A Kansas City, Kansas, police officer and a 47-year-old man were injured Tuesday afternoon during a physical struggle that followed a foot chase.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Kansas City, Kansas, police located Roberto Pineda, 47, of Kansas City, Kansas, at about 4:15 p.m. in a business parking lot in the 2900 block of State Avenue. Police had been searching for Pineda after he allegedly fled an earlier traffic stop and ran over an officer’s foot with a vehicle.
According to preliminary information from the KBI, Pineda ran from officers after being ordered to exit his vehicle. Two officers chased him, and a physical struggle began when they caught up to him.
The KBI said Pineda grabbed an officer’s firearm while it was still secured on the officer’s gun belt and attempted to gain control of it. During the struggle, the officer used a knife to stab Pineda multiple times while another officer struck Pineda with a baton.
Officers handcuffed Pineda after he released the firearm and provided medical aid. One officer suffered a broken hand during the struggle.
Pineda and the injured officer were taken to KU Medical Center. The officer was treated and released, while Pineda was listed in stable condition and is expected to survive.
Pineda was arrested on allegations of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer stemming from the earlier traffic stop. The KBI said additional charges are expected in connection with the later incident.
The KBI is independently investigating the use-of-force incident. Its findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney when the investigation is complete.
