TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday in Topeka.
Officers from the Topeka Police Department were attempting to locate Jesse B. Lees, 33, of Topeka connected to the homicide of Jennifer A. Morris, 25, Topeka, who was found dead Wednesday at a home on SW Briarwood Lane, according police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker. At approximately 11:15 a.m., an officer observed Lees, driving a black Subaru Impreza in the area of 17th St. and SW Topeka Blvd.
Preliminary information indicates that the officer attempted a traffic stop, however, Lees fled prompting a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when Lees crashed into a white Ford Explorer at the intersection of SW 8th and Polk. The occupant of the Explorer was treated by EMS at the scene and was then released.
After the crash, Lees exited his vehicle and fled on foot, heading northwest into an alleyway. Three Topeka police officers chased him. During the foot pursuit Lees pointed a handgun at officers, and three officers fired their weapons toward him. Lees was shot multiple times. The shooting occurred just before 11:20 a.m. No officers were injured during the incident.
EMS responded to the scene. Lees was transported to Stormont Vail hospital where he died from his injuries.
The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY– An armed homicide suspect has died following an officer-involved shooting with officers from the Topeka Police Department.
Just after 11:15a.m. Friday, multiple TPD officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting near the 700 block of SW Polk Street in Topeka with an armed homicide suspect, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.
The suspect identified as 33-year-old Jesse B. Lees of Topeka was wanted in connection with the September 8 murder of Jennifer A. Morris, 25 of Topeka in the 3400 block of SW Briarwood Lane, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.
EMS transported Lees to a local hospital where he later died from their injuries.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) will investigate the officer-involved shooting incident. The involved officers were not injured.
Per policy, the involved TPD officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Topeka.
Just after 11:15a.m. Friday, multiple TPD officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting near the 700 block of SW Polk Street in Topeka with an armed homicide suspect, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.
The involved officers were not injured. EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital. The extent of the suspect’s injuries is not known at this time.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigations has been notified and will investigate this incident. Per policy, the involved TPD officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated. Police have not released the name of the suspect in the shooting.
Check the Post for additional details as they become available.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.
Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police were flagged down reference a possible deceased person located in the 3400 block of SW Briarwood Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson. Officers were able to locate the body of a woman identified as Jennifer A. Morris, 25 of Topeka.
Police have identified Jesse B. Lees, 33, of Topeka as a suspect in this case. He has ties to Kansas and Missouri, according to police. Anyone with information on Lees is asked to call 911.