News Summary
Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly shooting a police officer during a domestic disturbance response. The officer was shot four times, including a serious injury to the chest, but is expected to recover. A Blue Alert was issued for Tolbert, who fled the scene but was later found abandoned in Grandview, Missouri. Tolbert has a history of violent crimes and is now wanted by authorities. A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to his capture.
Lee’s Summit – Thomas Eugene Tolbert, a 27-year-old suspect, has been charged with multiple crimes after allegedly shooting a police officer while responding to a domestic disturbance call late Sunday night. The incident occurred around 11:00 PM on June 1, 2025, at the Residences at Echelon apartment complex on SW Hollywood Drive.
The police officer, who has not been named, was reportedly shot four times, including a serious wound to the chest. Following the shooting, he was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery on June 2. Fortunately, the officer’s injuries are serious but not life-threatening, and he is expected to recover. He is currently resting comfortably and is surrounded by family.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a Blue Alert was issued across Missouri and later extended to Kansas in order to facilitate the search for Tolbert, who fled the scene in a vehicle. Authorities managed to locate Tolbert’s vehicle abandoned in Grandview, Missouri.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Tolbert with several felonies, including first-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest by fleeing, and second-degree domestic assault. Notably, Tolbert has a previous criminal history involving aggravated assault and had been convicted of shooting at law enforcement officers.
Witnesses to the event reported that the officer had arrived on the scene and observed Tolbert fleeing from the apartment complex. The officer pursued him and communicated via radio that shots had been fired but did not return fire. During the foot chase, Tolbert allegedly discharged his weapon multiple times, striking the officer in the left leg, left arm, chest, and shoulder. Evidence collected at the scene included six 10mm shell casings.
The officer involved had approximately 7 to 9 years of law enforcement experience and had been with the Lee’s Summit Police Department for about 1.5 years prior to the incident.
Tolbert’s criminal history includes prior charges of unlawful use of a weapon and assault related to separate incidents in 2017 and 2019. After serving time in prison, he was released in May 2022 and is currently on 18-month probation for firearm possession charges that commenced in April 2024.
To aid in Tolbert’s capture, Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers has established a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
The search for Tolbert involves collaboration between the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Authorities describe Tolbert as a Black male, approximately 6’2” tall, weighing around 240 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black top with a hood and black shorts.
Residents in several counties have been urged to remain vigilant and to report any sightings or relevant information about Tolbert immediately by calling 911. Law enforcement is taking the situation seriously and continues to investigate the incident thoroughly to ensure community safety.
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Additional Resources
- KSHB: Lee’s Summit Police Officer Shot
- Wikipedia: Lee’s Summit, Missouri
- Fox4KC: Officer Left with Serious Injuries
- Google Search: Lee’s Summit Police Shooting
- KCTV5: Officer Hospitalized After Domestic Call
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- KMBC: Police Search for Suspect
- Google News: Lee’s Summit Police Officer Shooting
- Kansas City Star: Crime Article
