Kolton Griffith Dies in Fatal Phillips County Shooting During Arrest Attempt PHILLIPS COUNTY, Kan. — A tragic shooting in Phillips County has left 27-year-old Kolton Griffith dead following a violent confrontation with law enforcement during a routine arrest attempt. The incident occurred on Friday evening when deputies
from the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office attempted to take Griffith into custody in connection with an outstanding warrant.Authorities report that the situation escalated when Griffith allegedly resisted arrest and a physical altercation ensued. During the confrontation, gunfire was exchanged between Griffith and deputies.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, but despite life-saving efforts, Griffith succumbed to his injuries.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has taken over the case and is currently conducting a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Preliminary findings suggest that the deputies involved acted in response to a perceived imminent threat, but a full investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events. Body camera footage and eyewitness statements will be reviewed as part of the ongoing probe.Griffith, a Phillips County resident, was known to some in the community and had previous encounters with law enforcement, according to public records.
His sudden and violent death has sent shockwaves through the small, tight-knit rural area, where incidents of this nature are rare.Family members of Griffith have expressed their grief and called for transparency in the investigation. “We just want answers,” said a relative. “Kolton was more than the worst thing he ever did. He was loved.”
The deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.As the community grapples with the tragedy, calls for calm and a fair, unbiased investigation continue to grow. The KBI has urged anyone with information to come forward.
