A police chase ensued for a stolen vehicle that collided with a police car, initiating at one QuikTrip location and concluding at another. During this incident, an officer-involved shooting occurred, resulting in the death of a suspect and leaving a Fairway Police Officer in critical condition.
The Lenexa Police Department received a stolen vehicle report around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, which prompted officers to respond to the QuikTrip situated at 95th Street and I-35. The officers located the stolen car, and the suspect driving the vehicle struck one of LPD’s patrol cars during the incident.
Lenexa Police spokesperson, Danny Chavez, emphasized that regardless of the type or nature of the call, any incident involving shots fired is undeniably tragic.
He emphasized that law enforcement officers do not approach their duty each day with the intention of encountering such situations. The police pursued the suspect on northbound I-35 Highway until the suspect eventually reached the QuikTrip located on Lamar Avenue.
The Lenexa Police Department has identified the deceased male suspect as Shannon Wayne Marshall, aged 40, from Ashland City, Tennessee.
Cothran has been taken into custody and booked into the Johnson County Adult Detention Center. Fairway’s Chief of Police, J.P. Thurlo, released a statement via email regarding the officer who was shot.
“As you are aware, one of our police officers was shot and critically wounded this morning while trying to make an arrest in a neighboring community. Upon hearing the call for assistance, our officer courageously and without hesitation responded to help. These brave actions are reflective of the men and women in law enforcement in our community, and throughout this country, who put on the badge knowing the potential dangers they may face in the course of their duties,” J.P. Thurlo stated. “At this time, the officers condition remains critical. We will have more information about the officer in the coming days. Tonight, I ask for thoughts and prayers for the officer and his family, and request privacy for the officer’s family and for the Fairway Police Department. We are grateful for those who have already expressed their support for our department, and who will in the days ahead.”
UPDATE 7:45 p.m.: Police have officially taken the female suspect, Andrea Cothran, aged 32, into custody. Cothran is facing charges of aggravated assault and is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday, August 7, at 1:30 p.m.
It has been discovered that Cothran has a history of misconduct, as KCTV5 revealed her name on the Tennessee Sex Offenders Registry.
UPDATE 12:19 p.m.: Lenexa Police reported that a contact team comprising officers from various agencies entered the QuikTrip on Lamar Avenue to apprehend the suspects. During this operation, an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in the death of one suspect. An officer was wounded and promptly transported to a nearby hospital.
Additionally, Lenexa Police confirmed that another suspect has been taken into custody.
The Johnson County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT) is currently conducting a preliminary investigation into the incident. The agencies involved in the operation include Lenexa Police Department, Fairway Police Department, Mission Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Suspect killed in officer-involved shooting that left a Fairway Police Officer with critical injuries identified as Shannon Wayne Marshall