Missouri police officer and court employee shot dead during eviction while 2 others wounded, ‘devastated’ community mourns loss

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI: In a devastating incident that unfolded during an eviction in Independence, Missouri, a police officer and a court employee lost their lives, while two other officers sustained injuries.

Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman identified the fallen officer as 35-year-old Cody Allen and the court employee as Drexel Mack, in his 40s.

Circumstances surrounding fatal shooting

The tragedy transpired when police responded to a call reporting that a process server had been shot shortly after 1 pm on Thursday, Februrary 29.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Mack was at a home serving an eviction notice when someone from inside the home began shooting at him.

While several process servers were present at the scene, no police officers were initially on-site. However, when officers arrived, the suspect opened fire on them.

During the incident, Officer Allen was shot while rendering aid to Mack, as reported by KMBC.

The suspect was eventually taken into custody and transported to a hospital with minor injuries, although specific details about the nature of the injuries were not disclosed by the police.

Remembering Cody Allen and Drexel Mack

Officer Allen had served with the Independence Police for two years, but his career in law enforcement spanned a more extended period. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

Court employee Mack had dedicated 12 years to the Jackson County courts and is survived by his fiancee.

Chief Dustman remembered Officer Allen as an officer who "always had a smile".

“He was the guy that when you go on a call, you knew he was gonna be there,” the chief added. “He could defuse things in a moment’s notice. He was right there to back you up.”

“We are devastated that a court employee, who is a public servant, was shot by a member of the public while performing their job,” 16th Judicial Circuit Court Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto expressed. 

“Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with our employee, our entire Court family, and the Independence Police Department.”

 The police have not released the suspect's name or the charges they may face.