Charles Langston:Man being evicted shoots, kills Missouri police officer and process server, police say

An Independence Police Officer and Charles Langstona Jackson County process officer were killed on Thursday after serving an eviction notice at a Missouri home.

The Independence Police Department responded to shots fired around just after 1 p.m. Thursday at a residence near Elsea Smith and Bundschu Road, in the suburb about 10 miles east of Kansas City, police said.

Two other officers also involved in the incident were both hospitalized for treatment of their injuries, police said.

A suspect, believed to be the shooter, is currently in police custody. The male, whose identity is not being released to the public at this time, suffered minor injuries during the dangerous encounter, KMBC News reported.

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In an emotional news conference with KSHB 41, a broadcast television station based in Kansas City, Independence Police Chief, Adam Dustman, confirmed the death of Police Officer Cody Allen. Dustman said that Allen, 35, worked in several various police departments, including Grandview, before working for Independence. Allen has survived by his parents, wife and two young children.

Dustman described Allen as a true partner-in-crime saying that he was, “right there to back you up.”

“This is more than just a job this is a life, it is a calling,” Dustman said. “You don't raise your hand and then go towards danger when others typically run away without something that is ingrained into your spirit and who you are as a person. He was that that person was that spirit.”

In the news conference, 16th Circuit Court Judge Jalilah Otto, spoke about Drexel Mack, in his 40s, the process officer killed while serving an eviction notice. Serving the court for over a decade, Mack leaves behind a fiancée, adult children and a host of family and friends in Florida and Missouri.

The court is currently investigating the type of eviction notice that was served at the residence. There are various types of notices that a tenant can receive. Typically, an eviction notice is sent out for unpaid rent. However, notices can also be given for a lease violation.

Messages from Missouri officials for fallen officers

After being informed of the news, many Kansas City officials went on social media to express their condolences to the Independence Police Department and the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Jackson County.

"My heart breaks for the Independence Police Department and all the family and friends of their officer who succumbed to injuries from a shooting earlier today," Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I am praying for all others impacted today and all of the women and men of law enforcement in the Kansas City area."

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson also posted on X following the incident.

"We continue to receive updates on the situation this afternoon in Independence, in which police officers have been shot and injured. @MSHPTrooperGHQ is assisting," Parson wrote. "Teresa and I are praying for the @IndepMoPolice officers involved and all who work to protect us."