KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Officers with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department were patrolling near Cleveland Avenue shortly before 5 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, when gunshots rang out.
A teenager was found dead at the scene as officers initiated a chase with a suspicious vehicle.
"They (patrol officers) saw a vehicle speed away from the scene," KCPD Sgt. Jake Becchina said. "They pursued that vehicle just into Kansas at I-35 and Seventh Street exit, where the vehicle crashed."
One person, who police believed was involved in a fatal shooting in the 6800 block of Cleveland Avenue, was taken into custody from that scene.
"Here, officers responded and they found one black man that was suffering from a gunshot wounds here," Becchina said. "They immediately began life saving measures until EMS got here. At that time, EMS declared him deceased."
The victim was later identified as Raphael Butler-Grimmett, a 17-year-old black male.
Police have been all over the city dealing with shootings, but Becchina said officers are holding up well despite being so busy.
"Detectives, they are very resilient," he said. "They have good renewal. They have good resiliency. They train for these situations everyday and, when that call comes, they respond every time."
Rosilyn Temple with Mothers in Charge was at the scene when loved ones showed up. She said she feels a responsibility to be at the fatal shooting scenes.
"It's important because I can support the families because I've been there," Temple said. "I understand the pain of losing a loved one. I lost my son."
She said something needs to be done about the shootings.
"We just like just so detached from allowing us to happen in our community," Temple said. "When are we going to say enough of enough. Enough to stop and start standing up and supporting. Just saying it's not right."
Anyone with information about the city's latest shooting is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
