UPDATE: MAY 6, 10:00 A.M. - Police have identified the victim in a suspected road rage homicide along I-470 Saturday evening.
Police say Cody M. Harter, 24, of St. Joseph, Mo. was stabbed and killed by an unknown suspect along the roadway near I-470 and Colbern Rd.
"The victim in this case is a good kid," said Lee's Summit PD Sgt. Chris Depue in an email to local media. "(He was) a member of the USAF Reserves and was deployed overseas."
Detectives interviewed witnesses who saw a possible road rage incident. The suspect's vehicle was parked in front of Harter's truck - a maroon, 2003 Chevy Silverado extended cab Z71 with a large, zero turn mower in the bed. Witnesses say the suspect was reportedly arguing with Harter.
It's believed Harter was stabbed in the chest and stumbled into lanes of traffic where he died. The suspect vehicle then fled north on I-470.
41 Action News spoke to a contractor who said there are cameras in the area, but it's unknown if they were recording at the time of the stabbing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information on the case is encouraged to call detectives at 816-969-1705.
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LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - Police shut down part of I-470 after a man was found dead along the road Saturday evening.
According to police, emergency crews were called to the area of northbound 291 Hwy. near the I-470 merger around 7:30 p.m. on the report of a man stumbling through traffic.
When crews arrived they found the man collapsed in the inner median. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, police believe he was stabbed.
Stumbling man spotted on 291 in Lee’s Summit. Died on scene. The victim is a W/M in his 20’s. @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/JocprsZDup
— LisaBenson (@LisaBensonTV) May 6, 2018
Police say they're investigating the incident as a homicide and expect the roadway to be closed through midnight.
I-470 is closed for access at both 291 and via Colbern Road as detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the area along I-470. Road will be closed until at least midnight at this point.
— Lees Summit Police (@LSPDPIO) May 6, 2018
The man's truck was found on the shoulder of the roadway. Initial witness reports indicate two men were fighting beside the roadway before the homicide.
Detectives need the public's help in putting the pieces of the case together. Anyone who may have been in the area and seen something to call Lee's Summit Police at 816-969-7390.
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