© 2024 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Blue Valley Northwest Student Fatally Shot By Overland Park Police

Andrea Tudhope
/
KCUR 89.3
Flowers, bears and balloons have begun to gather outside of an Overland Park home where a teenage boy was shot and killed by a police officer over the weekend.

Updated Monday 9:45 a.m.

Blue Valley School District officials say counselors will be on hand at schools throughout the district Monday to help students cope with the death of a 17-year old Blue Valley Northwest High School student.

John Albers was shot and killed Saturday by Overland Park Police. 

According to BVNW News, students and staff of Blue Valley Northwest High gathered at an elementary school in Overland Park Sunday night to remember Albers. 

Junior Gabriel Bright, who said he was a close friend of Albers, is quoted: "I loved him. I want to raise awareness and make sure everyone knew that this world, this bubble that we live in isn't always so perfect."

The original post continues below.  

Authorities in Overland Park are investigating the fatal shooting by police Saturday of a 17-year-old Blue Valley Northwest High School student.

Late Sunday, Overland Park Police identified the victim as John Albers. Blue Valley School District officials have confirmed Albers is the son of Sheila Albers, the principal of Harmony Middle School. 

A statement from Overland Park Police says officers were responding Saturday to a report of a suicidal male in the 9300 block of W. 149th Terrace. When officers approached the residence, the home's garage door opened and a vehicle pulled out rapidly moving towards one of the officers. 

The officer fired his weapon, hitting Albers, who was driving. Albers died at the scene. 

No officers were injured. The officer who shot Albers has been placed on administrative leave. 

Albers' family released a statement Sunday. It said, "We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved son, John. We truly appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, family and community. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and for respecting our privacy during this very difficult time. John was loved by many."

A visitation is scheduled for Friday at McGilley Memorial Chapel at 123rd Street and State Line, with a funeral mass scheduled for afterwards at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Overland Park Police say the Johnson County Officer Involve Shooting Investigation Team is investigating the shooting.

Kyle Palmer is KCUR's morning newscaster. You can follow him on Twitter

Kyle Palmer is the editor of the Shawnee Mission Post, a digital news outlet serving Northeast Johnson County, Kansas. He previously served as KCUR's news director and morning newscaster.
KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and award-winning podcasts.
Your donation helps keep nonprofit journalism free and available for everyone.