TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Child welfare officials investigated the family of a 5-year-old Kansas girl five times in the 13 months before she was raped and killed, but couldn't confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, and the family repeatedly declined offers of help, a report released Tuesday showed.

The report by the state Department of Children and Families said in one case, the agency confirmed that the mother wasn't properly supervising Zoey Felix, but the girl was placed with her father and because of that, “No safety concerns were identified.” After receiving allegations in late August of drug use and lack of utilities in the home, child welfare officials made seven failed attempts to reach the family over the next month.

On Oct. 2, Zoey died after fire crews couldn't resuscitate her at a gas station. Neighbors believe Zoey and her father had been camping in a grove of trees on a vacant lot nearby.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">Mickel Cherry,</a>&nbsp;a 25-year-old homeless man, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">charged</a>&nbsp;with first-degree murder, rape and capital murder, and could face the death penalty. Authorities haven't said how Zoey died.

“Zoey Felix’s death was an unacceptable tragedy," Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement accompanying the Department of Children and Families' two-page summary of its interactions with the girl's family.

Kelly said she plans to push for legislation next year that would expedite the release of information when a child dies of abuse or neglect. Her administration pushed for such a change in 2021, but a bill never passed.

Currently, DCF only releases a summary of its involvement initially and can't do so until attorneys vet the document. Typically, the full case reports aren’t released until after the prosecution is completed, which can take well over a year.

This has left an information vacuum in Zoey's case that was exacerbated Tuesday when a judge sealed the arrest affidavit that was used to support criminal charges against Cherry.

Judge Christopher Turner concluded that releasing the records would jeopardize the safety of witnesses or sources or “cause the destruction of evidence.”

Cherry’s attorney, Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, has declined to comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to phone messages, and his Facebook friends described him as chronically homeless.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-9816c6dd6f49dde6cfeb6fd435836eb0">Neighbors</a>&nbsp;said Zoey wandered their neighborhood dirty and hungry. Several reported calling child welfare to express concerns.

According to the summary from DCF, child welfare officials said they received the first tip about Zoey on Sept. 8, 2022, alleging poor conditions in the home and possible drug use in the presence of a child. The mother agreed to a drug screen and it came back negative, the agency said.

The agency also said in its summary that Zoey's mother was working with court services. By then, she had been charged with domestic battery against her husband and teenage daughter, court records show. The DCF summary said the agency offered help to the family, but they declined and the case was closed.

Another complaint alleging an unsupervised child was lodged with the agency on Nov. 8, 2002. Just six days earlier, Zoey's mother had called to report that the then 4-year-old was missing, a police incident report shows. Zoey was found unharmed a short time later.

The DCF summary made no reference to Zoey's disappearance, and it was unclear whether that prompted the complaint. The summary said simply that the case was unsubstantiated and offers of help were denied.

Later that month, Zoey's mother was arrested after crashing her car near a north Topeka bar while driving drunk with Zoey in the front seat. A sworn statement from a Topeka police officer, which also was released Tuesday, said the mother was “having difficulty standing upright, attempting to walk away with a small child.”

He also wrote that in looking into her car, he saw two open bottles of vodka, one half-full and the other, three-quarters full. The officer said that in interviews, Zoey said her mother had been drinking from both bottles before and while driving.

The officer wrote that the mother was uncooperative and, “She was taken to the ground in order to be handcuffed.”

The DCF summary said welfare workers left Zoey in her father’s care; court records show he was living with a girlfriend at the time. Zoey's mother was jailed until March, when she pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence and was sentenced to probation.

Zoey's father was evicted from his apartment in May. Another tip the agency received that month alleged there were no operating utilities in the mother's home, but the agency found the home to be “livable," with utilities, food and no signs of drugs. Again, the family declined services.

Then on Aug. 29, another complaint alleged drug use and no utilities, prompting the seven failed attempts by the agency to contact the family in September.

But during that time, police went to the home twice, once even tracking down Zoey and talking to her. But officers were told by Zoey’s father that she wasn’t living there, city spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said.

The second time police responded, an officer stood outside as belongings were retrieved from the house, a police report said. Police reports do not explain where Zoey, her sister, her father and Cherry went after that, but neighbors said they were living in a makeshift camp.

Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, vowed to launch a thorough investigation.

“We will take every step necessary," she wrote in a statement.

DCF opened another investigation as a result of Zoey’s death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Child welfare officials investigated the family of a 5-year-old Kansas girl five times in the 13 months before she was raped and killed, but couldn't confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, and the family repeatedly declined offers of help, a report released Tuesday showed.The report by the state Department of Children and Families said in one case, the agency confirmed that the mother wasn't properly supervising Zoey Felix, but the girl was placed with her father and because of that, “No safety concerns were identified.” After receiving allegations in late August of drug use and lack of utilities in the home, child welfare officials made seven failed attempts to reach the family over the next month.On Oct. 2, Zoey died after fire crews couldn't resuscitate her at a gas station. Neighbors believe Zoey and her father had been camping in a grove of trees on a vacant lot nearby.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342029742.png" alt="Cherry photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cherry photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">Mickel Cherry,</a>&nbsp;a 25-year-old homeless man, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">charged</a>&nbsp;with first-degree murder, rape and capital murder, and could face the death penalty. Authorities haven't said how Zoey died.“Zoey Felix’s death was an unacceptable tragedy," Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement accompanying the Department of Children and Families' two-page summary of its interactions with the girl's family.Kelly said she plans to push for legislation next year that would expedite the release of information when a child dies of abuse or neglect. Her administration pushed for such a change in 2021, but a bill never passed.Currently, DCF only releases a summary of its involvement initially and can't do so until attorneys vet the document. Typically, the full case reports aren’t released until after the prosecution is completed, which can take well over a year.This has left an information vacuum in Zoey's case that was exacerbated Tuesday when a judge sealed the arrest affidavit that was used to support criminal charges against Cherry.Judge Christopher Turner concluded that releasing the records would jeopardize the safety of witnesses or sources or “cause the destruction of evidence.”Cherry’s attorney, Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, has declined to comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to phone messages, and his Facebook friends described him as chronically homeless.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-9816c6dd6f49dde6cfeb6fd435836eb0">Neighbors</a>&nbsp;said Zoey wandered their neighborhood dirty and hungry. Several reported calling child welfare to express concerns.According to the summary from DCF, child welfare officials said they received the first tip about Zoey on Sept. 8, 2022, alleging poor conditions in the home and possible drug use in the presence of a child. The mother agreed to a drug screen and it came back negative, the agency said.The agency also said in its summary that Zoey's mother was working with court services. By then, she had been charged with domestic battery against her husband and teenage daughter, court records show. The DCF summary said the agency offered help to the family, but they declined and the case was closed.Another complaint alleging an unsupervised child was lodged with the agency on Nov. 8, 2002. Just six days earlier, Zoey's mother had called to report that the then 4-year-old was missing, a police incident report shows. Zoey was found unharmed a short time later.The DCF summary made no reference to Zoey's disappearance, and it was unclear whether that prompted the complaint. The summary said simply that the case was unsubstantiated and offers of help were denied.Later that month, Zoey's mother was arrested after crashing her car near a north Topeka bar while driving drunk with Zoey in the front seat. A sworn statement from a Topeka police officer, which also was released Tuesday, said the mother was “having difficulty standing upright, attempting to walk away with a small child.”He also wrote that in looking into her car, he saw two open bottles of vodka, one half-full and the other, three-quarters full. The officer said that in interviews, Zoey said her mother had been drinking from both bottles before and while driving.The officer wrote that the mother was uncooperative and, “She was taken to the ground in order to be handcuffed.”The DCF summary said welfare workers left Zoey in her father’s care; court records show he was living with a girlfriend at the time. Zoey's mother was jailed until March, when she pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence and was sentenced to probation.Zoey's father was evicted from his apartment in May. Another tip the agency received that month alleged there were no operating utilities in the mother's home, but the agency found the home to be “livable," with utilities, food and no signs of drugs. Again, the family declined services.Then on Aug. 29, another complaint alleged drug use and no utilities, prompting the seven failed attempts by the agency to contact the family in September.But during that time, police went to the home twice, once even tracking down Zoey and talking to her. But officers were told by Zoey’s father that she wasn’t living there, city spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said.The second time police responded, an officer stood outside as belongings were retrieved from the house, a police report said. Police reports do not explain where Zoey, her sister, her father and Cherry went after that, but neighbors said they were living in a makeshift camp.Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, vowed to launch a thorough investigation.“We will take every step necessary," she wrote in a statement.DCF opened another investigation as a result of Zoey’s death.

Report: Kan. agency investigated girl's family 5 times before her murder

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">former detective</a>&nbsp;in Missouri convicted in the death a Black man in 2019 is now jailed after losing an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state's Republican attorney general.

Eric J. DeValkenaere had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but a judge revoked bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest. DeValkenaere went to the Platte County jail himself Tuesday and surrendered, Maj. Erik Holland of the sheriff's office told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article280645500.html">Kansas City Star</a>. He will be held there until he is transferred to a Missouri prison.

DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined comment to The Associated Press.

DeValkenaere, who is white, was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend.

The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.

Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.

On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.

A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.

Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.

On Tuesday, Parson spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation," and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white former detective in Missouri who shot and killed a Black man in 2019 has lost an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state’s Republican attorney general, with judges on Tuesday ordering the ex-officer placed under arrest.

Eric J. DeValkenaere was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.

 Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him, after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend. The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.

Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.

On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously that there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.

The former detective has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but the judges revoked his bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest.

DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined to comment.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial for him. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.

Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe that any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.

On Tuesday, a Parson spokesperson said the governor is “assessing the situation.”

“Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaere’s case that he gives to all others that come across his desk,” Johnathan Shiflett said in an email. "No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697577882618.png" alt="Eric J. DeValkenaere is being held in Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Eric J. DeValkenaere is being held in Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">former detective</a>&nbsp;in Missouri convicted in the death a Black man in 2019 is now jailed after losing an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state's Republican attorney general.Eric J. DeValkenaere had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but a judge revoked bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest. DeValkenaere went to the Platte County jail himself Tuesday and surrendered, Maj. Erik Holland of the sheriff's office told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article280645500.html">Kansas City Star</a>. He will be held there until he is transferred to a Missouri prison.DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined comment to The Associated Press.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592995037957.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>DeValkenaere, who is white, was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend.The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.On Tuesday, Parson spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation," and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.------------KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white former detective in Missouri who shot and killed a Black man in 2019 has lost an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state’s Republican attorney general, with judges on Tuesday ordering the ex-officer placed under arrest.Eric J. DeValkenaere was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him, after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend. The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously that there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.The former detective has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but the judges revoked his bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest.DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined to comment.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial for him. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe that any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.On Tuesday, a Parson spokesperson said the governor is “assessing the situation.”“Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaere’s case that he gives to all others that come across his desk,” Johnathan Shiflett said in an email. "No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time."

Former KC  officer who killed Black man turns himself in after losing appeal

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a baby was hospitalized for a drug overdose.

On Monday, police responded to a home in the&nbsp;6100 block of East Boston Street in Wichita where a baby was suffering from a fentanyl exposure.

First responders used&nbsp;Narcan and the child was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

After an investigation, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=494933">38-year-old Phillip Lee Saunders</a> on requested&nbsp; charge of aggravated child endangering, two drug charges, and outstanding warrants for contempt of court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697550036756.png" alt="Saunders-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Saunders-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a baby was hospitalized for a drug overdose.On Monday, police responded to a home in the&nbsp;6100 block of East Boston Street in Wichita where a baby was suffering from a fentanyl exposure.First responders used&nbsp;Narcan and the child was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.After an investigation, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=494933">38-year-old Phillip Lee Saunders</a> on requested&nbsp; charge of aggravated child endangering, two drug charges, and outstanding warrants for contempt of court.

Fentanyl exposure: Kansas man jailed, baby hospitalized

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fifth deadly shooting over the past week in Topeka. Two suspects are in custody.

At 10:30 p.m. Oct. 10, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.

First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Early Tuesday police reported the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect on requested charges of murder and aggravated robbery.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of a home in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson.&nbsp;

First responder located 23-year-old Jackson E. Danner of Topeka who was pronounced deceased at the scene. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

On Oct. 14, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

&nbsp;Officers were able to secure the scene and located 4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The girl was transported to a local hospital and died.

Early Sunday police reported the arrest of 24-year-old&nbsp;Mariann L. Belair, 24, Topeka.&nbsp; She is being held in Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony and Aggravated Endangering a child, reckless situation.&nbsp; Police have not reported the relationship between the woman and the child victim.

On Oct. 13, police responded to a report of a shooting victim at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

At the hospital, officers located 17-year-old Damayah Calhoun suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounce Calhoun deceased. The Oct. 13, incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp;

Just after 5:30 p.m. Oct.11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka.&nbsp; First responders located&nbsp;Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, Topeka, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697120006665.png" alt="Police on the scene of the deadly shooting Oct. 11-photo courtesy&nbsp; WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the deadly shooting Oct. 11-photo courtesy&nbsp; WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fifth deadly shooting over the past week in Topeka. Two suspects are in custody.At 10:30 p.m. Oct. 10, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Early Tuesday police reported the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect on requested charges of murder and aggravated robbery.Just after 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of a home in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson.&nbsp;First responder located 23-year-old Jackson E. Danner of Topeka who was pronounced deceased at the scene. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.On Oct. 14, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.&nbsp;Officers were able to secure the scene and located 4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The girl was transported to a local hospital and died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697371794491.png" alt="Belair-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Belair-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Early Sunday police reported the arrest of 24-year-old&nbsp;Mariann L. Belair, 24, Topeka.&nbsp; She is being held in Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony and Aggravated Endangering a child, reckless situation.&nbsp; Police have not reported the relationship between the woman and the child victim.On Oct. 13, police responded to a report of a shooting victim at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.At the hospital, officers located 17-year-old Damayah Calhoun suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounce Calhoun deceased. The Oct. 13, incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp;Just after 5:30 p.m. Oct.11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka.&nbsp; First responders located&nbsp;Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, Topeka, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest in this case.

2nd arrest made in series 5 homicides in Kansas last week

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Merecedes Imlay, Failure to appear, arrested 10/16

Falon Barnes, Driving while license suspended, arrested 10/16

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697554576585.jpeg" alt="Shywanne Mcleroy, Failure to appear, arrested 10/16" />
 <figcaption>Shywanne Mcleroy, Failure to appear, arrested 10/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697554619137.jpeg" alt="Lasheen Washington, Cancelled/suspended drivers license, No proof of insurance, arrested 10/17" />
 <figcaption>Lasheen Washington, Cancelled/suspended drivers license, No proof of insurance, arrested 10/17</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Merecedes Imlay, Failure to appear, arrested 10/16Falon Barnes, Driving while license suspended, arrested 10/16Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Oct. 17

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Proud Boys member who joined others from the far-right group in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">attacking the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;pleaded guilty on Monday to obstructing the joint session of Congress for certifying Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory.

William Chrestman, 49, of Olathe, Kansas, also pleaded guilty to threatening to assault a federal officer during the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2023.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly is scheduled to sentence Chrestman for his two felony convictions on Jan. 12. Estimated sentencing guidelines for his case recommended a prison term ranging from four years and three months to five years and three months.

Chrestman brought an axe handle, gas mask, helmet and other tactical gear when he traveled to Washington, D.C., with other Proud Boys members from the Kansas City, Kansas, area, On Jan. 6, he marched to the Capitol grounds with dozens of other Proud Boys leaders, members and associates.

Chrestman and other Proud Boys moved past a toppled metal barricade and joined other rioters in front of another police barrier. He shouted a threat at officers and yelled at others in the crowd to stop police from arresting another rioter, according to prosecutors.

Facing the crowd, Chrestman shouted, “Whose house is this?”

“Do you want your house back?” Chrestman asked.

Chrestman also pointed his finger at a line of Capitol police officers, gestured at them with his axe handle and threatened to assault them if they fired “pepper ball” rounds at the crowd of rioters,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.228125/gov.uscourts.dcd.228125.202.0.pdf">according to a court filing accompanying his guilty plea.</a>

Chrestman “assumed a de facto leadership role” for the Proud Boys from Kansas City, leading them around the Capitol building and grounds and serving as “the primary coordinator" of their efforts to disrupt police,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.228130/gov.uscourts.dcd.228130.9.0.pdf">prosecutors said in a February 2021 court filing.</a>

“Encouraging others to do the same, the defendant impeded law enforcement's efforts to protect the Capitol, and aided the armed, hourslong occupation of the U.S. Capitol by insurrectionists,” they wrote.

Chrestman was captured on video communicating with Proud Boys chapter leader Ethan Nordean outside the Capitol. A jury convicted Nordean and three other Proud Boys, including former national chairman Enrique Tarrio, of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-enrique-tarrio-seditious-conspiracy-trial-f8738f17552cda21eef6d89504da2a0e">seditious conspiracy</a>&nbsp;for what prosecutors said was a plot to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden after the 2020 election.

Chrestman, a U.S. Army veteran, has been jailed since his arrest in February 2021.

“It's been a long process, your honor,” his attorney, Edward Martin, told the judge.

A grand jury&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.228131/gov.uscourts.dcd.228131.132.0.pdf">indicted Chrestman on six counts,</a>&nbsp;including a conspiracy charge.

Prosecutors said Chrestman may have tried to conceal his participation in the riot by disposing of clothes and gear he wore on Jan. 6 and giving his firearms to somebody else to hold.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.228130/gov.uscourts.dcd.228130.27.0.pdf">ordered Chrestman to be detained</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial. Kelly upheld her ruling in July 2021.

Chrestman was charged with five other Proud Boys members and associates.

A co-defendant, Ryan Ashlock, was sentenced last November to 70 days of incarceration after pleading guilty to a trespassing charge. Two others, Christopher Kuehne and Louis Enrique Colon, pleaded guilty to civil disorder charges and await separate sentencing hearings. Two co-defendants from Arizona — siblings Felicia Konold and Cory Konold — have change-of-plea hearings set for Nov. 1.

<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/jan-6-prosecutions/">More than 1,100 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes.</a>&nbsp;Approximately 60 of them have been identified as Proud Boys leaders, members or associates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613070062571.png" alt="Chrestman -photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Chrestman -photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A Proud Boys member who joined others from the far-right group in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">attacking the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;pleaded guilty on Monday to obstructing the joint session of Congress for certifying Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory.William Chrestman, 49, of Olathe, Kansas, also pleaded guilty to threatening to assault a federal officer during the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2023.U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly is scheduled to sentence Chrestman for his two felony convictions on Jan. 12. Estimated sentencing guidelines for his case recommended a prison term ranging from four years and three months to five years and three months.Chrestman brought an axe handle, gas mask, helmet and other tactical gear when he traveled to Washington, D.C., with other Proud Boys members from the Kansas City, Kansas, area, On Jan. 6, he marched to the Capitol grounds with dozens of other Proud Boys leaders, members and associates.Chrestman and other Proud Boys moved past a toppled metal barricade and joined other rioters in front of another police barrier. He shouted a threat at officers and yelled at others in the crowd to stop police from arresting another rioter, according to prosecutors.Facing the crowd, Chrestman shouted, “Whose house is this?”“Our house!” the crowd replied.“Do you want your house back?” Chrestman asked.“Yes!” they responded."Take it!" Chrestman yelled.Chrestman also pointed his finger at a line of Capitol police officers, gestured at them with his axe handle and threatened to assault them if they fired “pepper ball” rounds at the crowd of rioters,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.228125/gov.uscourts.dcd.228125.202.0.pdf">according to a court filing accompanying his guilty plea.</a>Chrestman “assumed a de facto leadership role” for the Proud Boys from Kansas City, leading them around the Capitol building and grounds and serving as “the primary coordinator" of their efforts to disrupt police,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.228130/gov.uscourts.dcd.228130.9.0.pdf">prosecutors said in a February 2021 court filing.</a>“Encouraging others to do the same, the defendant impeded law enforcement's efforts to protect the Capitol, and aided the armed, hourslong occupation of the U.S. Capitol by insurrectionists,” they wrote.Chrestman was captured on video communicating with Proud Boys chapter leader Ethan Nordean outside the Capitol. A jury convicted Nordean and three other Proud Boys, including former national chairman Enrique Tarrio, of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-enrique-tarrio-seditious-conspiracy-trial-f8738f17552cda21eef6d89504da2a0e">seditious conspiracy</a>&nbsp;for what prosecutors said was a plot to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden after the 2020 election.Chrestman, a U.S. Army veteran, has been jailed since his arrest in February 2021.“It's been a long process, your honor,” his attorney, Edward Martin, told the judge.A grand jury&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.228131/gov.uscourts.dcd.228131.132.0.pdf">indicted Chrestman on six counts,</a>&nbsp;including a conspiracy charge.Prosecutors said Chrestman may have tried to conceal his participation in the riot by disposing of clothes and gear he wore on Jan. 6 and giving his firearms to somebody else to hold.U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.228130/gov.uscourts.dcd.228130.27.0.pdf">ordered Chrestman to be detained</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial. Kelly upheld her ruling in July 2021.Chrestman was charged with five other Proud Boys members and associates.A co-defendant, Ryan Ashlock, was sentenced last November to 70 days of incarceration after pleading guilty to a trespassing charge. Two others, Christopher Kuehne and Louis Enrique Colon, pleaded guilty to civil disorder charges and await separate sentencing hearings. Two co-defendants from Arizona — siblings Felicia Konold and Cory Konold — have change-of-plea hearings set for Nov. 1.<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/jan-6-prosecutions/">More than 1,100 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes.</a>&nbsp;Approximately 60 of them have been identified as Proud Boys leaders, members or associates.

Proud Boys member from Kansas admits role in Capitol riot

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 8:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;the Barton County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at two separate locations in the City of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Sheriff’s deputies and detectives had been working for several weeks on a cocaine distribution investigation.

Warrants were served simultaneously in the 2200 block of Heizer Street and in the 1700 block of Washington Street. Sheriff’s officers located cocaine, currency, firearms and drug paraphernalia. The Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Great Bend Fire Department to force entry into a safe. The firemen were successful and further evidence was found.

At the Heiser Street location, deputies arrested 31-year-old Fausto Hernandez, Junior of Great Bend and booked him on requested charges of distribution of cocaine and criminal use of a firearm. He’s being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond. Fausto Hernandez also had an outstanding warrant for attempting to flee and elude, which carries an additional $1,000 bond.

Evidence found at the scene implicates other individuals and further arrests are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697487158767.jpeg" alt="Fausto Hernandez" />
 <figcaption>Fausto Hernandez</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 8:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;the Barton County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at two separate locations in the City of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Sheriff’s deputies and detectives had been working for several weeks on a cocaine distribution investigation.Warrants were served simultaneously in the 2200 block of Heizer Street and in the 1700 block of Washington Street. Sheriff’s officers located cocaine, currency, firearms and drug paraphernalia. The Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Great Bend Fire Department to force entry into a safe. The firemen were successful and further evidence was found.At the Heiser Street location, deputies arrested 31-year-old Fausto Hernandez, Junior of Great Bend and booked him on requested charges of distribution of cocaine and criminal use of a firearm. He’s being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond. Fausto Hernandez also had an outstanding warrant for attempting to flee and elude, which carries an additional $1,000 bond.Evidence found at the scene implicates other individuals and further arrests are expected.

Kansas deputies found cocaine, cash and guns

HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after an altercation in Newton.

Just after 10p.m. Oct. 13, police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at around 10 p.m. Friday in the 300 Block of East Second Street in Newton, according to a media release.

During the investigation, officers determined that a man and a woman later identified as 31-year-old Kayla Osborn of Newton had a physical fight culminating with the her allegedly attempting to run over the man with a vehicle. The man also had injuries consistent with being struck in the head with an object.

Osborn had left the residence prior to officers’ arrival and was located at a secondary location a short time later and arrested her on preliminary charges of attempted second-degree murder, domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, criminal damage, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697481923717.png" alt="Osborn-photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Osborn-photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after an altercation in Newton.Just after 10p.m. Oct. 13, police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at around 10 p.m. Friday in the 300 Block of East Second Street in Newton, according to a media release.During the investigation, officers determined that a man and a woman later identified as 31-year-old Kayla Osborn of Newton had a physical fight culminating with the her allegedly attempting to run over the man with a vehicle. The man also had injuries consistent with being struck in the head with an object.Osborn had left the residence prior to officers’ arrival and was located at a secondary location a short time later and arrested her on preliminary charges of attempted second-degree murder, domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, criminal damage, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. woman allegedly attempted to run over man with a car

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fifth deadly shooting over the past week in Topeka.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of a home in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson.&nbsp;

First responder located 23-year-old Jackson E. Danner of Topeka who was pronounced deceased at the scene. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.

On Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

On Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting victim at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

At the hospital, officers located 17-year-old Damayah Calhoun suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounce Calhoun deceased.

The Friday incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp;

Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka.&nbsp; First responders located&nbsp;Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, Topeka, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.

EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.

First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in these cases.

Danner's death is the city’s 31st homicide of 2023.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fifth deadly shooting over the past week in Topeka.Just after 9:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of a home in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson.&nbsp;First responder located 23-year-old Jackson E. Danner of Topeka who was pronounced deceased at the scene. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.On Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.&nbsp;Officers were able to secure the scene and located 4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The girl was transported to a local hospital and died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697371794491.png" alt="Belair-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Belair-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Early Sunday police reported the arrest of 24-year-old&nbsp;Mariann L. Belair, 24, Topeka.&nbsp; She is being held in Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony and Aggravated Endangering a child, reckless situation.&nbsp; Police have not reported the relationship between the woman and the child victim.On Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting victim at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.At the hospital, officers located 17-year-old Damayah Calhoun suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounce Calhoun deceased.The Friday incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp;Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka.&nbsp; First responders located&nbsp;Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, Topeka, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in these cases.Danner's death is the city’s 31st homicide of 2023.

5 homicides in Kansas over the past 6 days 

Deirdre Wynn, Cancelled/suspended drivers license, arrested 10/13

Bruce Sparks, Possession of stolen property, Endangering a child, arrested 10/13

Tavon Burks, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 10/13

Hana Flora, Failure to appear, arrested 10/14

Marcus Walker, Failure to appear, arrested 10/14

Cameron Martin (Juvenile), Violation of condition of probation, arrested 10/14

Williams Aguilar, No proof of insurance, Operate motorized bicycle on highway without proper license, arrested 10/15

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697481442562.jpeg" alt="Brett Tahkofper, Failure to appear, arrested 10/13" />
 <figcaption>Brett Tahkofper, Failure to appear, arrested 10/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697481487547.jpeg" alt="Anastasia Kenyon, Possession of stolen property, Endangering a child, arrested 10/13" />
 <figcaption>Anastasia Kenyon, Possession of stolen property, Endangering a child, arrested 10/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697481554958.jpeg" alt="Anne Graziani, Possession of Opiate, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 10/13" />
 <figcaption>Anne Graziani, Possession of Opiate, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 10/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697484725112.jpeg" alt="Tyler Vannorman, Warrant arrest/Out of county, arrested 10/13" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Vannorman, Warrant arrest/Out of county, arrested 10/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697484787658.jpeg" alt="Melissa Gilliland, Failure to appear, arrested 10/13" />
 <figcaption>Melissa Gilliland, Failure to appear, arrested 10/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697484826196.jpeg" alt="Lisa Jimenez, Aggravated burglary, Criminal trespass,&nbsp; Interference with LEO, arrested 10/13" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Jimenez, Aggravated burglary, Criminal trespass,&nbsp; Interference with LEO, arrested 10/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697484918282.jpeg" alt="Charles Barrett, Failure to appear, arrested 10/14" />
 <figcaption>Charles Barrett, Failure to appear, arrested 10/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697484950571.jpeg" alt="Glen Berquist, Domestic battery, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 10/14" />
 <figcaption>Glen Berquist, Domestic battery, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 10/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697485013871.jpeg" alt="Demarco Branam, Driving with suspended license, arrested 10/14" />
 <figcaption>Demarco Branam, Driving with suspended license, arrested 10/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697485054433.jpeg" alt="Cullan Jones, Failure to appear, arrested 10/15" />
 <figcaption>Cullan Jones, Failure to appear, arrested 10/15</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Deirdre Wynn, Cancelled/suspended drivers license, arrested 10/13Bruce Sparks, Possession of stolen property, Endangering a child, arrested 10/13Tavon Burks, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 10/13Hana Flora, Failure to appear, arrested 10/14Marcus Walker, Failure to appear, arrested 10/14Cameron Martin (Juvenile), Violation of condition of probation, arrested 10/14Williams Aguilar, No proof of insurance, Operate motorized bicycle on highway without proper license, arrested 10/15Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Oct. 13-16

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Zoey Felix's short life was filled with turbulence.

Before the 5-year-old Topeka girl was raped and killed, worried neighbors say they saw her wandering, dirty and hungry. Police were called to her home dozens of times. Teachers raised alarms when she missed preschool. Both parents alleged abuse. Zoey's mom was jailed for a drunken car crash with Zoey in the front seat. State welfare officials were notified.

In September, Zoey and her father moved out, and neighbors believe they began camping in a nearby vacant lot. Weeks later, Zoey was killed — efforts to save her in a gas station parking lot were unsuccessful — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">Mickel Cherry,</a>&nbsp;a 25-year-old homeless man, was charged in her death.

Public anger over Zoey's Oct. 2 death has focused on her parents. But child advocates are asking why police and the state’s embattled Department for Children and Families left the bubbly and curious girl in a dangerous environment.

“Our society’s collective failure to support and protect Zoey is heartbreaking and unconscionable,” said Shakti Belway, executive director at the National Center for Youth Law, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-child-welfare-kansas-d86cb2d655dabd7c99f4ff49dd343d59">sued the state</a>&nbsp;over problems with its child welfare system.

Cherry is charged with first-degree murder, rape and capital murder, and could face the death penalty. Cherry's attorney, Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, has declined to comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to messages.

Authorities confirmed that Cherry once lived at the same address as Zoey, but he was homeless when he was arrested.

The Associated Press examined dozens of court records and police reports that paint an image of Zoey's chaotic home environment.

Court records show her father had a protection-from-abuse order to keep Zoey’s mother away. The mother told the AP in a Facebook message that she was married to Zoey’s father but that he had temporary custody. She declined to respond to other questions.

“I can’t talk to you,” she wrote. “I’m sorry.”

Neither parent responded to phone messages, and a person who identified herself as a grandmother declined comment. Zoey’s father worked at the gas station where rescuers tried to save her life, but its manager and corporate owner also declined comment.

Police say their investigation is ongoing, but it’s not yet clear that anyone else will be charged.

Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, described Zoey's case as “tragic” during an Oct. 4 legislative committee hearing, but didn’t elaborate. The agency has yet to release any information.

“How was that child not removed? It doesn’t make any sense,” said Mike Fonkert, deputy director of Kansas Appleseed, whose group also sued the state over its child welfare system.

On the block where Zoey had lived, neighbor Shaniqua Bradley said the girl took to calling her mom. Bradley and other neighbors said Zoey sometimes wore the same outfit for a week. They bathed her and gave her clean clothes. When water and electricity were cut off at Zoey’s house, she asked them for water or a place to cool off. Bradley washed the girl’s matted hair, fed her, and said she called child welfare.

Bradley, who has four kids of her own, said she asked Zoey's mother if she could help in her care.

“I want to blame myself so much for it, because I continuously told everybody, like: ‘I don’t want to send her back home. Like, I want her mom to sign her over to me.’ But her mom would not,” Bradley said.

Court records show Zoey’s mother was convicted in Nevada of disorderly conduct and violated a protection-from-abuse order there before moving to Topeka, and police reports show Topeka officers were frequently at the family's home.

The turbulence came to a head in July 2022, when Zoey's mom called police to report a disturbance. Police returned later that day after Zoey's teenage sister said her mother had overdosed and that Zoey was home. The report says the mother appeared healthy. Still, Zoey's mother was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery against her husband. Released on bond, she was directed to have no contact with him.

At this point, both parents sought protection orders against each other, but a judge rejected the requests.

In August 2022, Zoey’s mother was arrested for domestic battery, with her teenage daughter listed as the victim.

Amid the turmoil, Zoey sometimes showed up to preschool dirty, without socks, underwear or a coat, said Sasha Camacho, a paraprofessional in Zoey’s class who notified the school social worker.

Then in November came news that Zoey would miss school because she had been in a crash. A criminal complaint accused Zoey's mother of driving drunk with an open container — and Zoey — in her car. Prosecutors later subpoenaed hospital records for Zoey.

Zoey's father obtained a protection-from-abuse order against his wife ordering her to stay away from him through the end of December 2023. The judge gave him custody of Zoey.

Zoey's mother remained in jail through March of this year, and a judge referred the case to the state Department for Children and Families, court records show. Camacho said Zoey met with child welfare officers at least twice that fall. Dad took over caring for Zoey, but she missed a lot of preschool and in March stopped attending entirely, Camacho said.

That same month, Zoey's mom pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence, and was sentenced to probation. Aggravated child endangerment and two misdemeanor battery cases were dismissed.

The plea agreement said she could have no contact with Zoey and restricted her contact with her teenage daughter.

Court records show Zoey's situation grew increasingly unstable when her father and his girlfriend were evicted from their apartment after falling behind on the rent. The couple broke up and neighbors said Zoey and her father moved back in with her mother, along with Cherry, a friend of Zoey's teenage sister. Zoey's mom called the police on July 22 to report that her husband had moved back in, despite his protection-from-abuse order.

The school district said Zoey didn’t attend kindergarten this fall.

Cherry's presence heightened neighbors' anxiety.

On Sept. 5, neighbor Desiree Myles called police, saying Zoey had been “home alone since yesterday with a strange man — there is no water or electricity at the home.” She said that when she asked Zoey who the man was, Zoey couldn't tell her and didn't know where her mother was.

City spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said officers confirmed there was no electricity and were told by Zoey's father that she wasn't living there. Spiker said officers met with Zoey, saw she was in “good spirits” and made a report to child welfare. The home was temporarily condemned.

Fonkert, of Kansas Appleseed, said it would be a “huge failure” if no one from child welfare followed up to establish where Zoey was living.

Police returned Sept. 19, and Bradley said she heard Zoey's mom saying everyone had to leave. A police report said Zoey's mother had shoved her teenage daughter, and an officer later stood outside as belongings were retrieved from the house.

Police reports do not explain where Zoey, her sister, her father and Cherry went, but neighbors said they were living in a makeshift camp among trees in the vacant lot.

Just before 6 p.m. on Oct. 2, the first call — “5 yo unresponsive” — summoned emergency crews to the gas station.

A fire department incident report says Zoey's father said her body was taken to him at the gas station, although it does not say by whom. A police report said a man and woman the same ages as Cherry and Zoey’s sister were present.

Emergency responders performed life-saving measures at the scene but Zoey was pronounced dead at a hospital. The police report doesn't say how she died.

Crime scene tape surrounded a tent and tarp in the vacant lot, and a memorial for Zoey appeared nearby with flowers, balloons and toys.

“This is devastating," said Sharon Williams, another neighbor who had called child welfare and has been answering her granddaughter's haunting questions since her playmate died: “She asked, ‘Did Zoey go to heaven?’ And I said, ‘Yes, she did.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Zoey Felix photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Zoey Felix photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Zoey Felix's short life was filled with turbulence.Before the 5-year-old Topeka girl was raped and killed, worried neighbors say they saw her wandering, dirty and hungry. Police were called to her home dozens of times. Teachers raised alarms when she missed preschool. Both parents alleged abuse. Zoey's mom was jailed for a drunken car crash with Zoey in the front seat. State welfare officials were notified.In September, Zoey and her father moved out, and neighbors believe they began camping in a nearby vacant lot. Weeks later, Zoey was killed — efforts to save her in a gas station parking lot were unsuccessful — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">Mickel Cherry,</a>&nbsp;a 25-year-old homeless man, was charged in her death.Public anger over Zoey's Oct. 2 death has focused on her parents. But child advocates are asking why police and the state’s embattled Department for Children and Families left the bubbly and curious girl in a dangerous environment.“Our society’s collective failure to support and protect Zoey is heartbreaking and unconscionable,” said Shakti Belway, executive director at the National Center for Youth Law, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-child-welfare-kansas-d86cb2d655dabd7c99f4ff49dd343d59">sued the state</a>&nbsp;over problems with its child welfare system.Cherry is charged with first-degree murder, rape and capital murder, and could face the death penalty. Cherry's attorney, Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, has declined to comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to messages.Authorities confirmed that Cherry once lived at the same address as Zoey, but he was homeless when he was arrested.The Associated Press examined dozens of court records and police reports that paint an image of Zoey's chaotic home environment.Court records show her father had a protection-from-abuse order to keep Zoey’s mother away. The mother told the AP in a Facebook message that she was married to Zoey’s father but that he had temporary custody. She declined to respond to other questions.“I can’t talk to you,” she wrote. “I’m sorry.”Neither parent responded to phone messages, and a person who identified herself as a grandmother declined comment. Zoey’s father worked at the gas station where rescuers tried to save her life, but its manager and corporate owner also declined comment.Police say their investigation is ongoing, but it’s not yet clear that anyone else will be charged.Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, described Zoey's case as “tragic” during an Oct. 4 legislative committee hearing, but didn’t elaborate. The agency has yet to release any information.“How was that child not removed? It doesn’t make any sense,” said Mike Fonkert, deputy director of Kansas Appleseed, whose group also sued the state over its child welfare system.On the block where Zoey had lived, neighbor Shaniqua Bradley said the girl took to calling her mom. Bradley and other neighbors said Zoey sometimes wore the same outfit for a week. They bathed her and gave her clean clothes. When water and electricity were cut off at Zoey’s house, she asked them for water or a place to cool off. Bradley washed the girl’s matted hair, fed her, and said she called child welfare.Bradley, who has four kids of her own, said she asked Zoey's mother if she could help in her care.“I want to blame myself so much for it, because I continuously told everybody, like: ‘I don’t want to send her back home. Like, I want her mom to sign her over to me.’ But her mom would not,” Bradley said.Court records show Zoey’s mother was convicted in Nevada of disorderly conduct and violated a protection-from-abuse order there before moving to Topeka, and police reports show Topeka officers were frequently at the family's home.The turbulence came to a head in July 2022, when Zoey's mom called police to report a disturbance. Police returned later that day after Zoey's teenage sister said her mother had overdosed and that Zoey was home. The report says the mother appeared healthy. Still, Zoey's mother was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery against her husband. Released on bond, she was directed to have no contact with him.At this point, both parents sought protection orders against each other, but a judge rejected the requests.In August 2022, Zoey’s mother was arrested for domestic battery, with her teenage daughter listed as the victim.Amid the turmoil, Zoey sometimes showed up to preschool dirty, without socks, underwear or a coat, said Sasha Camacho, a paraprofessional in Zoey’s class who notified the school social worker.Then in November came news that Zoey would miss school because she had been in a crash. A criminal complaint accused Zoey's mother of driving drunk with an open container — and Zoey — in her car. Prosecutors later subpoenaed hospital records for Zoey.Zoey's father obtained a protection-from-abuse order against his wife ordering her to stay away from him through the end of December 2023. The judge gave him custody of Zoey.Zoey's mother remained in jail through March of this year, and a judge referred the case to the state Department for Children and Families, court records show. Camacho said Zoey met with child welfare officers at least twice that fall. Dad took over caring for Zoey, but she missed a lot of preschool and in March stopped attending entirely, Camacho said.That same month, Zoey's mom pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence, and was sentenced to probation. Aggravated child endangerment and two misdemeanor battery cases were dismissed.The plea agreement said she could have no contact with Zoey and restricted her contact with her teenage daughter.Court records show Zoey's situation grew increasingly unstable when her father and his girlfriend were evicted from their apartment after falling behind on the rent. The couple broke up and neighbors said Zoey and her father moved back in with her mother, along with Cherry, a friend of Zoey's teenage sister. Zoey's mom called the police on July 22 to report that her husband had moved back in, despite his protection-from-abuse order.The school district said Zoey didn’t attend kindergarten this fall.Cherry's presence heightened neighbors' anxiety.On Sept. 5, neighbor Desiree Myles called police, saying Zoey had been “home alone since yesterday with a strange man — there is no water or electricity at the home.” She said that when she asked Zoey who the man was, Zoey couldn't tell her and didn't know where her mother was.City spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said officers confirmed there was no electricity and were told by Zoey's father that she wasn't living there. Spiker said officers met with Zoey, saw she was in “good spirits” and made a report to child welfare. The home was temporarily condemned.Fonkert, of Kansas Appleseed, said it would be a “huge failure” if no one from child welfare followed up to establish where Zoey was living.Police returned Sept. 19, and Bradley said she heard Zoey's mom saying everyone had to leave. A police report said Zoey's mother had shoved her teenage daughter, and an officer later stood outside as belongings were retrieved from the house.Police reports do not explain where Zoey, her sister, her father and Cherry went, but neighbors said they were living in a makeshift camp among trees in the vacant lot.Just before 6 p.m. on Oct. 2, the first call — “5 yo unresponsive” — summoned emergency crews to the gas station.A fire department incident report says Zoey's father said her body was taken to him at the gas station, although it does not say by whom. A police report said a man and woman the same ages as Cherry and Zoey’s sister were present.Emergency responders performed life-saving measures at the scene but Zoey was pronounced dead at a hospital. The police report doesn't say how she died.Crime scene tape surrounded a tent and tarp in the vacant lot, and a memorial for Zoey appeared nearby with flowers, balloons and toys.“This is devastating," said Sharon Williams, another neighbor who had called child welfare and has been answering her granddaughter's haunting questions since her playmate died: “She asked, ‘Did Zoey go to heaven?’ And I said, ‘Yes, she did.’”

Child rights advocates ask why state left slain Kan. girl in a clearly unstable home

HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects for alleged Human Trafficking.

A man later identified as 51-year-old&nbsp;Antonio Castro Tienda of Mesa Arizona was transporting twelve people from Arizona to an unknown destination. The twelve displaced victims were transported to the Boarders Inn Suites in Syracuse Kansas, according to a media release from the Hamilton County Sheriff.

Just after 6a.m. Friday The Hamilton  County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating Tienda was there trying to take the displaced victims by force. 

Upon arrival Tienda left the Motel in a van. At 9:41 am the vehicle was located in a parking lot in the 300 block of west Avenue A in Syracuse, Kansas. 

Tienda was found in a nearby restaurant where he was taken into custody. The investigation revealed Tienda is related to a human trafficking organization out of the Phoenix Arizona area. The suspect was identified as Antonio Castro Tienda 51 Mesa Arizona. This is an ongoing investigation and no other details will be released at this time.

On Sunday, Marshall County Sheriff Marshall Unruh reported deputies stopped a van Sunday on U S highway 40 in Wallace County. The individuals were arrested and are being processed for 11 counts of felony human trafficking by the Wallace County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697308392309.png" alt="Tienda-photo Hamilton Co." />
 <figcaption>Tienda-photo Hamilton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects for alleged Human Trafficking.A man later identified as 51-year-old&nbsp;Antonio Castro Tienda of Mesa Arizona was transporting twelve people from Arizona to an unknown destination. The twelve displaced victims were transported to the Boarders Inn Suites in Syracuse Kansas, according to a media release from the Hamilton County Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697311875693.png" alt="Photo Hamilton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Hamilton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 6a.m. Friday The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating Tienda was there trying to take the displaced victims by force. Upon arrival Tienda left the Motel in a van. At 9:41 am the vehicle was located in a parking lot in the 300 block of west Avenue A in Syracuse, Kansas. Tienda was found in a nearby restaurant where he was taken into custody. The investigation revealed Tienda is related to a human trafficking organization out of the Phoenix Arizona area. The suspect was identified as Antonio Castro Tienda 51 Mesa Arizona. This is an ongoing investigation and no other details will be released at this time.On Sunday, Marshall County Sheriff Marshall Unruh reported deputies stopped a van Sunday on U S highway 40 in Wallace County. The individuals were arrested and are being processed for 11 counts of felony human trafficking by the Wallace County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

Deputies found 12 human trafficking victims in Kansas motel

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two Kansas men convicted for for their role in an April 2020 shooting death are going to prison.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Judge Bruce Brown sentenced William Moore, 54 of Wichita, to just over 22-years in the Kansas Department of Corrections and Jesse Sweeney, 32 of Wichita, to just over 7 and one half years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Last month, 32-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=224582">Jesse Sweeney&nbsp;</a>pleaded guilty to&nbsp;kidnapping and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

On April 23, of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 200 block of North Charles in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, police found 30-year-old Blake Mayes on the front porch of the home with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.

The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred at the home between Mayes and three other individuals including Sweeney, Moore and Mayes' girlfriend 36-year-old Bobbie Williams of Topeka. During the disturbance, Mayes was shot one time, causing his fatal injuries.

Police arrested Moore in Wichita and Williams in the Topeka.&nbsp;

Two weeks after the shooting, an alert citizen called 911 reporting seeing Sweeney at an apartment complex in the 200 block of North Topeka in Wichita, according to&nbsp; Davidson. Upon arrival, officers attempted to contact Sweeney at an apartment, and he fled out a window onto the fire escape and onto a separate floor of the apartments.

Police closed off the area, located Sweeney, and arrested him without further incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweeney had previously been arrested and convicted of charges of possession of narcotic drugs, according to Davidson.

In February, 38-year-old Bobbie Williams was sentenced to 27-years in prison, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587856746805.png" alt="Moore photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Moore photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two Kansas men convicted for for their role in an April 2020 shooting death are going to prison.On Tuesday,&nbsp;Judge Bruce Brown sentenced William Moore, 54 of Wichita, to just over 22-years in the Kansas Department of Corrections and Jesse Sweeney, 32 of Wichita, to just over 7 and one half years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587762685888.png" alt="Sweeney-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sweeney-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Last month, 32-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=224582">Jesse Sweeney&nbsp;</a>pleaded guilty to&nbsp;kidnapping and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;On April 23, of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 200 block of North Charles in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;Upon arrival, police found 30-year-old Blake Mayes on the front porch of the home with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred at the home between Mayes and three other individuals including Sweeney, Moore and Mayes' girlfriend 36-year-old Bobbie Williams of Topeka. During the disturbance, Mayes was shot one time, causing his fatal injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587900733026.png" alt="Williams-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested Moore in Wichita and Williams in the Topeka.&nbsp;Two weeks after the shooting, an alert citizen called 911 reporting seeing Sweeney at an apartment complex in the 200 block of North Topeka in Wichita, according to&nbsp; Davidson. Upon arrival, officers attempted to contact Sweeney at an apartment, and he fled out a window onto the fire escape and onto a separate floor of the apartments.Police closed off the area, located Sweeney, and arrested him without further incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweeney had previously been arrested and convicted of charges of possession of narcotic drugs, according to Davidson.In February, 38-year-old Bobbie Williams was sentenced to 27-years in prison, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

Two Kan. men sentenced for murder of woman's boyfriend

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;

Just before 10:30 a.m., Oct. 12, the Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a call about a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road on Prairie near 280th with an individual possibly passed out, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

&nbsp;Deputies arrived and a male subject later identified as 50-year-old William Smalley of Independence, Missouri, was outside of the vehicle. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697232112238.png" alt="Smalley-Photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Smalley-Photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;Just before 10:30 a.m., Oct. 12, the Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a call about a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road on Prairie near 280th with an individual possibly passed out, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;Deputies arrived and a male subject later identified as 50-year-old William Smalley of Independence, Missouri, was outside of the vehicle. As deputies approached, Smalley got back in to the vehicle.&nbsp; Upon speaking with Smalley, he gave deputies&nbsp; false information when asked for identification.&nbsp; Deputies&nbsp; also determined that the license plate on the vehicle was expired and came back to an entirely different vehicle.&nbsp; Smalley refused to comply with a request to exit the vehicle and obtained possession of a small black bag that was within his reach.Deputies subsequently removed Smalley and after a short struggle placed him under arrested.&nbsp; The black bag had fallen to the ground during the struggle and contained a 9mm pistol which was in plain view.&nbsp; Only minor injuries were reported by the two deputies. Smalley is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Obstruction, Illegal Registration, No Proof of Insurance,Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.