Officer James Muhlbauer, police dog Champ, and pedestrian Jesse Eckes, 52, killed in collision involving speeding driver Jeeron Lightfoot at Truman Road and Benton Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri

Modified Date: 
Sat, 03/11/2023 - 7:50am
Accident Date: 
Wednesday, February 15, 2023

KCPD officer, pedestrian and police dog killed in car crash in Kansas City Wednesday

The officer’s patrol car was hit by another vehicle, causing a secondary impact with the pedestrian, according to Sgt. Jake Becchina, a police department spokesman.

 

Pedestrian, KCPD officer and K9 killed in crash near Grove Park

The officer was a 20 year veteran of the KCPD and had been assigned to the Canine Unit for nearly 3 years. The K9 was with the department for roughly a year. 

Friends, family remember 52-year-old killed in crash with KCPD vehicle

He was a man so remarkable that friends struggle to explain who Eckes was.

Suspect not impaired in crash that killed KCPD officer, pedestrian, K9

"I agree with that and it’s really hard because people are emotionally charged right about now and they want something done, but you always have to be guided by the law and the facts," Lawyer Tracey Chappell-Vick said.

Man charged in deaths of Kansas City officer and pedestrian has a past record of careless driving

The man currently facing two manslaughter charges for the deaths of Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer and pedestrian Jesse Eckes pleaded guilty to careless driving less than two months before the fatal crash.

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
James Muhlbauer
Jesse Eckes
Jeeron Lightfoot