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One Man Killed After Shootout With Kansas City, Kansas, Police Near The Legends Shopping Center

Police say they engaged in a shootout with a suspect near the intersection of State Avenue and Village West, near the Legends shopping center. The suspect was killed by police.
KCK Fire Department Twitter
Police say they engaged in a shootout with a suspect near the intersection of State Avenue and Village West, near the Legends shopping center. The suspect was killed by police.

Updated Wednesday at 10:20 a.m. —

A man was killed by Kansas City, Kansas, police after a shootout near the Legends shopping center Tuesday morning. 

Police say they were called to the Country Inn & Suites shortly before 10 a.m. after a report that a man had said he killed his wife, although police cannot confirm whether he committed a crime.

Wednesday, police identified the man as 51-year-old Charles Pearson.

Policefound Pearson near State Avenue and Village West Parkway. Police spokesman Jonathon Westbrook said officers engaged with Pearson and he pulled a rifle from the trunk of his car and fired at them. 

Police fired back, killing Pearson. No police or bystanders were injured. 

The Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department was called to the scene to assist with medical services. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Several agencies, including the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office were also called to the scene. 

The Legends was briefly locked down, but reopened around 10:40 a.m. for normal operations. 

The area surrounding the crime scene has been closed while officials investigate. 

The incident remains under a joint investigation by the Kansas City, Kansas, and the Topeka Police Departments.  

Editor's note: This post has been updated with police identification of the suspect.

Lisa Rodriguez is a reporter and the afternoon newscaster for KCUR 89.3.

Copyright 2021 KCUR 89.3. To see more, visit KCUR 89.3.

Lisa Rodriguez is an Community Engagement intern.