Topeka Police Department Press Conference Summary
Week of October 6, 2026
One dead in officer-involved shooting in southwest Topeka
Schmidt pronounced dead at the scene
No Topeka police officers injured in fatal shooting
Police were attempting to serve protective order violation
Schmidt ignored commands before gunfire was exchanged
Officers placed on administrative leave pending investigation
Kansas Bureau of Investigation to lead shooting probe
Body camera footage to be released following KBI review
Schmidt's family to view body camera footage within 72 hours
One dead in officer-involved shooting in southwest Topeka
TOPEKA, Kan. - Michael Wayne Schmidt, 47, of Topeka, was killed in an officer-involved shooting Sunday afternoon in the 3100 block of Southwest Chelsea Drive. Topeka Police Department officers arrived at the residence at approximately 4:28 p.m. to locate Schmidt, who police said was suspected of violating a protective order. Following an altercation where police stated Schmidt accessed a firearm, both Schmidt and a responding officer discharged their weapons, resulting in Schmidt's death.
Schmidt pronounced dead at the scene
TOPEKA, Kan. - Schmidt, involved in the exchange of gunfire with Topeka police, was pronounced dead at the scene. Medical personnel were immediately summoned following the shooting on Southwest Chelsea Drive, but Schmidt succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to a local hospital. Authorities have identified the deceased as Michael Wayne Schmidt.
No Topeka police officers injured in fatal shooting
TOPEKA, Kan. - No law enforcement officers were injured during the fatal officer-involved shooting in southwest Topeka. Despite the exchange of gunfire with Schmidt, all responding Topeka Police Department personnel emerged unharmed from the incident.
Police were attempting to serve protective order violation
TOPEKA, Kan. - Topeka police officers were originally dispatched to the Southwest Chelsea Drive residence in response to a prior incident involving what police described as a protective order violation. Topeka Police Chief of Staff Jamey Haltom stated that upon arrival, officers made contact with Schmidt. The routine investigation escalated shortly after when, according to police, Schmidt retreated from the officers.
Schmidt ignored commands before gunfire was exchanged
TOPEKA, Kan. - During the initial police investigation, police say Schmidt fled into a bedroom and accessed a firearm. According to Haltom, officers gave repeated commands for Schmidt to drop the weapon. Preliminary investigations indicate that Schmidt refused, prompting both him and one of the responding officers to discharge their weapons, according to police statements.
Officers placed on administrative leave pending investigation
TOPEKA, Kan. - The two Topeka Police Department officers present during the fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave. This action is a standard department policy following any officer-involved shooting. Both officers will remain on leave while the incident is thoroughly investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).
Kansas Bureau of Investigation to lead shooting probe
TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been requested to take over the investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting. Haltom announced that handing the case to the KBI is standard protocol to ensure an independent and transparent review of the incident. Moving forward, the Topeka Police Department will defer further informational releases to the state agency.
Body camera footage to be released following KBI review
TOPEKA, Kan. - The Topeka Police Department plans to release body-worn camera footage of the fatal shooting upon the completion of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's criminal and administrative reviews. Haltom reiterated the department's commitment to transparency, noting that the release will strictly align with standard departmental policies regarding public records and body-worn cameras.
Schmidt's family to view body camera footage within 72 hours
TOPEKA, Kan. - Schmidt's family will be given the opportunity to view the police body-worn camera footage within 72 hours of the incident. Haltom confirmed that this private viewing is part of the department's standard protocol, allowing the family to see the footage prior to its eventual public release.
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