The City of Hays Monday morning provided more details about a police officer killed in the line of duty over the weekend, and the community mourns Sgt. Scott Heimann, they invite the public to leave flowers and tributes on his patrol vehicle outside the Police Station at 105 W. 12th St.
The City released the following information:
It is with deep sorrow, the City of Hays confirms the tragic loss of Hays Police Department Sgt. Scott Heimann.
Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident.
Despite the immediate and courageous efforts of fellow officers and first responders, he succumbed to his injuries.
Heimann served Hays with honor, courage, and dedication since 2016. Moreover, he was a constant presence in the community and frequently went above and beyond as a positive role model to all that knew him.
His loss is a tragic reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day.
We are devastated, and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers.
As a city, we mourn together. We will remember Scott not only for how he served, but for who he was: a dedicated professional who served our city with unwavering commitment, integrity, and bravery.
We ask the community to keep Scott’s loved ones in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
“The City Commission extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officer,” said Mayor Sandy Jacobs. “His service and sacrifice in protecting our community will never be forgotten. We stand united with our Police Department and with the entire community as we navigate this difficult time. We ask everyone to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”
“Today we are tragically reminded that Police Officers serve and protect their communities putting the lives of others above their own,” said Police Chief Don Scheibler. “Sgt. Scott Heimann gave his life in this service exemplifying dedication to the community and the safety of others.”
“Our department, and community alike, will greatly miss his involvement, professionalism, and positive impact in the City of Hays. I hope the community recognizes the service of Sgt. Heimann and takes this moment to honor his service.”
No further information is being released by the City of Hays at this time.
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FIRST UPDATE: The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Hays resulting in the death of an officer with the Hays Police Department.
According to the KBI, on Saturday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, Hays Police Department (HPD) received a 911 call indicating a female subject had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence in the 2000 block of E. 21st St. The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.
Preliminary information indicates that Sept. 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers from HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing St. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck a HPD officer.
Officers immediately performed life-saving measures. The officer was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.
The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the KBI High Risk Warrant Team responded to the residence where Wickham had barricaded. The teams negotiated with the suspect. Gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone were deployed into the residence during the standoff. No law enforcement officers fired their duty weapons throughout the incident.
At approximately, 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Ellis County Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.
The City of Hays will identify the fallen officer in a later release, once all appropriate notifications have been made.
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ORIGINAL: A Hays Police Officer was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call late Saturday night.
According to the City of Hays, at 10:58 pm Saturday the Hays Police Department responded to a domestic violence call in the 2200 block of Downing Street.
Upon arrival, the suspect fired at the responding officer. The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene. The officer was transported to a local hospital and succumbed to injuries sustained at the scene.
There are no additional suspects being sought in connection to this investigation.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will be handling the investigation.
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Photo via City of Hays
