SEDGWICK COUNTY —Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett has completed the review of the use of deadly force that resulted in the death of Daniel Stowe. The incident occurred on December 3, 2023, in the 4200 block of East Gilbert in Wichita.
The sole question addressed by the District Attorney is whether sufficient evidence exists to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that a violation of the criminal laws of the State of Kansas occurred in this instance.
Under Kansas law and the facts of the case, Bennett determined no criminal charges will be filed against the Wichita Police Officer involved.
Just before 2:30p.m., on Dec. 3, 2023, Sedgwick County 911 received a call of a domestic disturbance in the 4200 block of East Gilbert. While officers were on the way to the call, they learned the man involved in the disturbance was known to carry firearm.
At approximately 2:40p.m., four Wichita Police Officers arrive at the east Gilbert location and encountered 50-year-old Daniel Stowe from Wichita, according to Gibbs.
Stowe was standing in the street in front of the call location. One officer met with the calling party inside the house while the other officers spoke to Stowe in the street.
One officer learned from the calling party that Stowe had been making suicidal statements. This information was relayed to the officers who were interacting with Stowe. Officers attempted to pat Stowe down for weapons for their safety and the safety of others based on the information he was known to carry firearms and was making suicidal statements.
Stowe was not compliant to the officer’s requests to be patted down. He made statements indicating he intended to escalate the situation despite the officer’s attempts to deescalate the situation.
At 2:42p.m., Stowe drew a Glock handgun from his right hip area and held it down to his side. Officers gave numerous commands for Stowe to “drop the weapon.” At 2:43p.m., Stowe raised the gun with his right hand and pointed it directly at one of the officers. Another officer fired their issued duty weapon four times, striking Stowe one time in the right torso. Stowe fell to the ground and the officers immediately started rendering medical aid until EMS arrived.
He was transported by Sedgwick County EMS to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 3:07p.m. by medical personnel.
Sedgwick County Forensic Investigators recovered a loaded Glock 27 from the scene. This investigation will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Gibbs.