Holly MatkinIndependence, MO – Independence Police Department (IPD) Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans was murdered in the line of duty on Wednesday while responding to a report of a person who was possibly wanted.
The incident began at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 15 when Independence police received a tip that a person at a residence in the 2400-block of Northern Boulevard “may have been wanted for something,” Missouri Highway Patrol (MHP) Sergeant Andrew Bell told The Kansas City Star.
When 22-year-old Officer Madrid-Evans and a second IPD officer arrived at the scene to investigate, a gunman opened fire on them, according to police.
Officer Madrid-Evans was shot in the attack.
His partner was able to return fire, killing the suspect, Sgt. Bell told The Kansas City Star.
Investigators later identified the gunman as 33-year-old Cody Harrison.
The MHP is handling the ongoing investigation into the attack.
Officer Madrid-Evans was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds on Wednesday evening.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that this evening, Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans succumbed to his injuries and passed away,” the IPD tweeted later in the night. “No further information will be released this evening as we give the Officer’s family and his family in blue privacy in this difficult time.”
Officer Madrid-Evans began his law enforcement career as a Kansas City Regional Police Academy cadet in January, The Kansas City Star reported.
He graduated from the academy on July 8 and was still completing his field training when he was murdered, KMBC reported.
“Every day the officers of the Independence Police Department put their lives on the line to protect the citizens of our community,” Independence Mayor Eileen Weir said in a statement to KMBC. “We are ever hopeful that their daily interactions with the public will be peaceful so that they might return home to their families safely at the end of their shift. Today, that was not the case.”
“At this time, our thoughts are with the officer, their family and the Independence Police Department,” Weir wrote. “To all of our officers and first responders, please know that we support you and honor the sacrifice you make to keep our community safe. Thank you for your service.”
Independence police say Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans was critically wounded in today's shooting. He's just 22 years old and he started his career with the police department this year. pic.twitter.com/JayT96Wcsh
— Nick Sloan (@NickSloanKCK) September 15, 2021
Officer Madrid-Evans update pic.twitter.com/5kSFMiEHqz
— Independence Police (@ipdinfo) September 16, 2021
We send our sincerest condolences to the family of Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans and the entire Independence Police Department. May he always be remembered as a hero who sacrificed for his community. 🖤💙🖤 #ThinBlueLine #RIP pic.twitter.com/5xxxTe9Ax1
— Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) September 16, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Independence Police Department Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
