Zachary W. Zook, 33, was sentenced Wednesday, Nov. 5, to 21 months in prison for criminal possession of a firearm and six months for interference with law enforcement, according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently with each other but consecutively to any additional cases.

According to court documents, on May 20, 2022, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper stopped after noticing a man, later identified as Zook, working on his truck along Interstate 70 in Leavenworth County. During the encounter, the trooper observed behavior that led him to reasonably suspect Zook was armed and dangerous.

The trooper directed Zook to turn around for a pat-down, but Zook did not comply and ignored multiple lawful orders to lie on the ground. Zook then attempted to flee on foot. The trooper deployed his Taser and was able to take Zook into custody. A subsequent search of Zook’s waistband revealed a handgun.

Zook pleaded guilty on Aug. 29, 2025, to both charges. Court records also indicate that Zook had warrants out of Arkansas and Oklahoma. He served his prison time in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections prior to appearing on this case and still has pending matters in other jurisdictions.

“Law enforcement officers put themselves in unpredictable and dangerous situations every day,” Thompson said. “This case underscores the importance of compliance during police interactions and the risks officers face in ensuring public safety.”