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John Thompson Sr.

Age : 59

Gender : Male

Race : Black

Date : 07/22/2026

Location : East 18th Street and Prospect Avenue

City : Kansas City

County : Jackson

State : Missouri

Agency : Missouri State Highway Patrol

Officer(s) :Not disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Pedestrian killed by police chase crash

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 07/22/2026 at approximately 1:00 a.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop the driver of a white Chevrolet Trax for reckless driving. The driver continued driving away while the trooper pursued through Kansas City. The pursuit entered the area of East 18th Street and Prospect Avenue, where the fleeing vehicle struck John Thompson Sr. as he crossed the street in a marked crosswalk.
The driver did not stop after striking Thompson and continued eastbound. One trooper immediately stopped to render aid to Thompson while another continued after the fleeing vehicle. The pursuing trooper later lost sight of the Chevrolet. Thompson died at the scene from his injuries.
At approximately 2:10 a.m., Kansas City Police Department officers located the abandoned Chevrolet Trax near Ruskin Way and Greenwood Road. The investigation determined the vehicle had been abandoned after the collision. Kansas City Police assumed the homicide investigation while the Missouri State Highway Patrol initiated an internal review of the pursuit.
Kansas City Police later identified the decedent as John Thompson Sr. Family members described him as a husband, father, grandfather, and longtime Kansas City resident who was walking home when he was struck. Investigators continued searching for the driver responsible for the fatal collision. Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing stated the pursuit had been initiated because of concerns that the driver's reckless behavior posed an immediate danger to the public.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://fox4kc.com/news/pedestrian-killed-by-driver-during-police-chase-in-kansas-city/
https://www.kctv5.com/2026/07/22/hit-and-run-driver-kills-pedestrian-mid-chase-kansas-city/
https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/pedestrian-struck-and-killed-by-driver-fleeing-missouri-state-highway-patrol