Police Chief Killed While Trying to Help Officers

A police chief in Kansas City has died after being shot when he answered a call for backup.Robert Melton, an officer with 17 years of service, was shot and killed yesterday when he responded to a report of an armed disturbance at aprroximately 1:30 PM. When Melton arrived, one of the suspects open fire and killed him.According to KMBC news, three people were taken into custody. One was questioned and later released.Melton had previously served in Afghanistan as a member of the National Guard. He was 46 years old."Capt. John Ham of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said 20 of his department's agents are assisting in the investigation and helping Kansas City, Kansas, police any way they can," KMBC reported.

Police departments across the nation have sent their condolences, and several public figures have made statements. Governor Sam Brownback sent out this tweet:

Kansas grieves for the KCK officer who today lost his life in the line of duty. We pray for his family and stand with the @KCKPDChief.

— Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) July 19, 2016

Rep. Kevin Yoder also released this statement:

"For the second time in only two months, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department is dealing with the tragic loss of one of its own. Brooke and I join the entire KCK community in praying for Capt. Robert Melton and our heartfelt sympathies go out to the broken-hearted family he leaves behind. We want to thank the doctors and nurses at KU Hospital who did everything in their power to try and save his life and hope we can all honor his memory by coming together as a community. The tragic killing of our law enforcement officers must stop."

Police have not released any further information regarding the suspects at this time. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected by the shooting.