Police confirmed Friday morning that Cedric Larry Keith Ford, 38, shot and killed three people Thursday in an a rampage through two towns in Kansas that ended in a shootout between himself and law enforcement.
Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton said in a press conference that Ford, who lived in Newton, Kansas, had been served with a protective order at 3:30 p.m. local time Thursday at Excel Industries, where he worked. The shooting began around 5 p.m., Walton said.
Walton did not specifically comment on why Ford was served with a protective order, but he said they typically are filed by a partner because of abusive relationships.
Guns are not confiscated when an individual is served with the protective order, the sheriff said, and Ford had an assault rifle and automatic pistol that he used in the attacks. Walton said he did not know how Ford acquired his guns.
Fourteen people were wounded and those victims ranged from stable to critical conditions, Walton said. He said police planned to release the names of the deceased later Friday or Saturday.
While Walton said that the attacks were not a workplace shooting, he offered no other motive. The sheriff said the FBI, ATF and local law enforcement were involved in the investigation.
“Again, this is a tragic event for the city of Heston and Harvey county. We’re going to get through this. We’re going to do it right. We’re going to make sure this investigation is concluded,” Walton said.
Excel Industries CEO Paul Mullet said the company was “deeply saddened” by the shooting.
“Our hearts go out to our employees and their families who are enduring this tragedy,” Mullet said. “Our first priority has been and will remain the safety and wellness of our employees.”
