KBI investigating fatal officer-involved shooting Wednesday night in Salina

SALINA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday night in Salina, officials said.

The Salina Police Department around 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday requested that the KBI conduct an investigation into the shooting. Agents and the Crime Scene Response Team from the KBI responded to investigate the incident.

According to the KBI, Salina police officers were called at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to 544 N. 12h St. in Salina after learning that a man wanted on a felony warrant was at that location.

When officers arrived at that address, officials said, they made contact with the homeowner, who reported that the wanted person, Larry J. Wray Jr., 44, of Salina, was in the detached garage located east of the residence.

Officers entered the garage and placed Wray under arrest for an outstanding warrant, the KBI said.

Preliminary information indicated that after Wray was taken into custody, an officer heard another person identified as Jesse D. Wray, 25, of Salina, inside the garage.

A K-9 officer gave commands to Jesse Wray to exit the garage, but he refused. According to the KBI, Jesse D. Wray was holding a gun and made threats to shoot if law enforcement entered the garage.

After Jesse D. Wray barricaded himself inside the garage, the KBI said, officers backed away, set a perimeter and called for the Salina SWAT Team to respond.

Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol also arrive on the scene to assist.

While waiting for the SWAT team to arrive, officers observed a fire and smoke in the garage. The large garage door opened and a female exited, followed by Jesse D. Wray.

The KBI said gunfire was exchanged, and Salina police officers and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers fired rounds that struck Jesse D. Wray. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:45 p.m.

The woman was treated at Salina Regional Health Center and was later released.

No law enforcement officers were injured in the shooting.

Officials said the KBI will conduct a “thorough and independent investigation” into this officer-involved shooting.

Once completed, the findings will be presented to the Saline County Attorney for review.

The investigation was ongoing Thursday.

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