Holly MatkinBurns, KS – Burns Police Department (BPD) Officer Stephen Evans died in the line of duty on Monday after being hit by a pickup truck while making a U-turn, according to police.
The 44-year-old officer was also a full-time deputy at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the department said in a press release on Tuesday.
Officer Evans was working his part-time job at the BPD at about 5 p.m. on Oct. 25 when he began making a U-turn while traveling southbound on Highway 77 in his patrol vehicle, KWCH reported.
Another southbound vehicle collided with the driver-side door of Officer Evans’ patrol unit, fatally injuring him.
Officer Evans was pronounced dead at the scene, KWCH reported.
The driver of the second vehicle suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is handling the ongoing investigation into the collision with the help of the BCSO, KWCH reported.
The BCSO confirmed Officer Evans’ death in a press release on Tuesday.
“Every member of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office is heartbroken today as we announce the loss of Deputy Stephen Evans. Our friend, colleague, and brother in blue was killed in a crash just north of El Dorado while working part-time as a police officer for the town of Burns,” the sheriff’s office said.
Officer Evans served the Kansas Department of Corrections for 15 years before joining the BCSO in May of 2020.
“Steve quickly fit in with everyone here and immediately became an integral, and very dependable, part of our team,” the sheriff’s office said. “He had an infectious laugh, an ornery sense of humor, and an amazing work ethic. If you called for the Sheriff’s Office, and you were lucky enough to have Steve as the deputy who answered that call, you knew you would get the best possible service.”
Officer Evans leaves behind his wife and three children.
He is also survived by his parents and fellow law enforcement officers.
Every member of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office is heartbroken today as we announce the loss of Deputy Stephen Evans. Our friend, colleague, and brother in blue was killed in a crash just north of El Dorado while working part-time as a police officer for the town of Burns. pic.twitter.com/6nqtEbTsUp
— Butler County Ks Sheriff's Office (@SheriffButler) October 26, 2021
We continue to honor Deputy Stephen Evans today. The Sheriff's Office have placed flowers on his patrol car. Please feel free to visit the patrol car in front of the Sheriff's Office. Notes and flowers on the car are welcomed. Notes to Deputy Evans family will be delivered pic.twitter.com/ctr2tU25vj
— Butler County Ks Sheriff's Office (@SheriffButler) October 27, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Burns Police Department Officer Stephen Evans, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
