(ReliableNews.org) – There is an average of more than 3 million evictions in the US each year. Sometimes, they turn violent and lead to death. There were more than 30 fatal cases in 2023. Recently, a Missouri eviction over unpaid property taxes turned deadly.
On February 29, multiple civil process servers with the Jackson County court system arrived at an Independence home to complete an eviction. The officials knocked and announced their presence, but nobody responded. They removed the locks from the door and made entry.
Suspect Larry Acree allegedly opened fire as authorities walked into the home. A bullet struck Drexel Mack. Officers with the Independence Police Department responded to a call of shots fired and attempted to rescue Mack. The suspect began firing again, striking and killing Officer Cody Allen.
Two additional officers were also struck by gunfire. One of them underwent surgery. Both have been released from the hospital and are expected to recover. Officers were able to subdue the 69-year-old suspect. He’s currently behind bars on a $2 million bond.
Acree was evicted after losing his home due to unpaid property taxes. KMBC 9 reported the suspect owed $28,851.97 in property taxes dating back to 2019. A roofing company successfully sued him for $32,155. And he owed $1,139.28 for the vehicles that were on the property. His home was sold by the county in August for $260,000.
Mack’s family told KSHB 41 that he was born to serve. His sister, Carmon Mack, said he wanted to be a police officer. His nephew, Quayson Williams, called him a terrific role model and said the family knew his job as a process server was dangerous, but didn’t realize he could die. Rasheedah Bryant, a close family friend, described him as being “too good for this world.” Mack is survived by several children, a fiancé, and a large extended family.
Hundreds of people turned out for a vigil for Officer Allen in his hometown of Odessa. His father spoke at the event, saying, “I love my boy, and this is the hardest thing I have had to do.”
Allen is survived by his parents, wife, and two children.
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