BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. October 28 2021 The Butler County Sheriff’s Office said a patrol deputy, and part-time police officer for the City of Burns, died Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash. The crash happened just before 5 p.m. in the 5200 Block of NW Hwy 77, El Dorado, while 44-year-old Stephen Evans was on duty for the City of Burns.

The preliminary investigation indicates Evans was driving the Burns Police Department vehicle southbound and attempted a U-turn on Highway 77 and was struck in the driver’s side door by a pick-up truck that was also traveling southbound on Highway 77. Deputies and other first responders tried to revive Evans, but he died on the scene. The driver of the pick-up was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Burns City Clerk Faith Hatfield called Officer Evans an “amazing addition” to the City of Burns.

“He just wanted to help out with anything that he could help us out with. We have some issues that the city is dealing with. And, him and I were working together on those things. He always would just say, ‘Anything you need, just anything,’” said Hatfield.

Burns City Manager Mike Hammann said Evans’ death is a huge loss to this town and the police department.

“This little town here has a lot of big problems. I say we’re a little town with big problems. We didn’t need a hot head for a police officer. We needed someone with a calm demeanor and mature attitude and he was definitely that man. He came to our little town and gave everything to us,” Hammann said.

Evans leaves behind a wife and three children. Funeral services are pending at this time.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the crash with the assistance of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

KWCH

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