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DA: Kan. Sheriff’s deputy acted in self-defense in 2016 shooting

A distant view of the scene of the officer-involved shooting north of Hays

ELLIS COUNTY—According to a news release issued Friday by the Ellis County Attorney’s office, no charges will be filed in a Nov. 8, 2016, officer-involved shooting north of Hays.

“Following an investigation by Ellis County Coroner Dr. Lyle Noordhoek, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays Police Department, it has been determined that the deputy acted in self-defense — that he reasonably believed shooting the suspect was necessary to prevent his own death or great bodily harm,” the release said. “Therefore, no crime occurred and no charges will be filed.”

While the release did not name the victim, he was identified by the Lincoln Journal-Star as 18-year-old Kenton Kobza, David City, Neb. The Ellis County Sheriff’s deputy involved in the shooting also was not identified.

“The names of the suspect and the officer involved will not be released as disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,” the news release said.

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