WICHITA, KS – A man was fatally shot following an intense confrontation with law enforcement late Wednesday night outside Spirit AeroSystems on South Oliver Street. Authorities have identified the deceased as 29-year-old Devario Edwards.
The incident began around 9 p.m. when Edwards allegedly attempted to shoot an acquaintance at a private residence. Reports indicate that his firearm malfunctioned, preventing any shots from being fired. Edwards fled the scene, prompting a search by law enforcement based on information provided by the intended victim.
While on the run, Edwards went live on Facebook, making alarming threats. During the livestream, he expressed his intent to provoke a deadly confrontation with police and mentioned Spirit AeroSystems as a possible location. This real-time social media activity provided critical intelligence to law enforcement.
Using license plate readers, officers tracked Edwards’ vehicle as it neared Spirit AeroSystems. A high-speed pursuit ensued, ending in the facility’s parking lot. Upon stopping, Edwards exited his car and fired approximately 20 rounds from a rifle, hitting two sheriff’s vehicles.
Officers from the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office returned fire, striking Edwards multiple times. He was pronounced dead at approximately 1 a.m. Authorities confirmed that eight officers discharged their weapons during the encounter. Remarkably, no law enforcement officers were injured in the exchange.
“This incident highlights the importance of monitoring real-time social media activity in law enforcement,” said Wichita Police spokesperson Andrew Ford. “The information from Edwards’ livestream enabled officers to gauge the severity of the threat and respond accordingly.”
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has assumed control of the investigation, following standard protocol for officer-involved shootings involving multiple agencies. Edwards’ motives remain unclear, and further background information has not been disclosed.
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111. As the investigation continues, law enforcement emphasizes the critical need for cooperation from the public to fully understand the circumstances leading to the deadly encounter.