Sgt. Scott Heimann dies in fatal Hays shooting.
Fatal Hays shooting death of Sgt. Scott Heimann
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is examining the fatal shooting that occurred Sunday morning in Hays, Kansas, which killed an officer from the Hays Police Department.
On Saturday, September 27th, just before midnight, the Hays Police Department received a 911 call reporting a female had escaped a domestic violence situation at a residence in the 2000 block of E. 21st Street. She stated that while trying to escape, her boyfriend, known as Zane Wickham, 34, from Hays, drove his truck into her car. She fled to a nearby house to seek assistance.
Initial reports suggested that on September 28th, around 1:55 a.m., officers from the Hays Police Department and a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were establishing a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing Street. A single shot was heard coming from inside the house, and the bullet hit a Hays Police officer.
First aid was administered by the officers on the scene. Sgt. Scott Heimann was then airlifted to a regional hospital. He passed away from his injuries shortly before 4 a.m.
The Hays Police Special Situation Response Team, the Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s High Risk Warrant Team converged on Wickham’s residence. They engaged in negotiations with the suspect. During the standoff, gas munitions, window-breaking projectiles, and a surveillance drone were deployed towards the house. No law enforcement officers used their firearms during the entire event.
Around 6:15 a.m., tactical units entered the residence and discovered Wickham dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Once the investigation is finished, the findings will be submitted to the Ellis County Attorney’s office. The probe is still active.
