Post last updated at 1:44 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3:

Lawrence police shot and killed Michael S. Blanck, 43, of Lawrence, Sunday evening, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

“Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 5:30 p.m., the Lawrence Police Department received a report of a burglary and broken window at a residence at 1715 E. 21st Terrace in Lawrence,” according to a news release from the KBI Monday.

“When they responded, they learned a male subject was likely inside. The homeowner was not present at the time,” the release continued. “Officers did not enter the residence. They were attempting to learn more information about the suspect.”

Blanck eventually came out of the residence, the release says.

“Officers then attempted to make verbal contact with him at the front of the house. During this interaction, Blanck pulled out a handgun and pointed it at officers,” the news release alleges. “At this time, three of the five responding officers fired.”

Blanck was struck with multiple rounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the KBI.

No officers were injured in the incident, Melissa Underwood, a spokesperson for the KBI, said Sunday night.

A witness at the scene Sunday said he heard multiple shots fired by at least two people, and when he arrived, one person was already on the ground. The witness said an officer was visibly distraught. 

Douglas County property records indicate the homeowner is Gary Blanck.

Lawrence police had been called to the same home Saturday morning to check someone’s welfare.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time, according to the KBI.

“The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident,” according to the news release. “Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Douglas County District Attorney for review.”

Related posts: