Dennis Mitchell III Obituary, Death News – A tragic incident unfolded early Tuesday morning in Kansas City, Kansas, when a young police officer lost his life in the line of duty. Authorities confirmed that 26-year-old Officer Hunter Simoncic of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department was fatally struck by a vehicle while attempting to deploy a spike strip to stop a fleeing suspect.
The events began shortly after midnight on August 26, 2025, when police responded to reports of gunfire at around 12:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious man in the driver’s seat of a truck. As they approached to check on him, the driver suddenly woke up and sped away from the scene, prompting a pursuit.
Investigators later identified the driver as 31-year-old Dennis Mitchell III of Kansas City, Kansas. According to police, Mitchell abandoned the initial truck, got into another vehicle, and continued to evade officers. Both trucks were later discovered to have been reported stolen.
As the pursuit unfolded, officers attempted to bring the chase to an end by using spike strips, a standard tactic designed to deflate tires and safely stop a fleeing vehicle. Officer Simoncic, along with another officer, exited their patrol vehicles to position the strips on the roadway. Tragically, in the process of doing so, Simoncic was struck by the suspect’s vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his colleagues and community in mourning.
The chase concluded a short time later at approximately 12:55 a.m., when Mitchell crashed the stolen truck he was driving. He was immediately taken into custody and transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center for a medical evaluation. After being treated and released, he was booked into the Wyandotte County Jail.
Authorities stated that Mitchell faces multiple charges, including suspicion of first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, theft, criminal possession of a firearm, and aggravated failure to appear. Formal charges are expected to be filed soon by prosecutors.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is now leading the inquiry into the deadly incident, working alongside local law enforcement agencies to piece together the timeline and circumstances.
Officer Simoncic’s death has sent shockwaves through the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the wider community. At just 26 years old, his life and career were cut short while performing one of the most dangerous aspects of police work — attempting to stop a suspect during a high-speed pursuit.
Law enforcement officials across the state have expressed condolences and support for Simoncic’s family and colleagues. His death underscores the risks that officers face daily in protecting their communities, especially during volatile situations involving armed or fleeing suspects.
As the investigation continues, police officials emphasized their determination to seek justice for Officer Simoncic’s death. Mitchell remains in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges, and authorities say further details will be released as the case develops.
This tragedy marks a somber moment for Kansas City, Kansas, highlighting both the dangers of police work and the devastating consequences of criminal acts that place officers and the public in harm’s way.
