WICHITA, Kan – A tragic shooting near a youth football game in Glen Dey Park, also known as Grove Park, in north Wichita has left Travon Stewart, 32, of Wichita, dead. The shooting occurred on Thursday, around 7 p.m., just as hundreds of people were gathered at the park for the game.
According to Wichita Police Department (WPD), an off-duty officer who was working security at the event heard gunshots and immediately went to investigate. The officer found Stewart, who had been shot multiple times, and began performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Despite efforts to save him, Stewart was later pronounced dead at a Wichita hospital.
At the time of the shooting, between 200 and 300 people were present at the game, though WPD officials clarified that no one else in the area was injured. The shooting occurred outside of the immediate area of the game, and police confirmed that no coaches, players, or spectators were involved in the incident.
As of late Thursday night, police had not identified a suspect and were continuing their investigation. WPD Chief Joe Sullivan emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated event and not related to the game itself. Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward. They are also asking local residents, particularly those living south of the park, to check any Ring doorbell footage or surveillance cameras for suspicious activity around the time of the shooting.
In the wake of the tragedy, Pastor ODell Harris, a community leader from a local church in the area, expressed his heartbreak and frustration over the violence. “I just wonder, when will this stop? Enough is enough,” Harris said. “What should’ve been a fun night for families has turned into a tragedy.”
Police are asking the public to contact WPD Investigations at 316-268-4407 or to leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.