A Kansas City, Kansas, police detective is being remembered Tuesday morning as a loving family man and dedicated public servant.
Nine-year veteran Brad Lancaster was shot and killed Monday afternoon near the Kansas Speedway after responding to a suspicious person report. He was shot multiple times before the suspect fled in Lancaster's unmarked car. Lancaster later underwent surgery at the University of Kansas Hospital but died of his wounds.
KCK Police Chief Terry Zeigler confirmed the news on Twitter Monday.
Our Detective fought a good fight, but unfortunately he died from his injuries @ approx. 1530 hours. Thanks for the support & prayers.
— KCKPD (@KCKPDChief) May 9, 2016
The suspect, Curtis Ayers of Tonganoxie, then led law enforcement on a wild chase that involved multiple car jackings, as reported by The Kansas City Star. Ayers was later captured in Kansas City, Missouri, after wrecking the vehicle he was driving. Ayers was shot during the arrest and taken to a nearby hospital with what were described as non-life threatening wounds.
A woman Ayers allegedly shot while trying to steal her car was also treated for a gunshot wound and is expected to survive.
The KCK Fraternal Order of Police describes Lancaster as a “talented and tenacious detective." The Star also reports Lancaster's mother describes her son as "dedicated" to his job though she also indicates she tried to discourage him from being a law enforcement officer.
Multiple media outlets report Lancaster was an Air Force veteran and formerly served on the Platte County Sheriff's Department. He reportedly leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
The Star reports the last KCK officer to die in the line of duty was Sgt. Richard James Asten in 1998.
A public candlelight vigil for Lancaster is scheduled for Tuesday night at Kansas City, Kansas City Hall at 7:30 p.m.
