A Hays, Kansas, police officer was killed Sunday morning as he and others responded to a domestic violence call. The police department said Sgt. Scott Heimann was killed by a single shot fired by a barricaded subject.

The Hays Police Department identified the officer as Sgt. Scott Heimann, and said that despite immediate life-saving efforts rendered by fellow officers and first responders, he could not be saved. He had served with the department since 2016.

“Today we are tragically reminded that Police Officers serve and protect their communities putting the lives of others above their own,” said Police Chief Don Scheibler. “Sgt. Scott Heimann gave his life in this service, exemplifying dedication to the community and the safety of others. Our department, and the community alike, will greatly miss his involvement, professionalism, and positive impact in the City of Hays.”

“We stand united with our Police Department and with the entire community as we navigate this difficult time. We ask everyone to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers,” said Mayor Sandy Jacobs.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting and reports that just before midnight Saturday, the Hays Police Department received a 911 call indicating a female subject had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence. The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle.

She ran to a nearby home to call for help.

KBI said its preliminary information indicates that Sunday, about 1:55 a.m., Hays police officers and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence when a single shot was fired from inside the house. That shot fatally wounded Heimann.

Officers immediately performed life-saving measures, reported the KBI. The officer was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.

Tactical Teams Deploy at Shooting Location

The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the KBI High Risk Warrant Team responded to the residence where Wickham had barricaded himself. The teams negotiated with the suspect. Gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone were deployed into the residence during the standoff. No law enforcement officers fired their duty weapons throughout the incident, KBI said.

About 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.