This is a developing story and will be updated.
An officer with the Overland Park Police Department was killed after an exchange of gunfire with a hit-and-run suspect early Sunday evening.
Late Sunday night the department identified the officer as Mike Mosher, a 14-year veteran of the department. Mosher was also president of the Overland Park Fraternal Order of Police, according to a statement from the department.
“He was proud to be a police officer. He loved what he did and he was damn good at it,” Police Chief Frank Donchez said in the statement.
Mosher was off-duty at the time he was killed, said police spokesman John P. Lacy.
"He was a 24-7 officer. He was dedicated to his job," Lacy said.
"There was a hit-and-run at 143rd and Antioch. The off-duty officer followed the vehicle, called it out to dispatch, advising the license plate, make and model of the vehicle. At that point the suspect did stop," Lacy said.
"At some point gunfire was exchanged. The officer did have his firearm and also the suspect had a firearm."
The suspect was dead at the scene. Mosher was taken to an area hospital where he later died.
Thank you for all the kind words,thoughts, and post. Keep our agency in your prayers. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/33qJyx0yr1
— Overland Park Police (@OverlandPark_PD) May 4, 2020
Lacy said it was the first time in 28 years he had seen an officer shot in the line of duty.
"The officers are clinging to one another. We're a brotherhood and a sisterhood," Lacy said. "I know the public has our back and at the same time, other law enforcement agencies also have our back. We're strong, but we never want to see our officers in this position."
Mosher was involved in an ambush shooting in 2018 and received a Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association Officer of the Year award, according to the police department statement.
“His tragic death this evening is a reminder that Mike, and our police officers, who pledge to serve and protect Overland Park, face great dangers and continue to serve with honor and commitment," Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach said in a statement.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also expressed sympathy.
"I am devastated to hear an officer was killed in the line of duty today in Overland Park," Lucas said in a tweet on Sunday night. "My deepest condolences to the officer’s family, the Overland Park Police Department, and the people of Overland Park. Praying for the department and all who serve our communities."
