Kansas City, kan -It is with a profound sense of grief that the Kansas City, Kansas community mourns the loss of Officer Hunter Simoncic, 26, who tragically died early this morning after being struck while deploying stop sticks during a police pursuit on State Avenue. The suspect, Dennis Mitchell III, 31, of Kansas City, Kansas, was arrested shortly after and now faces numerous felony charges in connection with the incident. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Officer Simoncic passed away at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
A Dedicated Officer and Community Servant
Officer Simoncic’s journey to law enforcement was built on education, service, and a desire to make a difference. He earned his B.S. in sociology from Pittsburg State University and went on to complete a master’s degree in forensic science from Oklahoma State University. Before joining the force, he worked as a shift supervisor at the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center, where he guided young people toward better paths.
In 2023, he graduated from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Academy and began serving with distinction. But his service extended beyond the badge—every week, Officer Simoncic volunteered with Lead to Read KC, spending time at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, reading to children and inspiring them with his presence. Many local families will remember the joy and kindness he brought into their children’s classrooms.
Hunter grew up in a small town in southeast Kansas, but he chose Kansas City as the place he wanted to serve. In his own words, he explained why:
“I want to take what I have learned in life to make positive changes in a community I believe truly deserves it.”
That commitment to service, selflessness, and community will remain his legacy.
The Tragic Pursuit
The chain of events began around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, when officers were dispatched to the 7700 block of Everett Avenue following reports of gunfire. Officers located an unconscious man in the driver’s seat of a stolen truck. As they approached, the suspect—later identified as Mitchell—woke up and fled.
The pursuit escalated when Mitchell abandoned the truck, stole another vehicle, and continued to flee. During the chase, officers staged stop sticks in the 7200 block of State Avenue. It was there that Mitchell drove directly toward Officer Simoncic, fatally striking him before fleeing again.
The suspect later wrecked near the 6400 block of Kaw Drive and was taken into custody after being treated for minor injuries.
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