Man Charged After Non-Fatal Deputy-Involved Shooting

A man is facing serious charges after a non-fatal shooting involving deputies that occurred Saturday, August 30, in Kansas City, Missouri. The incident unfolded around 2:21 p.m. on the 5200 block of North Oak Trafficway, after police were alerted to a disturbance involving an adult male armed with a large knife at a shopping center. According to Kansas City Missouri Police Department, the individual had left the scene before officers arrived.

Authorities broadcasted a description of the suspect, and a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy soon spotted the individual near NE 50th St. and North Oak Trafficway at approximately 2:27 p.m. When the deputy attempted to investigate, the man produced a large knife from his waistband and fled northbound along North Oak Trafficway. Deputies initiated a foot pursuit, repeatedly ordering the suspect to stop and drop the weapon.

The chase led to a wooded area, where deputies continued to issue commands for the suspect to surrender. The man stopped but then charged at the deputies before halting again. As backup, including Sheriff K-9 units, was called to the scene to de-escalate the situation, deputies persisted in instructing the man to drop the knife and give himself up peacefully. The suspect again refused to comply and still armed, charged the deputies a second time. At this time, two deputies discharged their service weapons, striking the man.

Deputies immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical services arrived and transported the individual to a local hospital. His injuries were non-life-threatening, and he was expected to be released from the hospital the same evening. A large knife was recovered at the scene. No deputies were injured during the encounter.

The suspect has been identified as Aaron M. Perez-Engel, 38, who now faces charges of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action. He is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.