MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CRIME & JUSTICE

Kenneth Lee Simpson: Suspect who shot and killed Missouri cop arrested after standoff with SWAT squad

Authorities started looking for Kenneth Lee Simpson after he shot two Hermann police officers at Casey's gas station on Missouri Highway

HERMANN, MISSOURI: A police tactical squad used tear gas to disperse a suspect named Kenneth Lee Simpson who was barricaded in a home near Hermann, Missouri, some 65 miles west of St Louis Simpson, 35, who is accused of killing one police officer and injuring another was finally arrested at 2 pm on Monday, March 13 after a 13-hour standoff with authorities.

Authorities started looking for Simpson after he shot two Hermann police officers at Casey's gas station on Missouri Highway 19 at 9.20 pm on Sunday, March 12. Simpson had run away from the shooting site and then barricaded himself inside his home across the street. Hermann cops identified Simpson and immediately put out a blue alert for him. Any time an officer is killed or critically hurt, a blue alert is sent out. Neighbors reported that late on Sunday, March 12, police repeatedly used flash bangs and shouted commands over a bullhorn to get the perpetrator to step out, according to St Louis Post-Dispatch.

READ MORE

George Alejandro: Texas man, 54, who sexually abused minor fatally shot by cops after chase

Brent Chitwood: Blue Alert issued as Texas cop shot in chest, suspect flees in white Cadillac

How was Kenneth Lee Simpson arrested by the cops?

A SWAT squad had to intervene after officials' efforts to convince Simpson to surrender without taking extreme measures failed. Witnesses stated that a SWAT squad encircled Simpson's house at around 11 am and used a robot to unlock the front porch, according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Police then used a drone to fly into the home to verify if the perpetrator was still hiding there. A tactical unit began firing and using tear gas inside the home shortly before 2 pm as Simpson surrendered.

Which cops were injured by Kenneth Lee Simpson?

Detective Sgt. Mason Griffith and Adam Sullentrup, a 31-year-old, of the Hermann police department were the two cops that were injured by Simpson. Police say that while Griffith died from his wounds in a hospital while Sullentrup received surgery and is still hospitalized in critical condition.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been disclosed by the authorities. Simspon has been evading capture since April 2022. He has a lengthy criminal record that includes arrests for drug possession, criminal use of a firearm, assault, and property damage. 

'I will do my best to honor you every day'

Griffith's wife, Jennifer, shared the tragic news of her husband's death on Facebook, writing, "I have no words... except, you were the most incredible husband, father and leader in your community! You are already greatly missed. I will do my best to honor you every day."

Jennifer added, "Karson will never forget you! I want to thank all my friends family and first responder family!!! Rest Easy Mason we have it from here!!!" The governor of Missouri, Mike Parson, joined others in sending condolences to the Griffith family via social media.

"Hermann Police Department Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith will never be forgotten, and Missouri will always be grateful. Teresa and I are praying for Mason’s family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers," Parson tweeted.