Crime Stoppers program commends community tips in tracking down suspect in Lee’s Summit police shooting

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. (KCTV) - The man accused of shooting a Lee’s Summit police officer is behind bars after a two-day manhunt ended in Ellis, Kansas.

Police say 27-year-old Thomas Tolbert shot an officer in the chest Sunday morning while responding to a domestic dispute call. He fled on foot, prompting a police pursuit across state lines. According to Crime Stoppers, tips from the community helped bring the search to an end.

“The community, we need your help. We can’t do this without you,” said Christina Ludwig, director of the Crime Stoppers program. “We know you’re scared so that’s why we exist and that’s why we’re out there, and we’re here to help you.”

Ludwig said the hotline received about 20 tips related to the case, including suspect descriptions, sightings, and vehicle information. Detectives pursued every lead, which ultimately led to Tolbert’s arrest Tuesday morning.

“It could be the smallest detail but their vigilance is our success,” Ludwig said. “The more cases we solve, the more dangerous people we can get off the streets and the more safe our communities are going to be so we need your help, we ask your help, we appreciate the media’s help in getting the word out.”

Callers who submitted tips to Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000.

As police worked to track down the suspect, others in the community focused on helping the injured officer and his family.

Ronnie Doumitt, founder of the nonprofit “Answering the Call,” said he was quick to respond after hearing about the shooting.

“What we will never allow to happen to one of our first responders, when they’re off work, due to a severe catastrophic injury, or a rare aggressive illness, they will never need financially,” said Doumitt.

READ MORE: Captured: Fugitive accused of shooting Lee’s Summit police officer arrested

Doumitt founded the organization in 2015 to help first responders and their families in crisis. Last year, ATC reports it donated $260,000 back to Missouri and Kansas first responders, and their families.

In this case, Doumitt said his organization provided immediate financial assistance to the officer’s wife on Monday afternoon.

“She’s gonna have to take time off work. She may not have the leave time available so there’s another secondary check that’s gonna be impacted,” he said.

He said the officer was responding to a woman in danger and now, the community is rallying to protect him in return.

“You have this female who’s in need, and then you have this complete stranger, officer who shows up and now he’s the one laying in the hospital that he put himself in harm’s way to protect her and now that’s why the community wants to sort of surround this family and him,” Doumitt said.

Authorities say the officer remains hospitalized as he recovers. Doumitt says his organization plans to stay by the family’s side throughout this process and offer assistance as needed.

Those with information about future cases can KC Crime Stoppers at (816) 474-TIPS (8477). All callers are kept anonymous and could receive a cash reward for information leading to a arrest.

More information about how to donate to Answering the Call can be found online. To donate directly to the cause, click HERE.

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