RICE COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) – A Kansas sheriff and undersheriff were shot, one during a traffic stop and one during a shootout at a home.
It started just after 5 p.m. north of Sterling near the Sonic restaurant. The Rice County Undersheriff Chad Murphy attempted to stop a car near Sonic just north of the city limits. The stop was related to warrant for the vehicle’s occupant, 37-year-old David L. Madden.
Within seconds of the stop, Murphy radioed to dispatch that he had been shot. EMS responded and he flown to a Wichita hospital to be treated for four gunshot wounds. He is currently in critical but stable condition.
Following the shooting, the Rice County Sheriff Bryant Evans learned that Madden likely fled to a home in rural Rice County near Raymond. Sheriff Evans and another sheriff’s deputy arrived at the home and encountered Madden. Gunshots were exchanged and one round struck Evans in the leg.
The sheriff and deputy called for assistance and additional law enforcement responded. Authorities surrounded the home.
Sheriff Evans was taken to the hospital in Lyons and transported to Wichita in good condition.
“This is just awful to hear because these guys care so much about the community,” said Kale Mayfield, Sterling resident. “They are there to attend our football games here at the college. They support and care about us a ton. This is terrible to hear when something happens to people like them.”
Just before 2 a.m. Tuesday, KSN spoke with law enforcement in Rice County who say they’ve located two men dead inside the home at the scene of a standoff. They are working to identify the bodies but believe the community is no longer at risk.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Madden is listed as an absconder from the Kansas Corrections System. He was last listed as absconding on February 11, 2019.
Madden has a long list of run-ins with law enforcement. According to federal court documents, the latest was in February. The documents show Madden was in possession of a machine gun. The gun was not registered.
Also in 2017, Madden led law enforcement on a high-speed chase. He was arrested after a standoff with law enforcement. A search warrant says dozens of guns and pipe bombs were found on his property. It also mentions he was involved in an investigation involving missing person Megan Fogelsong in 2015.
Stay with KSN for continuing coverage on this story.
KANSAS LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONDS
Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors, Rice County Sheriff’s Office. We have a large amount of Deputies in Rice County assisting with this situation.— Reno County Sheriff (@RenoCoSheriff) April 30, 2019
Thinking of our brothers and sisters at Rice County Sheriff’s Office. Hang in there. We are here for you. 😪— SG County Sheriff (@SGCountySheriff) April 30, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters of the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. 💙— Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) April 30, 2019
KSN NEWS COVERAGE ON TWITTER
An update from the KBI on the Officer-involved shooting in Rice County: The condition of the Undersheriff is critical, but stable. The condition of the Sheriff is good. They are both currently being treated in a Wichita hospital.— Tiffany Lane (@TiffanyLaneKSN) April 30, 2019
According to the KBI, The Rice County Undersheriff was shot this evening in his neck and was taken to a Wichita hospital. The Rice County Sheriff was also shot, but in his leg. pic.twitter.com/s12sduQnXu— Tiffany Lane (@TiffanyLaneKSN) April 30, 2019
The KBI says in an updated release that the man suspected of shooting the two law enforcement officers is David L. Madden, age 37. pic.twitter.com/cP2tgNiYKw— Tiffany Lane (@TiffanyLaneKSN) April 30, 2019
Some of the agencies we see are the Sterling Fire Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and others. pic.twitter.com/8f9bMeLjqz— Tiffany Lane (@TiffanyLaneKSN) April 30, 2019
More state troopers heading toward Raymond. @KSNNews pic.twitter.com/VaVWA39brN— Michelle Ross (@MichelleRossKSN) April 30, 2019
KBI Helicopter flying over Rice County pic.twitter.com/mT6n8s6KDA— Michelle Ross (@MichelleRossKSN) April 30, 2019
Courtesy of Karla Boeken. Video from sterling after officer was shot. pic.twitter.com/JGnPPyp50f— Michelle Ross (@MichelleRossKSN) April 30, 2019
At least 20 + law enforcement officers are down the road. I’ve seen hutch, stafford, great bend and KHP pic.twitter.com/BUuzhfTVvv— Michelle Ross (@MichelleRossKSN) April 30, 2019
KSN NEWS COVERAGE ON FACEBOOK