Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Richard Asten was killed after being intentionally struck by a stolen vehicle on 98th Street near the entrance to the Wyandotte County Fairgrounds. He was attempting to deploy stop sticks in the street when the driver of a Chevrolet Blazer intentionally turned and struck him, throwing him 250 feet down the street. The driver then crashed while attempting to make a turn after striking Sergeant Asten. He was arrested at the scene. The 26-year-old man, wanted for burglary, was convicted of Sergeant Asten's murder and was sentenced to 38 years in prison without the possibility of parole. His release date is September 16, 2033, but could be extended due to his terrible disciplinary record. Sergeant Asten had served with the Kansas City Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two stepsons, and a stepdaughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KS-051183F2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Asten gave the Kansas City Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Kansas City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Asten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Richard James Asten is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KS, 237 of 335 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.7% of this state's fallen. That is 16.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Kansas City Police Dept., 16 of 20 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard James Asten's cause is highlighted.
How Richard James Asten Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 38 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard James Asten is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard James Asten was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
19 officers from Kansas City Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
