England’s World Cup campaign in Kansas City is taking place amid heightened security concerns, with local police continuing their search for an armed and dangerous suspect following a series of shootings near the team’s training base.
According to GiveMeSport, 22-year-old Oscar Sanchez-Munoz remains at large after authorities linked him to multiple incidents across the city, prompting increased security measures around England’s World Cup operations.
England Given Heavy Police Escort
The Three Lions returned to Kansas City on Wednesday evening after opening their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia. England are using Swope Soccer Village as their training base during the tournament, with the facility located in a less affluent part of the city.
GiveMeSport reports that the squad is receiving a heavy police escort while travelling between their hotel and training ground throughout the group stage as authorities continue their search for the suspect.
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The heightened security comes as several fringe players are due to take part in a behind-closed-doors match at the training complex.
Police Continue Search for ‘Armed and Dangerous’ Suspect
The manhunt intensified after Kansas City police responded to reports of four separate shootings across the city within a 30-minute period on Tuesday night.
One of the incidents occurred on Prospect Avenue, around a 15-minute drive from England’s training base. The shootings resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, with three adults and one teenager taken to hospital. One adult reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries.
Investigators have described Sanchez-Munoz as “armed and dangerous” and have urged members of the public to contact authorities immediately if they see him.
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According to GiveMeSport, police later surrounded a house in Independence where the suspect was believed to be hiding. The standoff lasted several hours before the property caught fire. Although Sanchez-Munoz’s vehicle was found at the scene, officers did not locate the suspect after the blaze was extinguished.
Police Chief Issues Warning
Kansas City Police Department Chief Stacey Graves stressed the urgency of the search.
“If you see this individual, please call the TIPS hotline, please call 911 immediately,” Graves said.
“We are hot on the trail of this subject, and we want to make sure he’s taken into custody as soon as possible.”
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The security concerns extend beyond England’s base. The Daily Mail reported that an Uber driver was struck while transporting supporters to an Argentina World Cup match.
Despite the incidents, Graves sought to reassure both residents and visitors attending the tournament.
“I want people to know that the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is out here protecting and serving,” she said. “We have a lot of law enforcement agencies here in Kansas City not only to keep Kansas City safe but also World Cup events.”
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