Phillips County deputy's death linked to larger explosive materials investigation

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has released new information in the investigation of the deaths of Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede and suspect Kolton Griffith. The office has now linked the shooting to a larger explosives investigation.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation asked the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to lead the independent investigation into the shooting. For the past several days, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office has processed the scene, conducted interviews, and collected evidence. The office also began working on the events that led to the shooting of Deputy Gaede, which they released on Thursday.

Timeline of events that led to Deputy Brandon Gaede's death:

At approximately 6:02 p.m. on Friday, June 27, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office says that the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received its first report of an explosion near 1st and E Streets. The responding deputy, who wasn't named, was initially unable to locate the source and cleared the area, believing fireworks may have caused the noise.

Around 8:31 p.m., 911 dispatchers received three more calls reporting loud booms in the same area. Deputy Gaede responded and began searching for the source. He contacted Griffith, who lived at 899 1st Street. Griffith denied involvement in the detonations, and Deputy Gaede cleared the call around 8:48 p.m.

However, Deputy Gade remained nearby and began looking into Kansas statutes related to the criminal use of explosives, believing the explosions were not commercial-grade fireworks.

At 9:18 p.m., another report of an explosion was received from the same area. Deputy Gaede, who was still nearby, observed smoke and made contact with Griffith, who was standing in his front yard. Griffith admitted setting off the explosive device, stating he intended to provoke one of the citizens who had reported the previous explosion. Determining that Griffith had violated state law regarding the criminal use of explosives, Deputy Gaede attempted to arrest him.

After securing one handcuff on Griffith’s left wrist, Griffith resisted, turned away, and drew a concealed revolver from his waistband. He fired five rounds, critically wounding Deputy Gaede.
Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, discharging eight rounds and killing Griffith.

A backup deputy arrived within seconds and began life-saving efforts. Deputy Gaede was transported to a local hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.

Explosives and firearms found:

As part of the ongoing investigation, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office said detectives obtained a search warrant for Griffith’s home. The Kansas Highway Patrol Hazardous Devices Unit assisted with the search, which uncovered more than 33 pounds of explosive materials, including ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, and commercial blasting caps. Investigators also recovered over 20 firearms and a large stockpile of ammunition.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office states that the investigation is ongoing, and upon its completion, the case will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney for review.