A shootout in Midland True Value's parking lot at Gregory Boulevard and Prospect Avenue that started after 2 a.m. Sunday ended in seven gun-related injuries and three vehicle accidents. One victim is in critical condition.
Minutes after receiving a call around 2:19 a.m., police arrived at the scene where suspects were engaged in active shooting. According to the Kansas City Police Department, one officer, fearing for safety, fired shots. No officers were injured.
Surveillance footage from Midland True Value shows six cars arriving at 11:30 p.m. At 2:19 a.m., an unidentified person is seen to be running through the parking lot closest to the hardware shop as gun fire appears to begin. Within the minute, a seventh car pulls up. Within the following minute, lights can be seen marking the arrival of the police.
"There is no reason for our lot to be full at that time," store clerk Stephanie Hilderbrand says.
But, she says, news of this incident does not surprise her. Hilderbrand's father, Nick Gadino, has owned the hardware shop since 1976. Earlier this year, they installed the surveillance camera above their parking lot. This year has been particularly contentious in the surrounding area, with a police-involved shooting and a quadruple shooting during a drug deal, both in August.
"It's getting worse," Hilderbrand said. "Our children, spouses, mothers are concerned. But we have to work. This is how we put a roof over our heads."
Ron Brown works a few blocks north on Prospect Avenue at Cash Cars. He heard about the shootout at 8 a.m. Sunday morning.
"I'm, sad to say, used to it," Brown says. "Not to say I should have to live like that, but I'm used to it."
The investigation is ongoing. As of 1 p.m. on Sunday, Hildebrand said the KCPD had not yet been in touch with her regarding the surveillance footage. Hildebrand says it took police four days to come retrieve the footage the store had of the quadruple shooting in August.
Andrea Tudhope is a freelance reporter and producer for KCUR 89.3. You can reach her at andreat@kcur.org.
