A kidnapped 5-year-old girl is dead after a shoot-out between police and her alleged kidnapper in Leavenworth, Kansas.
According to KSHB, family members say 30 year-old Marcus McGowan took 5 year-old Cadence Harris from her home.
According to the Kansas City Star, McGowan lived with Harris and her mother at McGowan's grandparents' home.
TheStar quotes McGowan's grandmother as saying, "'He didn’t kidnap her ... She lived here with us. She was like a granddaughter to me.'"
The chase reportedly began in Atchison, Kansas on Friday evening when McGowan took Harris from their home and across state lines.
"Shortly after 7:30 last night when the suspect drove into a construction zone. Police say he jumped out of his vehicle and fired at officers." (Via KSHB)
Early reports were unclear about whether the police or McGowan had shot the little girl.
That was before the Kansas Bureau of Investigations announced no police bullets had struck Harris, or the vehicle, which would lay the blame at McGowan's feet. (Via Leavenworth Times)
Investigators are looking for help from community members who knew McGowan, who have so far talked to local media outlets.
"Lee remembers McGowan as a guy that liked to party, not one prone to violence. 'From what I know, he was an alright guy. I got along with him.'" (Via KCTV)
McGowan was wounded in the shootout and was taken to the hospital. It is unclear what charges he will face.
