In the small city of Phillipsburg, Kansas, a call regarding illegal fireworks on the evening of June 27, 2025, escalated into a tragic event that claimed the lives of a law enforcement officer and a local resident. Brandon Gaede, a 30-year-old White male and a deputy with the Phillips County Sheriff's Office, was the officer who responded to the call.
The incident unfolded at 899 1st Street, the residence of 27-year-old Kolton Griffith, who was suspected of detonating non-consumer-grade fireworks.
Earlier in the evening, at about 6:00 p.m., deputies had initially responded to reports of loud booms in the area but were unable to locate the source. Later, around 8:30 p.m., several more calls came in, and Deputy Gaede responded to the scene where he spoke with Griffith, who denied any involvement. Believing that the explosions were more than just typical fireworks, Gaede remained in the vicinity. At 9:18 p.m., another explosion was reported, and Gaede, who was nearby, observed smoke and confronted Griffith in his front yard. This time, Griffith admitted to setting off an explosive device.
As Deputy Gaede attempted to place Griffith under arrest for the felony offense, a struggle broke out. Griffith managed to pull out a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy, shooting him five times. Despite being mortally wounded, Gaede returned fire, striking Griffith multiple times and killing him at the scene. Deputy Gaede was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 10:24 p.m.
Subsequent investigation of Griffith's home by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol's Hazardous Devices Unit uncovered a significant cache of illegal explosive materials, including over 33 pounds of ammonium perchlorate and ammonium nitrate, as well as commercial blasting caps. Authorities also found more than 20 firearms and a large stockpile of ammunition. The investigation concluded that Griffith was responsible for the explosions and that he had fatally shot Deputy Gaede during the arrest attempt. Deputy Gaede, an eight-year veteran of the Phillips County Sheriff's Office, is survived by his wife and three young children.
