Kansas City, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved critical incident in Kansas City, Kansas, that left an officer and subject injured.
Just after midnight on Sept. 29, a suspect fled during a traffic stop and ran over a KCKPD officer's foot. Officers began searching for the suspect and the black Buick Regal he drove, according to a media release from the KBI.
Preliminary information indicates that Tuesday around 4:15 p.m., KCKPD officers learned the vehicle was in a parking lot of a business in the 2900 block of State Ave., in Kansas City, Kansas. A marked patrol vehicle initiated its emergency lights and officers gave the man verbal commands to exit the vehicle. The man, later identified as Roberto Pineda, 47, of Kansas City, Kansas, exited and ran from officers. Two officers chased Pineda. As they caught up to him, a physical struggle ensued.
During the altercation Pineda grabbed ahold of an officer's firearm on his gun belt. While Pineda attempted to gain control of the gun, the officer used a knife and stabbed Pineda multiple times. During the struggle the other officer struck Pineda with a baton. Once Pineda released his hold from the gun, officers were able to place him in handcuffs and render medical aid.
The officer's hand was broken during the struggle. Both Pineda and the officer were transported to KU Medical Center for treatment. The officer was treated and released. Pineda is in stable condition and is expected to survive.
Pineda was arrested for aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, connected to the early morning traffic stop. Additional charges are expected related to this evening's incident.
This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved critical incident. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel, and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings, which take several weeks to complete.