In February 2023, John Anderton, a 50-year-old resident of Kansas City, Kansas, was fatally shot by former police officer Collin Ward. The incident has led Anderton’s family to file a federal lawsuit alleging excessive and malicious use of force.
Incident Overview
On the evening of February 3, 2023, Anderton was at his sister’s residence when two individuals overdosed. He attempted to assist them by performing CPR and called 911 for emergency services.
Concerned that remaining at the scene might exacerbate his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Anderton left the house on his bicycle before police arrived.
Officer Collin Ward, responding to the overdose call, was informed that Anderton had departed on a bicycle. Ward located Anderton a few blocks away, walking his bike.
Body camera footage reveals a calm exchange between the two, during which Anderton explained his departure: “There wasn’t anything I could do.” The situation escalated when Ward attempted to arrest Anderton for an outstanding misdemeanor trespassing warrant.
Anderton fled toward a wooded area, and Ward pursued him on foot. During the chase, Ward shouted for Anderton to stop reaching.
Believing Anderton was drawing a weapon, Ward fired approximately twelve shots, striking Anderton five times, including in the back and the back of the head.
A .22 caliber revolver was found near Anderton’s body; his brother later stated that Anderton had found the gun and that it was inoperable.
Legal Actions and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed by Anderton’s brother, Eric Anderton, names Collin Ward, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) Chief Karl Oakman as defendants.
It alleges that Ward’s use of deadly force was excessive, unnecessary, and reflects systemic failures within the police department. The suit also accuses the Unified Government and Chief Oakman of failing to properly train and supervise Ward.
Officer Ward’s History
This incident was not Ward’s first involvement in a shooting. In May 2020, he and another officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle.
Upon encountering a man entering the vehicle, Ward’s partner deployed a taser, and Ward fired multiple shots, injuring the individual.
The man, who was later found to have been hired to clean the vehicle, sustained serious injuries but survived. A lawsuit filed in connection with this incident was dismissed at the plaintiff’s request.
Current Employment Status
Following the Anderton shooting, Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree announced in August 2023 that Ward would not face charges, stating that he “acted within the bounds of the law.” Ward resigned from KCKPD in September 2023 and subsequently joined the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri.
A spokesperson for the Clay County Sheriff’s Department confirmed awareness of Ward’s involvement in the shootings and stated that these incidents did not disqualify him from employment.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | February 3, 2023 |
| Victim | John Anderton, 50 years old |
| Officer Involved | Collin Ward |
| Location | Kansas City, Kansas |
| Reason for Police Presence | Response to reported overdoses at a residence |
| Sequence of Events | – Anderton performed CPR on friends who overdosed – Left the scene on bicycle due to health concerns – Officer Ward located Anderton nearby – Attempted arrest led to Anderton fleeing – Ward pursued and fired approximately 12 shots, hitting Anderton 5 times |
| Weapon Found | .22 caliber revolver near Anderton’s body; reported as inoperable by family |
| Legal Outcome | No charges filed against Officer Ward; lawsuit filed by Anderton’s family alleging excessive force |
The fatal shooting of John Anderton by former officer Collin Ward has prompted serious allegations against the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and its oversight.
The family’s lawsuit underscores concerns about the use of force and the adequacy of officer training and supervision. As the case proceeds, it highlights the ongoing national discourse on police conduct and accountability.
