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Blue Springs Teenager Shot, Killed After Calling Police On Himself

Blue Springs Police shot and killed a teenager armed with a knife early Wednesday morning near the 1500 block of Southwest 20th Street around 5 a.m.

Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Bill Lowe says officers responded to a residential area to reports of a prowler.

“Through the investigation it was determined the actual caller to 911 was the suspect that was killed,” Lowe says. “There was also a note found in the residence – a suicide note – indicating he wanted to have a confrontation with law enforcement.”

Lowe says the 16-year-old ignored the officers when told to drop the knife. He allegedly charged the officers, who fired. They rendered first aid, but the teenager died at the scene.

The officers have been placed on administrative leave.

“Obviously some sort of grief counseling is going to be paramount for those officers,” Lowe says.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker was at the scene earlier today. Her office has not released the teenager’s name.

Elle Moxley is a reporter for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.

Elle Moxley covered education for KCUR.
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