KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A man was found dead in front of a Northland home that caught fire as Kansas City, Missouri, police were engaged in a standoff.
Officers were called to a house in the 11500 block of North Cherry Street on Thursday afternoon on a concern of a suicidal person.
The caller was not at the residence but was concerned about a man who was inside there and believed he was suicidal based on contact they had with him.
Responding officers made verbal contact with a man inside the residence from a distance. They attempted to get him to come outside to check his well-being.
After a short time, officers heard the sound of several rounds of gunfire coming from inside the residence.
Officers backed away to protect those in the surrounding area and prevent any escape. They continued to try to make contact with the man to get him to come outside but were unsuccessful.
Authorities said the man was inside the residence alone.
About 5 p.m., KCPD contacted KCFD after a fire broke out at the home.
KCFD firefighters battled the fire from a defensive operations due to the man who was inside. The fire was later successfully put out.
Based on the shots fired and the potential danger to the surrounding area, officers upgraded the situation to an "Operation 100" to bring additional resources to the scene.
Tactical officers with rescue vehicles worked to evacuate surrounding residents and a nearby school was placed on lock and teach.
Hours later, fire crews found the man dead in front of the house.
School staff and Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies worked to arrange for a safe school departure for the students.
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