NKC Officer Killed During Traffic Stop

North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez was killed after he initiated a traffic stop in the area of 21st and Clay streets in North Kansas City. The incident happened around 10:40 am today.

Clay County Sheriff Will Akin said the officer was pulling the vehicle over because of an expired temporary tag on the car when the driver fired his weapon at the officer. The vehicle, a gray 2018 Ford Taurus with expired Missouri temp tags 03GU43, left the area.

It is unclear at this time whether the officer was hit while still in his car or while approaching the suspect vehicle. The officer initiated the vehicle stop alone, however a backup unit was close by.

“Vehicle stops are the number one [most] dangerous situation that a police officer can be in, and this proves that point,” stated Sheriff Akin during a 12:30 pm press conference.

Officer Vasquezwas transferred to KU Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. Officer Vasquez was just 32 years old and joined the NKC Police Department in 2021. He is the department’s first line of duty death in the history of the department.

If you would like to donate to the family of Officer Daniel Vasquez, killed in the line of duty 7/19/22, you can do so by clicking here.

**UPDATE** On July 19 at 1:50pm. Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced they have the suspect in custody. Joshua T. Rocha, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He is held on $2 million bond.

 KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story