Hunter Simoncic dies in fatal Kansas City, Kansas car crash

Hunter Simoncic dies in fatal Kansas City, Kansas car crash

Fatal Kansas City, Kansas car crash death of Hunter Simoncic

Kansas City, Kansas authorities have confirmed the death of Officer Hunter Simoncic, who was intentionally struck by a vehicle early on the morning of August 26th. The 26-year-old officer sustained serious injuries before succumbing to them at the University of Kansas Medical Center, as announced by Kansas City, Kansas police during a press briefing.

The citizens of Kansas City, Kansas are grieving the loss of Police Officer Hunter Simoncic.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is handling the case, stating that the officer was targeted near 75th Street and State Avenue, just outside the Kansas City Kansas Community College grounds.

According to reports, Officer Simoncic was attempting to stop a suspect’s vehicle using stop sticks, a standard tool for law enforcement to manage suspects who ignore traffic stops.

Initial police deployment to the area around 12:30 a.m. was prompted by reports of gunfire.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Dennis Mitchell III, unconscious inside a pickup truck. The suspect reportedly fled the scene at 12:40 a.m., initiating a pursuit.

Dennis Mitchell, 31, faces accusations of hitting and killing KCKPD Officer Hunter Simoncic on August 26, 2025.

It is alleged that Mitchell discarded his initial car and used another to flee eastbound on State Avenue, where Simoncic was employing stop sticks.

Mitchell reportedly drove over the stop sticks, crossed the median, and collided with Officer Simoncic before continuing his escape.

Officials stated that Mitchell crashed the truck around 12:55 a.m., approximately two and a half miles away, near 65th Street and Kaw Drive.

Mitchell was transported to a hospital, treated, and then released to the Wyandotte County Jail.

He has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, evading law enforcement, theft, unlawful firearm possession, and failure to appear.

Formal charges are pending.

Chief Karl Oakman remarked that such deliberate and calculated actions to harm an officer have not occurred during his extensive career in policing. He emphasized the inherent dangers of the profession and the selfless dedication of department personnel who face these risks daily, expressing bewilderment at the suspect’s apparent motive.