No one hurt in gunfire exchange following car burglary Thursday

Car burglaries resulted in an exchange of gunfire in southeast Shawnee County early Thursday.

According to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, criminals burglarized 15-20 vehicles from Croco Road to Paulen Road and 21st Street to 37th Street. Many of the vehicles were left unlocked; however the criminals also broke out several car windows and stole items inside.

At around 03:15 Thursday morning, a victim who lives in the 4500 block of SE 25th woke up and found two suspects burglarizing a vehicle in his driveway. The victim armed himself with a shotgun and confronted the suspects. The suspects ran from the residence, firing at least four shots at the victim that struck the victim’s vehicle and house. The victim returned fire at the suspects. Nobody was shot in the exchange of gunfire.

Deputies responded to the scene of the shooting and collected evidence and canvassed the area. Witnesses reported seeing a newer, white minivan with a broken out rear window leave the area following the shooting.

Anyone with information about this vehicle or the suspects are asked to call the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 251-2200. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007.