OSAGE COUNTY—On Wednesday, all three Osage County deputies who were injured in the line of duty on November 15th have returned to full duty.
"Over the past several months, the Osage County community has prayed, checked in, sent cards, brought food, and shown more support than we could ever put into words. Those prayers, that encouragement, and that kindness mattered more than you know—not just to the deputies, but to their families and to this entire Sheriff’s Office."
"These three deputies showed incredible strength, resilience, and determination through their recovery. Watching them fight to heal and return to the work they love has been nothing short of inspiring."
"We are blessed to have them back where they belong—serving the citizens of Osage County."
"Thank you to everyone who stood with us during this time. Your support helped us through, and today we are sharing some very good news with you."
"Osage County is lucky to have deputies like these."
On Saturday morning Nov. 15, the Osage County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at 11222 S. Topeka Ave. in Osage County after a female resident called 911, according to a media release from the KBI.
Law enforcement encountered a male suspect, identified as Stephen M. McMillan, 22, outside the residence. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged. Three deputies and two KHP troopers fired during the incident. In the shooting, three deputies, one trooper, the suspect and a male resident were struck. The male resident was identified as the suspect's 77-year-old grandfather.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, cleared the residence, and rendered aid to the injured. All law enforcement officers were transported to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. The trooper was later transferred to KU Medical Center. The suspect's grandfather, 77, was also injured and taken to the hospital. McMillan was pronounced deceased at the scene.