Phillips County Sheriff’s deputy dies, suspect dead after gunfire exchanged in Phillipsburg

PHILLIPSBURG, Kan. (KWCH) - UPDATE 6/28/25 11:09 AM:

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening, June 27, 2025, in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation requested the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office lead the independent investigation following the incident due to a conflict of interest. A KBI employee is related to one of the parties involved.

At around 9:28 p.m. Friday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street in Phillipsburg.

Phillips County Sheriff’s deputy, Brandon Gaede, responded to the scene and contacted 27-year-old Kolton Griffith, a resident of the address and the individual believed responsible for the fireworks.

During the encounter, the Gaede gathered probable cause to arrest Griffith. As he attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the Gaede

Despite being struck by gunfire, Gaede returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.

EMS transported Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the shooting. Detectives are reviewing evidence and statements from witnesses, medical staff, and others involved.

The Sheriff’s Office will release additional information as it becomes available. The case findings will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing.

UPDATE 6/28/25: According to the Holdrege Police Department’s post on social media, Phillips County Undersheriff Brandon Gaede died Friday night following an officer involved shooting in Phillipsburg.

Gaede is said to be survived by his wife Karlye, and 3 young children.

There has been an account established at Farmers State Bank in Phillipsburg to help the family during this time.

Another local fundraiser is being held by ‘Get Scooped’ ice cream shop in Phillipsburg. According to a post made by the shop on Facebook, half of Saturday’s sales will be raised for the Gaede Children.

According to the KBI, the KBI’s Crime Scene Response Team responded to the initial call but the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office will be leading the investigation.

The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a wounded deputy was rushed to a hospital and a suspect is dead after gunfire was exchanged Friday night in Phillipsburg.

In a post on its Facebook page a little before 11 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office said that before shots were fired, the deputy was responding to a fireworks call in Phillipsburg at the corner of 1st and E Street.

“Please avoid the area. KBI has been notified and will be assisting with the investigation,” the sheriff’s office said. “We ask for prayers for all.”