On the evening of August 27, 2020, a violent incident unfolded at a gas station in Kansas City, Missouri, claiming the life of a local resident. Officers from the Kansas City Police Department were dispatched around 8:00 p.m. to the 4600 block of Prospect Avenue following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a 41-year-old male, Patrick J. Hicks, inside a vehicle that had come to a rest haphazardly in the middle of the road near the station's entrance.
He was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses and surveillance footage helped investigators piece together the moments leading up to the homicide. Reports indicated that a dark-colored sedan, later identified as a black Chrysler, had been involved in a minor crash with Hicks's vehicle at the entrance of the gas station. Following this collision, occupants of the Chrysler fired multiple shots into the victim's car. Police noted that the suspect vehicle likely sustained damage during the exchange, specifically a shot-out front passenger window, before fleeing the scene and heading south on Prospect Avenue.
In the wake of the tragedy, details emerged about the life of the victim. Born to Albert and Ruth Hicks, Patrick was described by family and community members as a supportive figure who had dedicated time to mentoring young men after achieving his own sobriety. He was a certified forklift operator who had attended Winnetonka High School. Despite the public nature of the crime and the release of specific details regarding the suspect vehicle, no arrests were immediately reported in connection with the case. Authorities continued to appeal to the public for information, asking anyone who recognized the damaged black Chrysler to come forward.
