Jesse Wray dies in fatal officer-involved shooting in Salina

Jesse Wray dies in fatal officer-involved shooting in Salina

Fatal officer-involved shooting death of Jesse Wray – Obituary

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has concluded its probe into the officer-involved shooting that led to the death of 40-year-old Jesse Wray on July 24, 2024. The shooting occurred after a confrontation between Wray and law enforcement officers in Salina, Kansas.

According to the KBI’s findings, officers from the Salina Police Department were attempting to arrest Larry Wray Jr. when they spotted Jesse Wray in a detached garage. Wray, who had an active warrant, allegedly pointed a gun at officers, prompting a retreat by law enforcement as they called for backup. Officers were later informed that Wray had a firearm, and despite repeated commands to surrender, he refused to comply.

At one point, smoke and flames began emerging from the garage, and as the garage door opened, a woman exited, followed by Wray. Wray then positioned himself behind a truck, where he appeared to be aiming at officers. Two officers fired nine shots at Wray, but none struck him. As Wray fled toward the other side of the garage, he encountered more officers, including Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, who fatally shot him after he allegedly adopted a shooting stance. The entire sequence lasted only about 6.35 seconds.

Investigators later determined that the fire in the garage was intentionally set, and a BB gun resembling a revolver was found inside the building. The Saline County Attorney, Jeffery Ebel, reviewed the case and concluded that the officers acted within the law, stating that their belief that deadly force was justified was reasonable under the circumstances. No criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved.