A tragic officer-involved shooting in rural Osage County, Kansas, on November 15, 2025, left 22-year-old Stephen McMillan dead and four law enforcement officers injured. The incident unfolded near Carbondale after authorities were dispatched to a residence for a reported domestic disturbance. What began as a routine response escalated into one of the most violent law enforcement encounters the county has experienced in years.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., Osage County deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol personnel arrived at the rural property following reports of a disturbance involving McMillan and family members. Upon arrival, officers encountered McMillan standing outside the home and armed. Neighbors later described hearing shouting followed by sudden, rapid gunfire that shattered the quiet of the normally peaceful area.
Within less than ten minutes of officers arriving on scene, McMillan allegedly opened fire, prompting deputies and the responding Kansas Highway Patrol trooper to return fire. The exchange left McMillan fatally wounded. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four law enforcement officers sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation. The wounded included three deputies from the Osage County Sheriff’s Office and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper. Among the injured was Trooper Adam Ellis, who has since become the focus of community fundraising efforts facilitated by the Kansas State Troopers Association.
Two of the injured officers—a deputy and Trooper Ellis—were treated at local hospitals and released shortly after. The remaining two deputies required surgery but were reported to be in good condition. Authorities have commended the swift actions of first responders and medical teams who helped stabilize the officers.
A civilian victim was also caught in the gunfire. McMillan’s 77-year-old grandfather suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound during the incident. He is expected to survive, and family members have expressed gratitude for the medical care he received.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has taken charge of the case to ensure an independent and transparent review. Agents processed the scene, interviewed witnesses, and analyzed evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events. Once the investigation is complete, findings will be forwarded to the county prosecutor for review.
Residents of the Carbondale area have expressed shock and sadness over the violence. Many described McMillan’s family as well-liked and peaceful, making the sudden eruption of gunfire all the more difficult to comprehend. Community members have rallied around the injured officers and the family affected by the tragedy, emphasizing the tight-knit support system typical of rural Kansas communities.
As the KBI continues its investigation, further updates are expected to be released through official channels, including the agency’s website and social media platforms.
