Sheriff Ted Heaton brought in the following report from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation concerning events which occurred Saturday, February 7.

Saturday evening, the Hugoton Police Department was dispatched to a report of a domestic disturbance within Hugoton city limits. Upon arrival, the officer attempted to stop a subject who was leaving the scene.

That subject was later identified as 36 year old Homero Baeza. A chase ensued, but was later terminated due to the dangerous situation it was creating.

Baeza then returned to the scene of the original call two times, and each time he led officers on chases. During the third and final call, Baeza reportedly attempted to strike an officer with his vehicle. At approximately 10:15 p.m., after fleeing a third time, officers were led to an area approximately two miles southwest of Moscow, on Highway 56, where Baeza eventually stopped. It was at this location that Baeza was shot by officers with the Hugoton Police Department.

Baeza was airlifted to Garden City where he is currently in stable condition. The officers involved are on administrative leave, as is customary. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, along with help from the Stevens County Sheriff’s Department, is leading the ongoing investigation.

No additional information is being released at this time regarding the events of the shooting. Hugoton Police Chief Courtney Leslie reports, “We are not releasing a statement at this time.”

All parties are presumed innocent pending the conclusion of the investigation and any future legal proceedings. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to Stevens County Attorney Paul Kitzke.
 Information submitted by KBI Special Agent in Charge/PIO Mark Malick.