KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor David Alvey addressed the media Saturday morning after two Wyandotte County deputies were shot on duty Friday.
Both Deputy Patrick Rohrer and Deputy Theresa King died from their injuries at the hospital
Alvey began by thanking several agencies for their support and assistance during and after the incident.
“Yesterday was a terribly tragic day for two of our young, bright committed sheriffs deputies,’ said Alvey.
He said county government will work to find justice for Rohrer and King, as well as a way to memorialize the pair that died during what was supposed to be a routine prisoner transport.
Alvey went on to highlight the fact that deputies don’t work an eight-hour shift and call it a day, but bear the weight of their badge long after-hours. He spoke of Deputy Scott Wood’s 2015shooting, and the quick action of an off-duty officer at a Lenexa Costco that saved several lives.
“We experience fear, especially by their fellow law enforcement personnel and their families that it could happen to them and of course feeling of anger and revenge towards the assailant,” said Alvey.
At the conclusion of his speech, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Kelli Bailiff stepped up to the podium to answer questions.
She said Rohrer and King both had bright, intelligent, wonderful personalities that made them an asset to the agency and will be sorely missed.
“I will tell you these were two and intelligent wonderful personalities. They were an asset to our agency, they came to work everyday with a smile willing to help out, willing to do anything and it's a tremendous great loss to our agency.”
Bailiff said both deputies leave children behind. She said the department is working to build ways for the community to give support to the families and to the sheriff’s office.
“It's just time for us to begin the healing process and basically let's just love one another and take time out when you go home and hug your family members because you never know what tomorrow will bring,” said Bailiff.
Chief Terry Zeigler also answered questions, more in regard to the investigation.
He said the suspect information will not be released until they have been formally charged, although sources confirmed to 41 Action News the suspect is Antoine Fielder.
Zeigler also corrected a statement from Friday, saying the deputies and inmates were leaving the courthouse when the incident happened — not arriving as he had previously commented.
The deputies are believed to have been following proper protocol in the transport when they were overcome. They had been guiding two inmates, both shackled and handcuffed when the incident occurred.
A candlelight vigil will be held Sunday outside KCK’s city hall at 8 p.m.
Watch the full press conference below:
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