Kansas City Remembers Officer Fatally Injured While Pursuing Suspect

Kansas City is mourning the loss of a police officer who was tragically killed after being struck by a driver fleeing from law enforcement. The officer, 26-year-old Hunter Simon Sic, had just graduated from the department’s academy this year, in 2023.

The incident occurred early Tuesday morning as Simoncic attempted to deploy stop sticks on State Avenue to halt a suspect’s vehicle. Dennis Mitchell III, 31, is now facing serious charges, including fleeing from a police officer, possessing a weapon, and numerous theft-related offenses, according to the district attorney.

It all started around 12:30 AM when local authorities responded to reports of gunfire on Everett Avenue. Officers found Mitchell unconscious in the driver’s seat of his truck shortly after arriving at the scene. When they approached him, he managed to regain consciousness, flee, and prompted a pursuit.

Mitchell switched vehicles during his escape and continued to evade law enforcement. While officers chased him, Simoncic and another officer exited their vehicle to set up the stop sticks. Tragically, it was at this point that Mitchell ran into Simoncic.

Simoncic was rushed to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

Following the incident, Mitchell was apprehended and taken to the same hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. He has since been booked into the Wyandotte County Jail. Reports indicate that both vehicles he used that night were stolen.

The Kansas City Police Department expressed that Simoncic’s death would leave a “deep sense of loss and pain” within the community. Before joining the police force, Simoncic worked as a shift supervisor at a juvenile detention center. He held a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in forensic medicine. Additionally, he volunteered at a local elementary school, reading to children regularly.

Reflecting on his background, the department shared, “He grew up in a small town in southeastern Kansas but wanted to serve the community, aiming to use his life experiences to effect positive change.”

This tragic event comes just weeks after another Kansas City representative, Elijah Ming, was fatally shot while on duty. The police department expressed their condolences, stating, “God’s Speed Hunter. You and Elijah rest easy; we have it from here.” Simoncic’s funeral is set for Wednesday, September 3rd.