Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday night at a candlelight vigil outside the Kansas City, Kansas City Hall to remember police detective Brad Lancaster, who was shot and killed as he pursued a suspect near the Kansas Speedway on Monday.
Mayor Pro Tem Hal Walker says he first met Lancaster just after he graduated from the police academy. “It was clear then as it was clear throughout his career what great potential, what great service he gave to his community,” says Walker.
After prayers and the singing of "Amazing Grace," Lancaster’s widow, Jamie, and two school-aged daughters, Brianna and Jillian, lit candles in the crowd.
Kansas City, Kansas officer Thomas Tomasic served for the past few years on the honor guard with Lancaster and remembers him as quick-witted and always willing to help out. He says he was in the office when he heard Lancaster had been shot.
“It’s something that you think about all the time, but you don’t ever think is going to happen,” says Tomasic.
Tomasic says counseling is being offered to other officers though a peer support program.
Lancaster was killed after responding to a call of a suspicious person near the Hollywood Casino. Police say Curtis Ayers of Tonganoxie, Kansas shot Lancaster and then continued on a crime spree. Ayers was later shot and apprehended on Highway 71 in south Kansas City, Missouri.
The Wyandotte County district attorney plans to hold a press conference at noon on Wednesday.
Mayor Mark Holland will officiate at the service for Lancaster scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Children's Mercy Park.
Maria Carter is the news director at KCUR 89.3. Follow her on Twitter @mariacarter or send story ideas to maria@kcur.org.
