BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. (KAKE) – The Kansas Bureau of Investigations is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred during a barricade and hostage incident in Baxter Springs.
According to the KBI at approximately 7:15 p.m. Saturday, officers from the Baxter County Springs Police Department responded to a 911 call in Baxter Springs due to an ongoing domestic disturbance.
When officers arrived on the scene the knocked on they door of the residence, which is described to be a camping trailer. Eli Crawford, 37, of Baxter Springs answered the door, then slammed it shut once he saw police.
Crawford’s 2-year-old daughter Clesslynn Crawford, then re-opened the door and 27-year-old Taylor Shutte of Webb City Missouri, ran outside. Crawford then stepped out of the home and shot and killed Shutte. He also began shooting at the four responding officers.
Crawford continued shooting at officers as they retreated a safe distance. Additional law enforcement support arrived from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Joplin Police Department’s S.W.A.T. Team. The KBI and the Kansas Highway Patrol also responded.
During the incident Crawford is believed to have used several guns to fire over 90 rounds from the trailer at responding law enforcement officers. At approximately 9:25 p.m., a law enforcement officer fired one round into the camping trailer.
Officers approached the residence and located Crawford deceased inside from a gunshot wound. Shutte and Clesslynn Crawford were also discovered deceased from fatal gunshot wounds. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Cherokee County Attorney for review.