Kansas Bureau of Investigation

COLBY — In the late evening hours Friday, law enforcement was sent to 540 E. Fifth, Colby, on the report of a domestic disturbance involving a subject with the gun.

Prior to law enforcement’s arrival, information was received that the subject, later identified as 65-year-old Charles Edward Dewey of Colby, had left the residence on foot.

Just after midnight on Saturday, law enforcement officers with the Colby Police Department, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol were involved in the search for Dewey. During the search, it is alleged that Dewey was located just west of 540 E. Fifth hiding under a camping trailer. When found, Dewey allegedly fired a handgun at the officers who in turn returned fire, and Dewey was fatally wounded.

No law enforcement officers were injured during this event. Two officers from the Colby Police Department and one deputy with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office were involved in this shooting. As is customary, the three law enforcement officers were placed on administrative leave by their respective agencies.

This event is still under investigation, and the efforts are being led by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. At the completion of this investigation, the case will be delivered to the Thomas County Attorney’s Office for review.