Man killed by police officers had multiple bullet wounds

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A gun-wielding man fatally shot by police during St. Patrick's Day festivities had 17 bullet wounds, a medical examination showed. But authorities said Tuesday that they still don't know how many times Kirt J. Morrissey was shot.

Kansas City Police are waiting for a Jackson County medical examiner's report to determine which of the 17 holes were entrance or exit wounds. The four officers who shot Morrissey had surrounded him, with two on each side in a formation resembling a horseshoe.

Police have declined to say how many shots were fired or to identify the involved officers, who have been placed on routine administrative leave.

The shooting happened about 11 p.m. Sunday in the city's Westport entertainment district as the holiday party was winding down.

Westport security officers called police after spotting Morrissey armed with a handgun outside a nightclub, police said. Morrissey, of Pahrump, Nev., then ran about a block from the scene and was spotted by police.

The 46-year-old pointed the gun at the officers and yelled at them, police said. The suspect then ran into the middle of the street in front of Broadway Baptist Church, again yelling and pointing his weapon, police said.

That's when police opened fire. Morrissey was pronounced dead at the scene.