KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An Independence man is facing assault and armed criminal action charges after allegedly stabbing a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer Wednesday in downtown Kansas City.
Jackson County prosecutors on Thursday charged Austin Lewis, 24, in connection with the stabbing, which took place at West 9th Street and Grand Boulevard.
According to court documents, the police officer was called to the location on a medical call and arrived to find Lewis lying down. After the officer attempted to keep Lewis sitting down, Lewis allegedly took out a kitchen-style knife and stabbed the officer in the chest.
After the officer was stabbed, court documents allege Lewis attempted to get away but was chased by the officer who was stabbed. The officer eventually caught up to Lewis and held him at gunpoint until other officers arrived.
The officer was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is expected to recover.
In an interview with police, Lewis allegedly told detectives he was trying to kill himself by huffing and when the officer arrived, Lewis said he felt afraid, prompting him to defend himself.
Lewis said he knew the victim was a police officer, according to court documents.
