Topeka, Kansas
September 28, 2017
Agencies: Lawrence Police Department - Kansas | Topeka Police Department - Kansas | Kansas Bureau of Investigation KBI Kansas
Cause of death: Shooting
Last updated: almost 6 years ago
Lawrence police officials said Thursday afternoon, September 28, 2017 that two Topeka police officers discharged their firearms, resulting in fatal injuries to Dominique Tyrell White, 30.
The incident that led to the shooting began about 9:20 a.m., when police said a citizen called to report shots being fired during a disturbance in Ripley Park, near S.E. 3rd and Lawrence.
Police said the caller reported the disturbance involved two people, both of whom were still in the park.
Topeka police Lt. Colleen Stuart said officers who arrived at the scene “encountered a suspicious person in the area.” While investigating the individual, Stuart said, officers saw that he had a handgun.
“In the process of trying to secure the firearm, the individual struggled with officers and attempted to flee,” Stuart said. “While fleeing from officers, the individual reached for the pocket containing the firearm, causing the officers to fire their weapons.”
At least one of the shots struck White’s chest as he was in the intersection of S.E. 3rd and Lawrence, authorities said. The man suffered critical injuries and was transported by American Medical Response ambulance to a Topeka hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An account from the Lawrence Police Department said White was armed with a firearm, and a physical struggle between him and Topeka police officers ensued. However, it didn’t say that White attempted to flee or that he reached for his pocket.
October 2017 Obituary
September 2017 Vigil