Kenneth Lee Simpson: Missouri cops search for man who killed one police officer, shot another
HERMANN, MISSOURI: Missouri police have started the hunt for Kenneth Lee Simpson, who allegedly shot two police officers, Sergeant Mason Griffith and Officer Adam Sullentrup, resulting in the death of Griffith.
Hermann Police Department Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith and another officer were shot just before 9:20 pm on Sunday, March 12, 2023, outside Casey’s General Store in Hermann, according to a report by FOX 2. Officers were called to address a problem at the Casey’s General Store at 115 MO-19, Hermann, Mo., just before 9:30 pm.
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Apparently, the officers got into a shootout with the suspect. One of the officers was shot in the head, and the other in the chest, and both were flown to the St Louis hospital, according to a report by KMOV-TV. Unfortunately, one of the two officers, Detective Sergeant Griffith, died at the hospital. The second officer, Adam Sullentrup, is being treated in the hospital and is in a serious but stable condition.
Update: Both injured Hermann officers were transported to area hospitals. Unfortunately, we are saddened to announce the passing of Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith, who succumbed to his injuries. The second officer is in serious but stable condition. pic.twitter.com/oOZtbwz56j
— MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) March 13, 2023
Blue Alert issued
The shooting prompted a Blue Alert from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which was asked to investigate. MSHP identified 35-year-old Simpson as the shooter. After the shooting, Simpson reportedly fled the crime scene on foot.
Investigators got the information that led them to believe Simpson barricaded himself inside a home just across the street from where the shooting took place, but it has not been confirmed whether he was inside or not.
Throughout the night and early morning, officers gave verbal commands for the suspect to come out. "Come out with your hands up and nothing will happen to you," which could be heard over a bullhorn outside the home, according to reports.
Troopers were reportedly seen moving towards the house with flashbangs and K-9 officers. Around 10:50 am, a robot was seen being used to breach the home.
SWAT teams are now using a robot to breach the home and clear it. @KMOV pic.twitter.com/2f6ajsKR0K
— Alex Gaul (@AlexGaulTV) March 13, 2023
The Gasconade County R-1 School District, which is located in Hermann, has canceled classes out of an abundance of caution.
Simpson's criminal history
Kenneth Lee Simpson has a lengthy criminal history, which dates back to 2004. He still has several pending cases against him. He has allegedly been on the run from authorities since April 2022.