On June 27, 2025, a call about illegal fireworks in Phillipsburg, Kansas, ended with a deputy and a resident dead. Deputy Brandon Gaede, 30, of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of explosions at 899 1st Street, the home of 27-year-old Kolton Griffith. After returning to the scene that evening, Gaede confronted Griffith, who admitted setting off an explosive device.

During the arrest attempt a struggle ensued and Griffith produced a concealed handgun, shooting Gaede five times. Gaede returned fire and struck Griffith; Griffith was found dead at the scene. Gaede was taken to a local hospital and died at 10:24 p.m. The Hazardous Devices Unit later recovered a large cache of illegal explosive materials, commercial blasting caps, over 20 firearms and substantial ammunition at Griffith’s residence. Gaede was an eight-year deputy and is survived by his wife and three young children.

Did anyone in Phillipsburg witness activity near 899 1st Street that evening or have information about the explosives?