Deputy Brandon Gaede, Suspect Kolton Griffith Killed in Sedgwick County Officer-Involved Shooting; Community Mourns Fallen Hero
Sedgwick County, KS — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has released a detailed timeline of the tragic and fatal officer-involved shooting that unfolded on June 27, 2025—an incident that claimed the lives of Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede, 33, and 32-year-old Kolton Griffith, a suspect wanted in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation. The heartbreaking events have left a community in mourning and law enforcement agencies across Kansas reeling with grief and searching for answers.
A Tragic Day for Law Enforcement
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the fatal incident began when members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, along with local agencies, attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Kolton Griffith, who was being sought on felony charges, including violent offenses. Griffith had evaded authorities for weeks and was believed to be armed and dangerous.
Deputy Brandon Gaede, a well-respected officer with the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, had been temporarily assigned to assist with high-risk fugitive apprehensions. Authorities say he was part of the team dispatched to locate and arrest Griffith in a rural part of Sedgwick County.
Timeline of Events
The confrontation occurred around 10:45 a.m. near the 9000 block of South 135th Street West. Law enforcement attempted to conduct a felony stop on Griffith’s vehicle. Initial reports indicate that Griffith refused commands, exited the vehicle armed, and fired multiple rounds at law enforcement officers.
In the exchange of gunfire, Deputy Gaede was struck and fatally wounded. Griffith was also shot during the confrontation and pronounced dead at the scene. Despite rapid emergency response and life-saving efforts, Deputy Gaede succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported from the scene.
Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter, in an emotional press briefing, described Deputy Gaede as “a dedicated, courageous public servant” who “ran toward danger to protect others.” Gaede had served with distinction for over seven years and was remembered by colleagues as a devoted deputy and loving father.
A Community in Mourning
News of Deputy Gaede’s death has shaken law enforcement agencies across the state. Flags were lowered to half-staff in his honor, and a growing memorial of flowers and notes has formed outside the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office. Tributes have poured in from fellow officers, community members, and state officials, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who called Gaede “a true hero taken far too soon.”
Kolton Griffith’s background is now under increased scrutiny. Authorities revealed a lengthy criminal history that included weapons violations, resisting arrest, and prior assault charges. Investigators are working to piece together how he obtained the firearm used in the shooting, and whether anyone assisted him in avoiding capture prior to the fatal encounter.
Ongoing Investigation
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has taken over the inquiry into the officer-involved shooting, as is protocol in such cases. Body camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and ballistics analysis are being reviewed to construct a full picture of what transpired during the deadly encounter.
Sheriff Easter urged the public to respect the investigative process and allow time for facts to be gathered and confirmed. “This is a complex and painful situation. We are grieving, but we are committed to finding the truth and honoring Brandon’s sacrifice with integrity.”
Remembering Deputy Brandon Gaede
Deputy Gaede leaves behind a wife and two young children. His family released a heartfelt statement thanking the community for its outpouring of support. “Brandon loved being a deputy. He was brave, kind, and always willing to help someone in need. He died doing what he believed in—protecting others.”
A public memorial service is being planned, and a GoFundMe campaign established to support his family has already seen generous contributions from supporters across the country.
As Sedgwick County continues to grapple with this devastating loss, the memory of Deputy Brandon Gaede stands as a testament to courage, service, and ultimate sacrifice.