State News: Suspect, Three Others Die in Shooting at Hesston Factory

Hesston, KS (westernkansasnews.com) Authorities say at least four people including the gunman are dead and at least a dozen injured some critically after a mass shooting at the Excel Industries lawn care equipment factory in Hesston. According to the sheriff’s department the call came into Harvey County Dispatchers around 5 Thursday afternoon. Sheriff T. Walton says if it was not for the actions of one officer this could have been a lot worse.

Several workers identified the shooter, but authorties still have not released the identity of the suspect or those hurt or killed in the shooting. This man heard the horror that was unfolding before him.

At the time of the shooting about 150 people were reportedly in the factory. The business employs about 1,000.

The investigation is now focused on a restraining order given to the suspect Cedric Ford early Thursday. The order told Ford to keep away from his girlfriend. Sheriff Walton says there did not appear to be anything unusual about Ford’s reaction.

Hesston Police Department Sergeant Chris Carter says he loaded one of the shooting victims into a pick-up truck. Carter … calling the experience “overwhelming” … but saying he was just doing his job: