Context:

A tragic incident in Phillipsburg, Kansas, resulted in the deaths of a sheriff's deputy and a suspect following a call about illegal fireworks. Deputy Brandon Gaede, 30, responded to a report of non-consumer-grade fireworks at a residence and encountered 27-year-old Kolton Griffith. After determining probable cause for an arrest, Gaede attempted to handcuff Griffith, leading to a struggle during which Griffith drew a concealed handgun and shot Gaede. Despite being wounded, Gaede managed to return fire, fatally striking Griffith. Both men succumbed to their injuries, with Gaede pronounced dead at the hospital and Griffith dying at the scene.

Dive Deeper:

• In Phillipsburg, Kansas, a sheriff's deputy, Brandon Gaede, was fatally shot while responding to a call regarding illegal fireworks at a local residence.

• The incident occurred when Gaede encountered Kolton Griffith, a 27-year-old resident, who was believed to have detonated the illegal fireworks.

• After Gaede established probable cause to arrest Griffith, an attempt to place him in handcuffs led to a physical altercation.

• During the struggle, Griffith drew a concealed handgun and shot Deputy Gaede, critically wounding him.

• Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, hitting Griffith multiple times, ultimately resulting in Griffith's death at the scene.

• Deputy Gaede was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.

• The details of the exchange of gunfire were provided by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, which is handling the investigation of the shooting.