Suspect in death of KCK officer has record of fleeing police, reckless driving

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - The man charged in the death of Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic has a significant criminal history.

Dennis Edward Mitchell III, 31, is held on suspicion of first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, and other crimes related to Simoncic’s death.

Investigators said Mitchell drove a stolen truck when officers tried to stop him early Tuesday morning. He ditched the truck and stole another one, according to investigators.

Officers were laying road spikes on the road when investigators said Mitchell hit Simoncic with the car. Mitchell left the scene before hitting a median and crashing his car a short time later.

Online court records show Mitchell has been charged in the past with reckless driving and fleeing from police in multiple counties. Tho