Family of man killed by Kansas City, Kansas police officer sues chief, Unified Government

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – The family of a man shot and killed by a Kansas City, Kan. police officer filed a lawsuit against the officer, the police chief and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County.

According to the lawsuit, an officer shot 50-year-old John Anderton in the back five times as he ran away from an emergency scene in February 2023. Anderton died from his injuries.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney investigated the shooting and determined the officer was justified in shooting Anderton.

According to the DA’s investigation, Anderton failed to follow the officer’s orders and reached for a gun when the officer fired at him.

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Anderton’s brother disagrees according to the lawsuit filed Jan. 14.

The lawsuit claims the police officer violated Anderson’s civil rights when he used excessive force and shot him.

The shooting happened as crews responded to a call about two people overdosing in a house near N. 55th Street and Haskell Ave.

The lawsuit said Anderton tried helping his friends by performing CPR. He left after paramedics arrive. The lawsuit said Anderton left the house because he was concerned that staying would exacerbate his chronic COPD.

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The officer stopped Anderton as he left the house.

The lawsuit states the officer “suddenly demanded” Anderton to put his hands on top of his head. That’s when Anderton tried to run away. The lawsuit claims the officer fired a dozen shots at Anderton. Five of the bullets hit him, including two in the back and one in the back of the head.

The lawsuit claims Police Chief Karl Oakman and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County are responsible because they should know how the officers are trained to use force.

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Spokespeople for both the police department and Wyandotte County declined to comment due to pending litigation.

The lawsuit asks for a jury trial and demands more than $75,000.

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