OfficerBlueThe incident occurred in Westport about 9 PM at Californos Restaurant located at 4124 Pennsylvania Avenue, according to Fox4KC. Officer Orr was an innocent bystander when an argument occurred on the restaurant’s patio.
One of the people involved then opened fire on the other person, fatally shooting Officer Orr.
A female bystander who was not part of the argument was also shot in the arm. She is expected to fully recover. The suspect, who was described as a “tall, light-skinned black male with a very muscular build ” fled the scene with three other men.
Officer Orr had been with the Lee’s Summit Police Department since March 2015, and had previously worked for the Marshall, Missouri Police Department. He was assigned as a school resource officer to Campbell Middle School in Lee’s Summit.
The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are trying to interview many of the 200 or so people that were in the crowd. They are also trying to obtain surveillance video from nearby businesses.
In a statement, the Lee’s Summit School District said:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Officer Orr. During his brief time as a school resource officer at Bernard Campbell Middle School, he impressed our staff with his positive attitude and his focus on students. In just three short days with students last week, he was already making connections and building rapport.”
The Kansas City Police Department is asking for anyone that was present at the restaurant when this incident occurred to please call (816) 474-8477. Only three witnesses had come forward as of Monday afternoon, and the suspect remains at-large.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lee’s Summit Police Officer Thomas Orr, both blood and blue. Godspeed, sir, we will take the watch from here. Thank you for your service.
Officer Thomas Orr, your life mattered.