FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2025

For More Information Contact:
Scott Williamson
Chief of Police
Police Department
660.785.6945

Kirksville Police briefing for January 8, 2025, officer-involved shooting

(Kirksville, MO) - In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Kirksville Police Department is providing the following briefing for the officer-involved shooting that occurred on January 8, 2025. Included in this briefing are the dispatch recording, body-worn camera recording, and still photos. (Note: the body-worn camera for the second officer activated after the incident.)

On January 8, 2025, Adair County Central Dispatch received a call stating that Carl Lewis was suicidal and wanted to hurt himself with a knife or gun. Officers were dispatched to the residence.

Cpl. Ryan Ford arrived on the scene first and heard yelling inside the residence. He opened the front door and the female resident told Cpl. Ford, “He’s got a knife!”

Cpl. Ford was then confronted by Mr. Lewis, who was 8 to 10 feet away with a large chef's knife. Cpl. Ford gave multiple orders for Mr. Lewis to drop the knife.

When Ofc. Michael Davis arrived, Cpl. Ford instructed him to use less-lethal (Taser) on Mr. Lewis. As Ofc. Davis attempted to position himself for a Taser deployment, Mr. Lewis charged with the knife raised in a stabbing position.

At about six feet away, Cpl. Ford fired two shots from his duty-issued pistol, striking Mr. Lewis both times.

The time from initial contact to shots fired was approximately 26 seconds.

The officers immediately notified dispatch for medical assistance and began rendering aid to Mr. Lewis. Mr. Lewis was transported to Northeast Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

The Kirksville Police Department notified the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control (MSHP DDCC) and MSHP DDCC took over the investigation.

The MSHP DDCC was given full access to all recordings, videos, and documents related to the investigation. Its full investigation was then presented to Adair County Prosecuting Attorney David Goring.

After consideration and review, Prosecuting Attorney Goring determined the use of deadly force by Cpl. Ford on January 8, 2025, was justified.

The footage can be viewed at https://youtu.be/mUGGku_KxLE?si=pvMPGvGHNEFgrAux.

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