Ronald Klein

Deadly force

KHP 2nd Lt. Robert Sharp and trooper Joseph Whitam shot and killed Ronald Klein during a standoff at his home in rural Wathena. Officers had responded at around 10 a.m. after receiving a call that he was disturbed and armed. Sheriff Mike Batchelder, along with members of the WPD and the KHP arrived and found Klein allegedly threatening three men with a rifle. Batchelder reportedly convinced Klein to release the men and to put the rifle down, though Klein maintained control of the gun while Batchelder tried to get him to surrender. Batchelder requested two more troopers at about 12:20 p.m. Eleven minutes later, shooting reportedly broke out as officers tried to take Klein into custody.