A report of a man running through a Harvard neighborhood yelling for help brought police to the scene within approximately three minutes Oct. 12, beginning an investigation into gunfire that resulted in two men being taken to mental health facilities for evaluation.
According to a Harvard Police Department release, a caller reported that a man was running south from the Cherry Street area onto 11th Street, saying someone was chasing him with a firearm and shooting at him.
The caller reported hearing six to eight shots, along with “whizzing” noises believed to be bullets passing his residence. The person reportedly carrying the firearm was described as a heavier-set man wearing camouflage clothing.
Police received the report at approximately 6:09 p.m. Chief C. Gabriel and Officer M. Meyer arrived at approximately 6:12 p.m. near 11th Street and the south entrance to Courts Addition.
The man who reported being chased spoke with officers and pointed them toward the 200 block of Cypress Street, where he believed the other man had gone. Officers proceeded toward that area, passing residents who had come outside their homes.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., Gabriel spotted a group of people near the 200 block of Cypress Street. One of the men matched the description provided to police.
According to the department, the man became agitated when Gabriel addressed him and initially did not comply with commands to show his hands and get on the ground.
Police said that after officers observed no weapon in either of his hands, they presented what the release described as a less-lethal option to discourage further escalation. The release did not identify the device or indicate that it was used.
The man then complied with officers’ commands and was secured without further incident. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office assisted in securing the scene while authorities investigated what had occurred.
Preliminary findings indicated that a domestic incident in the area had resulted in a .45-caliber handgun becoming accessible to a man who subsequently left the immediate area with it, according to police.
Investigators determined that the man fired several rounds toward the other man near Second Avenue and the 200 block of Cypress Street, the release stated.
A .45-caliber handgun with an empty magazine and cartridge casings were recovered near the incident location.
Two men were taken to mental health facilities for evaluation, and police said corresponding agencies had been contacted. The release did not identify the men or specify whether both evaluations were connected to the same circumstances.
The department withheld additional details to protect the investigation, potential proceedings and the privacy of the victim, residents and others involved.
Police reported no immediate threat to the Harvard community at the time of the release. The incident is being reviewed by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office.
