Police Officer Shot, Killed While Responding To Call In Kansas City, Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Kansas (CBSNewYork) -- A police officer was shot and killed in Kansas City, Kansas, Tuesday, as he responded with other officers to a drive-by shooting.

Kansas City Police Capt. Robert David Melton was on an armed disturbance call at the time of the incident, Police Chief Terry Zeigler told CBS affiliate KCTV-TV, Kansas City.

Someone had reported three or four people were shooting in his direction, KCTV reported.

Melton was shot in his squad car as he approached a group of people who matched the description he received in the call, KCTV reported.

Melton responded at 1:37 p.m. Central Time and was shot at 1:58 p.m., KCTV reported. He was pronounced dead at 2:30 p.m. at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, KCTV reported.

Police said Melton responded to the scene alone, KCTV reported.

Police and the FBI were on the scene investigating, and multiple people were taken into custody.

Mark Holland, Mayor of and Chief Executive Officer of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County called on the community to support the police officers who serve the city, KCTV reported.

"We ask everyone to be just prayerful," Holland was quoted by KCTV. "We have a lot of grief already, but for this to strike again with a lot of energy and a lot of pain. Don't jump to conclusions. We have to investigate and get the facts."

U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kan., said the "tragic killing of our law enforcement officers must stop," KCTV reported.

Neighboring Kansas City, Missouri, police expressed grief and disgust.

"Condolences don't seem enough anymore. Our friends and neighbors across the state line, the Kansas City Kansas Police Department - KCKPD, lost another officer in the line of duty today - their second this year. Another protector's family is grieving. Another police department is hurting. We all are," Kansas City, Missouri, police said in a statement. "We stand ready to assist our neighbors in any way possible."

In the Tri-State Area, the Nassau County Patrolmen's Benevolent Association issued a statement noting that Melton was the second police officer shot and killed in Kansas City in two months.

''The Nassau County PBA mourns for Police Captain Robert Melton killed in Kansas and sends our heartfelt condolences to his family. The craziness in this world must stop. The police have to be recognized as good people trying to make our communities safer and not be subjected to hateful chants and rhetoric," the statement continued.

"We need our nation to take a strong stand in supporting the police and sternly denounce the hateful rhetoric and the killing of police officers. We all need to come together and unite to make our country a safe place for everyone," the statement said.

The Kansas City shooting came two days after a gunman targeted and killed three officers at close range, and wounded three others, in Baton Rouge.

And earlier this month in Dallas, five officers were shot and killed by a sniper during a protest.