of Cedar Drive on a domestic disturbance call.
Before officers arrived, a Good Samaritan, identified as Tony Barron, spotted the suspect on foot in the area and "attempted to intervene." The suspect, who has yet to be identified, shot Barron, who died from his injuries.
As officers arrived on the scene the suspect opened fire. Police say no officers were struck by gunfire and that officers did not fire any shots in response.
Multiple law enforcement agencies established a perimeter in the area as part of their search for the suspect. During the search, nearby schools and businesses were locked down.
Around 8:36 a.m., police located the suspect deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a nearby wooded area.
A female who was injured in the original domestic disturbance call was treated and released at a nearby hospital.
Police praised the actions of Barron.
"We commend Mr. Barron for his extraordinary courage," Warrnsburg police said. "Through his decisive and selfless actions, he not only protected the initial victim but likely prevented further harm to our community. Mr. Barron's bravery stands as an example of true heroism."
EARLIER REPORTING:
In a post Wednesday morning on Facebook, Whiteman Air Force Base said an off-duty airman was involved in the shooting.
"First and foremost, thank you for your patience as we worked through this morning’s emergency situation in the community. Most importantly, all students and staff were safe throughout the incident," Warrensburg R-VI Superintendent Steve Ritter said in an email to families.
Ritter wrote that the high school was notified first and entered a full lockdown, while other buildings "followed limited lockdown procedures."
Some bus routes were affected in the process.
"We know our community seeks timely and detailed information during situations like this. Please know that our priority is always student and staff safety," Ritter wrote. "Communication with law enforcement, building administrators, and transportation staff takes precedence to ensure everyone has accurate information."
Ritter concluded his note by thanking law enforcement members for their "quick, decisive action to protect our schools and community."
The lockdown, which lasted for about an hour, was lifted around 8:35 a.m.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
—
If you have any information about a crime, you may contact your local police department directly. But if you want or need to remain anonymous, you should contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com. Depending on your tip, Crime Stoppers could offer you a cash reward.
Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy.
