On July 19, 2022, Officer Daniel Vasquez, 32, of the North Kansas City Police Department was shot and killed during what began as a routine traffic stop near 21st Avenue and Clay Street. Vasquez, a two-year department veteran described as a shining star, stopped a vehicle for an expired temporary tag at about 10:40 a.m. When the driver exited the car he opened fire; Vasquez was taken to a hospital and died of his wounds. This was the first time a North Kansas City officer was killed in the line of duty.

The driver, identified as 24-year-old Joshua T. Rocha, fled but turned himself in hours later and was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Dashcam footage reportedly shows Rocha using an AR-15-style rifle and a recorded interview includes Rocha admitting to the shooting; defense counsel conceded Rocha had killed Officer Vasquez while disputing the degree of the crime.

Anyone who remembers that morning or has information about the stop, the vehicle, or events leading up to the shooting is asked to come forward.