In a tragic turn of events on September 15, 2021, Blaize Alyxander Madrid-Evans, a 22-year-old male, lost his life in the line of duty in Independence, Missouri. A recent graduate of the Kansas City Regional Police Academy, Madrid-Evans had been with the Independence Police Department for only two months and was still in field training.
The fatal encounter unfolded around 11:30 a.m.
when Madrid-Evans and his field training officer responded to a call about a wanted individual at a residence in the 2400 block of South Northern Boulevard. Upon their arrival, they were met by a man who immediately opened fire with a handgun. Madrid-Evans was struck by the gunfire and critically wounded. His partner returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene. Madrid-Evans was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Cody L. Harrison of Gladstone. Harrison was being sought on a warrant for failing to appear in court on charges including burglary and theft. He also had a criminal history that included convictions for marijuana possession and tampering with a motor vehicle. The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. As the sole suspect was killed during the incident, no arrests were made in connection with the death of Officer Madrid-Evans.
Blaize Alyxander Madrid-Evans was remembered as a dedicated and kind individual who was engaged to be married. Before joining the police force, he had served his community as an Emergency Responder with American Medical Response for nearly two years after graduating from Smithville High School in 2018. His death was a profound loss for his family, friends, and the law enforcement community.
