JOHNSON COUNTY —A woman involved in chase and deadly exchange of gunfire that left a Kansas police officer and her accomplice dead is now facing a murder charges.

On Wednesday, the Johnson County attorney's office charged 32-year-old Angela Cothran of&nbsp; Portland, Tennessee, with first degree murder in the death of Fairway Police officer Johan Oswald.

Cothran was originally charges with aggravated battery, fleeing law enforcement, felony theft and reckless driving.&nbsp;&nbsp;She remains jailed on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.&nbsp; She is due back in court September 20.

Just after 7:30 a.m August 6, police responded to a stolen vehicle call at the QuikTrip at 95th Street and Interstate 35, according to a media release from Lenexa Police.

 Officers located that car and the suspect in the stolen vehicle struck one of Lenexa police department's patrol vehicles and drove away.

Police pursued the suspect northbound on Interstate 35 until the suspects left the vehicle and ran to a QuikTrip in the 4700 Block of Lamar Avenue in Mission.

Police from multiple agencies were trying to arrest the suspects when gunfire broke out. A suspect later identified as 40-year-old&nbsp;Shannon Wayne Marshall of Ashland City, Tennessee was shot and killed and&nbsp; Fairway Kansas police officer Jonah Oswald was shot, hospitalized and died on August 7.

The other suspect later identified as&nbsp; Cothran was arrested.

Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor. She has three previous convictions for child abuse and a probation violation for drugs, according to the Tennessee offender registry.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691521167515.png" alt="Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor.-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor.-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A woman involved in chase and deadly exchange of gunfire that left a Kansas police officer and her accomplice dead is now facing a murder charges.On Wednesday, the Johnson County attorney's office charged 32-year-old Angela Cothran of&nbsp; Portland, Tennessee, with first degree murder in the death of Fairway Police officer Johan Oswald.Cothran was originally charges with aggravated battery, fleeing law enforcement, felony theft and reckless driving.&nbsp;&nbsp;She remains jailed on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.&nbsp; She is due back in court September 20.Just after 7:30 a.m August 6, police responded to a stolen vehicle call at the QuikTrip at 95th Street and Interstate 35, according to a media release from Lenexa Police. Officers located that car and the suspect in the stolen vehicle struck one of Lenexa police department's patrol vehicles and drove away.Police pursued the suspect northbound on Interstate 35 until the suspects left the vehicle and ran to a QuikTrip in the 4700 Block of Lamar Avenue in Mission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691356366635.png" alt="Police on the scene near the shooting&nbsp; on Sunday-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene near the shooting&nbsp; on Sunday-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police from multiple agencies were trying to arrest the suspects when gunfire broke out. A suspect later identified as 40-year-old&nbsp;Shannon Wayne Marshall of Ashland City, Tennessee was shot and killed and&nbsp; Fairway Kansas police officer Jonah Oswald was shot, hospitalized and died on August 7.The other suspect later identified as&nbsp; Cothran was arrested.Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor. She has three previous convictions for child abuse and a probation violation for drugs, according to the Tennessee offender registry.&nbsp;

Sex offender now charged with murder in Kan. officer's shooting death 

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend car theft have captured the suspect.

Just after 7:30a.m. Wednesday, police arrested&nbsp; 34-year-lold Ric Jacob Meczywor at the intersection of 15th and Olive in Concordia, according to a media release from Concordia Police.&nbsp; He was jailed on Cloud County warrants for failure to comply and additional requested charges from the weekend activity are being sent to the county attorney.&nbsp;

On Sunday, police asked the public for help to locate a Meczqwor for&nbsp;allegedly stealing a&nbsp;silver 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix&nbsp; with Kansas tag 808SBZ. He is also accused of entering another vehicle&nbsp; in same parking lot Saturday night.&nbsp;

Meczywor was booked into the Cloud County Jail in May and released from custody July 6, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691967204362.png" alt="MECZYWOR photo Concordia Police" />
 <figcaption>MECZYWOR photo Concordia Police</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend car theft have captured the suspect.Just after 7:30a.m. Wednesday, police arrested&nbsp; 34-year-lold Ric Jacob Meczywor at the intersection of 15th and Olive in Concordia, according to a media release from Concordia Police.&nbsp; He was jailed on Cloud County warrants for failure to comply and additional requested charges from the weekend activity are being sent to the county attorney.&nbsp;On Sunday, police asked the public for help to locate a Meczqwor for&nbsp;allegedly stealing a&nbsp;silver 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix&nbsp; with Kansas tag 808SBZ. He is also accused of entering another vehicle&nbsp; in same parking lot Saturday night.&nbsp;Meczywor was booked into the Cloud County Jail in May and released from custody July 6, according to online jail records.

Suspect wanted for car theft captured in north-central Kansas

RAWLINS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged cattle theft in northwest Kansas.

A member of the Kansas Livestock Associated reported 17-head of 200-350 pound calves were stolen in mid July ten miles northeast of Atwood, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. The calves are carry fresh brands of V arrow high on the right hip.

The Kansas Livestock Association is offering a $5000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

RAWLINS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged cattle theft in northwest Kansas.A member of the Kansas Livestock Associated reported 17-head of 200-350 pound calves were stolen in mid July ten miles northeast of Atwood, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. The calves are carry fresh brands of V arrow high on the right hip.The Kansas Livestock Association is offering a $5000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Reward offered after cattle reported stolen in NW Kansas

ELLIS —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect for alleged theft in Ellis County.

Just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to Casey’s General Store, 213 Washington, in Ellis for a report of a robbery.

The victim reported that two men in an SUV with Florida plates had taken money out of his hand and fled the area.&nbsp; Officers arrived on scene shortly after the call was dispatched and searched the immediate area of the incident for the suspect vehicle.

Officers gathered a description of the suspects and the vehicle they were in and had it broadcast to other law enforcement agencies in the area.

The Kansas Highway Patrol found the suspects just east of the Toulon exit on Interstate 70 at about 7:19 p.m. Using a photograph of the suspects, the victim was able to confirm the suspects who were stopped were the ones involved in the incident.&nbsp;

The suspects were then identified as Ungurel Andrei Mutu, 32 and Dragos Iosif Grozavu, 31, both of Romania.

A juvenile also was in the vehicle. Grozavu and Mutu were then placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Ellis County Jail, where they are being held on requested charges of robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692221509033.png" alt="Grozavu-photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Grozavu-photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect for alleged theft in Ellis County.Just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to Casey’s General Store, 213 Washington, in Ellis for a report of a robbery.The victim reported that two men in an SUV with Florida plates had taken money out of his hand and fled the area.&nbsp; Officers arrived on scene shortly after the call was dispatched and searched the immediate area of the incident for the suspect vehicle.Officers gathered a description of the suspects and the vehicle they were in and had it broadcast to other law enforcement agencies in the area.The Kansas Highway Patrol found the suspects just east of the Toulon exit on Interstate 70 at about 7:19 p.m. Using a photograph of the suspects, the victim was able to confirm the suspects who were stopped were the ones involved in the incident.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692221449405.png" alt="Mutu-photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Mutu-photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspects were then identified as Ungurel Andrei Mutu, 32 and Dragos Iosif Grozavu, 31, both of Romania.A juvenile also was in the vehicle. Grozavu and Mutu were then placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Ellis County Jail, where they are being held on requested charges of robbery.

2 Romanian nationals captured on I-70 after alleged theft

THOMAS COUNTY – Over the past four weeks the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Colby Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) on an investigation involving the distribution and manufacturing of controlled substances, according to a media release from the KBI.

On Aug. 14 and Aug. 15, multiple search warrants were executed in Thomas County with assistance from the KBI High Risk Warrant Team, the KBI Clandestine Laboratory Team, and the Colby Police Department. Located during a search of a residence was methamphetamine, an active marijuana grow, and paraphernalia and other illegal items used in drug manufacturing.

Jensina Sporing, 39, of Colby, Kansas, was arrested on multiple requested felony charges including distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful drug proceeds from a transaction, use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony drug violation, and two counts of use or possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia.

Lawrence Hapke, 47, also of Colby, was arrested on requested charges of possession of a controlled substance, use or possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia, and interference with law enforcement.

The suspects were booked into the Thomas County Jail. Another arrest connected to this operation is expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692217201020.png" alt="Hapke photo Thomas Co." />
 <figcaption>Hapke photo Thomas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY – Over the past four weeks the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Colby Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) on an investigation involving the distribution and manufacturing of controlled substances, according to a media release from the KBI.On Aug. 14 and Aug. 15, multiple search warrants were executed in Thomas County with assistance from the KBI High Risk Warrant Team, the KBI Clandestine Laboratory Team, and the Colby Police Department. Located during a search of a residence was methamphetamine, an active marijuana grow, and paraphernalia and other illegal items used in drug manufacturing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692217229186.png" alt="Sporing-photo Thomas Co." />
 <figcaption>Sporing-photo Thomas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jensina Sporing, 39, of Colby, Kansas, was arrested on multiple requested felony charges including distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful drug proceeds from a transaction, use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony drug violation, and two counts of use or possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia.Lawrence Hapke, 47, also of Colby, was arrested on requested charges of possession of a controlled substance, use or possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia, and interference with law enforcement.The suspects were booked into the Thomas County Jail. Another arrest connected to this operation is expected.

KBI finds meth, marijuana grow operation at NW Kan. home

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

Just after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, sherif's deputies and detectives executed a search warrant at Finer Mobile Home Park located at 5501 9th Street, lot 96 in Great Bend, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The search warrant was part of an ongoing investigation related to illegal drugs and outstanding arrest warrants.

Deputies gained entry to the residence without resistance and located Chet Whetham, 35 of Great Bend who had outstanding warrants from Harvey County for distribution of fentanyl. 

During the course of the investigation, Sheriff’s Officers discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl tablets, marijuana and suspected fentanyl powder. 

Whetham was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on the Harvey County warrant as well as requested charges of distribution of fentanyl and various other drug-related charges for Barton County. 

Whetham is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond for Harvey County and an additional bond for Barton County.

The Sheriff’s Office had requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of investigation for this operation. The KBI has recently added several K9s and handlers who are specifically trained in the detection of fentanyl.

Further arrests from the search warrant are anticipated in the near future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692199240545.jpeg" alt="Wetham -photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Wetham -photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.Just after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, sherif's deputies and detectives executed a search warrant at Finer Mobile Home Park located at 5501 9th Street, lot 96 in Great Bend, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The search warrant was part of an ongoing investigation related to illegal drugs and outstanding arrest warrants.Deputies gained entry to the residence without resistance and located Chet Whetham, 35 of Great Bend who had outstanding warrants from Harvey County for distribution of fentanyl. During the course of the investigation, Sheriff’s Officers discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl tablets, marijuana and suspected fentanyl powder. Whetham was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on the Harvey County warrant as well as requested charges of distribution of fentanyl and various other drug-related charges for Barton County. Whetham is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond for Harvey County and an additional bond for Barton County.The Sheriff’s Office had requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of investigation for this operation. The KBI has recently added several K9s and handlers who are specifically trained in the detection of fentanyl.Further arrests from the search warrant are anticipated in the near future.

Kansas man accused of selling fentanyl

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas house fire and have made arrests.

Just after 10:30a.m. Monday, fire crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 631 SE 35th Street in Topeka, according to fire department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire in the single-story home. Fire crews searched the house, and determined no one was home at the time of the fire.

Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and&nbsp;two individuals were arrested&nbsp;

Shaliqua A. Hill, 28, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Arson and Criminal use of explosives..A 17-year-old girl was also arrested and booked on requested charges of Arson, Criminal use of explosives, Criminal threat and Criminal damage to property.

The origin of the fire was on the exterior of the house near a bedroom window.&nbsp;The total estimated loss was approximately $3,000, all attributed to structural loss. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692141411419.png" alt="Hill-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas house fire and have made arrests.Just after 10:30a.m. Monday, fire crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 631 SE 35th Street in Topeka, according to fire department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire in the single-story home. Fire crews searched the house, and determined no one was home at the time of the fire.Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and&nbsp;two individuals were arrested&nbsp;Shaliqua A. Hill, 28, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Arson and Criminal use of explosives..A 17-year-old girl was also arrested and booked on requested charges of Arson, Criminal use of explosives, Criminal threat and Criminal damage to property.The origin of the fire was on the exterior of the house near a bedroom window.&nbsp;The total estimated loss was approximately $3,000, all attributed to structural loss.

Two accused of using explosive to start Kansas house fire

SEDGWICk COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a violent, sword attack and later an attack on jail deputies entered a plea in the cases on Monday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=448582">James E. Brown, 58</a>, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, animal cruelty and aggravated domestic battery charges for the sword incident, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

In March of 2021 police arrested Brown&nbsp; a verbal disturbance with his girlfriend that turned violent, according to police. He grabbed a five to six-foot sword during the disturbance, struck the 41-year-old woman multiple times and stabbed her dog multiple times.  Investigators also learned the woman had been strangled.&nbsp;She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries 

On Sept. 8, 2021, two corporals and a deputy were escorting Brown to his cell at the Sedgwick County Detention Center when he produced a metal shank and swung it at the deputies, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

A struggle ensued between the deputies and Brown in an effort to control the metal shank and end the assault. Once Brown was restrained, he was evaluated by clinic staff and transported to the hospital for treatment.

Brown was later returned to the Detention Facility. Two of the deputies involved sustained injuries to their hands, according to Blick. On Monday, Brown&nbsp; pled guilty to aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal threat and traffic in contraband in a correctional institution, according to the district attorney's office.

Brown&nbsp; is schedled for sentencing in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614859032817.png" alt="Brown-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICk COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a violent, sword attack and later an attack on jail deputies entered a plea in the cases on Monday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=448582">James E. Brown, 58</a>, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, animal cruelty and aggravated domestic battery charges for the sword incident, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.In March of 2021 police arrested Brown&nbsp; a verbal disturbance with his girlfriend that turned violent, according to police. He grabbed a five to six-foot sword during the disturbance, struck the 41-year-old woman multiple times and stabbed her dog multiple times. Investigators also learned the woman had been strangled.&nbsp;She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries On Sept. 8, 2021, two corporals and a deputy were escorting Brown to his cell at the Sedgwick County Detention Center when he produced a metal shank and swung it at the deputies, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.A struggle ensued between the deputies and Brown in an effort to control the metal shank and end the assault. Once Brown was restrained, he was evaluated by clinic staff and transported to the hospital for treatment.Brown was later returned to the Detention Facility. Two of the deputies involved sustained injuries to their hands, according to Blick. On Monday, Brown&nbsp; pled guilty to aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal threat and traffic in contraband in a correctional institution, according to the district attorney's office.Brown&nbsp; is schedled for sentencing in October.

Kan. man admits guilt in sword attack on girlfriend, her dog 

On Monday morning Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said two individuals were arrested for assisting in an inmate's plot to escape the Saline County Jail.

On Friday shortly after 5 p.m. Sheriff's Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located at 757 Sheridan Street in Salina. Deputies located the occupant of the home, Thomas Golde III of Salina.&nbsp;

Sheriff Soldan said Golde conspired to allow the escape of Saline County inmate Johnathon Mullen, 37 of Salina.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We got information that Golde and one other person were planning to try and get him [Mullen] out of our custody when we took him to court. Possibly by force. " Soldan said.&nbsp;

Golde was arrested on conspiracy to commit aggravated escape and solicitation.&nbsp;

Mullen received additional charges including conspiracy to commit aggravated escape and solicitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff Soldan says the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684238646993.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;According to information from the Salina Police Department, Jonathon Mullen, 36, of Salina, faces a charge of first degree murder" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;According to information from the Salina Police Department, Jonathon Mullen, 36, of Salina, faces a charge of first degree murder</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostOn Monday morning Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said two individuals were arrested for assisting in an inmate's plot to escape the Saline County Jail.On Friday shortly after 5 p.m. Sheriff's Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located at 757 Sheridan Street in Salina. Deputies located the occupant of the home, Thomas Golde III of Salina.&nbsp;Sheriff Soldan said Golde conspired to allow the escape of Saline County inmate Johnathon Mullen, 37 of Salina.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We got information that Golde and one other person were planning to try and get him [Mullen] out of our custody when we took him to court. Possibly by force. " Soldan said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761644815.jpeg" alt="Thomas Lee-Arthur Golde-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas Lee-Arthur Golde-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Golde was arrested on conspiracy to commit aggravated escape and solicitation.&nbsp;Mullen received additional charges including conspiracy to commit aggravated escape and solicitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheriff Soldan says the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.

Sheriff uncovers plot for escape from Kansas jail 

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on numerous allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 10a.m. August 12, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Impala for an alleged traffic infraction on U.S. Highway 75 in southern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 A Jackson County Sheriff’s Narcotics K-9 was deployed and indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.

The driver, Steven Leroy Bayless, 62, of Topeka, was arrested on a Shawnee County warrant and on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony interference with law enforcement. 

The backseat passenger, Robert Bravehan Shutts, 50, of Topeka, was arrested for transporting an open container and no seat belt.

Bayless has previous convictions that include forgery, theft , obstruction, driving while suspended and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691966011065.png" alt="Bayless has previous convictions that include forgery, theft , obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bayless has previous convictions that include forgery, theft , obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. – Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on numerous allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 10a.m. August 12, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Impala for an alleged traffic infraction on U.S. Highway 75 in southern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. A Jackson County Sheriff’s Narcotics K-9 was deployed and indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691966222520.png" alt="Shutts-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Shutts-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, Steven Leroy Bayless, 62, of Topeka, was arrested on a Shawnee County warrant and on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony interference with law enforcement. The backseat passenger, Robert Bravehan Shutts, 50, of Topeka, was arrested for transporting an open container and no seat belt.Bayless has previous convictions that include forgery, theft , obstruction, driving while suspended and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

Sheriff: Kansas man with history of crime was transporting meth

KANSAS CITY —Twenty felony counts have been filed against a Kansas City man in connection with sexual attacks and robberies on three women in May and June 2023, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker&nbsp;

Dairon Lee Riley, 24, faces&nbsp;five counts of Rape 1st Degree, three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, three counts of Robbery 1st Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, three counts of Assault 4th Degree, two counts of Kidnapping in the 1st Degree, two counts of Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy 1st Degree.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on&nbsp;June 17, to the QuikTrip on Westport Road on a reported robbery and made contact with a victim who said she had been sexually assaulted. 

The victim had red marks on her wrist and had met the defendant on a dating app. The victim drove the defendant to a wooded area and he pointed a knife at her and ordered her into the backseat. Then he pointed a gun at her and threatened to kill her. He raped her in the backseat and robbed her of phone, money and other belongings. He tied her wrists with a shoestring.

On May 23, 2023, according to court records, a victim told police at an area hospital that she met the defendant through an escort dating service and they went to 89th Terrace area. He got into her vehicle and punched her when she wouldn't give her phone to him. He climbed on top of her and tied her hands with a phone charging cord. The defendant also took a gun she had in her purse. He also had a knife and a taser. He raped her in the back seat and again outside the vehicle.

&nbsp;On May 17, 2023, according to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to 89th Street. The third victim reported she met the defendant on a website for adults. He met her and pulled a knife on her. He also took up to $300 cash, her taser, as well as her phone.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691779776292.png" alt="Riley from an earlier arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Riley from an earlier arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Twenty felony counts have been filed against a Kansas City man in connection with sexual attacks and robberies on three women in May and June 2023, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker&nbsp;Dairon Lee Riley, 24, faces&nbsp;five counts of Rape 1st Degree, three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, three counts of Robbery 1st Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, three counts of Assault 4th Degree, two counts of Kidnapping in the 1st Degree, two counts of Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy 1st Degree.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on&nbsp;June 17, to the QuikTrip on Westport Road on a reported robbery and made contact with a victim who said she had been sexually assaulted. The victim had red marks on her wrist and had met the defendant on a dating app. The victim drove the defendant to a wooded area and he pointed a knife at her and ordered her into the backseat. Then he pointed a gun at her and threatened to kill her. He raped her in the backseat and robbed her of phone, money and other belongings. He tied her wrists with a shoestring.On May 23, 2023, according to court records, a victim told police at an area hospital that she met the defendant through an escort dating service and they went to 89th Terrace area. He got into her vehicle and punched her when she wouldn't give her phone to him. He climbed on top of her and tied her hands with a phone charging cord. The defendant also took a gun she had in her purse. He also had a knife and a taser. He raped her in the back seat and again outside the vehicle.&nbsp;On May 17, 2023, according to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to 89th Street. The third victim reported she met the defendant on a website for adults. He met her and pulled a knife on her. He also took up to $300 cash, her taser, as well as her phone.&nbsp;

 Charges filed against KC man involved in assaults, robberies of women

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities on August 10. conducted a directed enforcement operation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

This enforcement operation targeted individuals with Felony Jackson County District Court Warrants.

During the operation, authorities arrested&nbsp;Katie Lynn Vance, 22, of Havensville,&nbsp; who was wanted for Possession of narcotic or stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation violation; Alicia Nicole Cady, 31, of Oskaloosa, on a Pottawatomie County Warrant for drug and weapon charges and Jordan Thomas Monaghan, 28, of Holton, wanted for a Probation Violation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691760494823.png" alt="Monaghan-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Monaghan-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities on August 10. conducted a directed enforcement operation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.This enforcement operation targeted individuals with Felony Jackson County District Court Warrants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691760441572.png" alt="Vance-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Vance-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the operation, authorities arrested&nbsp;Katie Lynn Vance, 22, of Havensville,&nbsp; who was wanted for Possession of narcotic or stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation violation; Alicia Nicole Cady, 31, of Oskaloosa, on a Pottawatomie County Warrant for drug and weapon charges and Jordan Thomas Monaghan, 28, of Holton, wanted for a Probation Violation.

KBI, KHP help in capture of 3 wanted suspects

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury in a Reno County murder case did not return a verdict on that count after deliberating for several days.

According to Reno County District Attorney Thomas Stanton, the case against Sandral Wade&nbsp;went to the jury last Wednesday afternoon. The jury deliberated until Monday morning.

The jury deadlocked on the first three counts including first degree murder of Orlando Gipson, attempted first degree murder of Landre Bowie and aggravated robbery using a deadly weapon, found the defendant not guilty of aggravated robbery - infliction of bodily harm, and guilty of criminal possession of a firearm.

In October 2021, Wade was arrested in connection with an early morning shooting in the 1500 block of West 12th Avenue in Hutchinson. Officers arrived at the scene and found Landre Bowie laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. He was transferred to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment and survived. Officers then located Gipson in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Bowie testified during a preliminary hearing that Wade was the person who shot him before he crawled out into the street where police who were in the area assisted him. He also told detectives that he could hear Gibson shouting “don’t shoot me.”

A co-defendant Robert Lagrange testified that he saw Wade shoot the two men. He also said that Wade tried to give him a cell phone which he threw in the trash. The phone belonged to Bowie. Lagrange also said that he helped hide Wade at his house for two days before police found him hiding in a closet. 

Stanton said the counts upon which the jury deadlocked will be retried on a future date. No sentencing date on the firearm count was given in Stanton's email to Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618162821449.jpeg" alt="Wade photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Wade photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury in a Reno County murder case did not return a verdict on that count after deliberating for several days.According to Reno County District Attorney Thomas Stanton, the case against Sandral Wade&nbsp;went to the jury last Wednesday afternoon. The jury deliberated until Monday morning.The jury deadlocked on the first three counts including first degree murder of Orlando Gipson, attempted first degree murder of Landre Bowie and aggravated robbery using a deadly weapon, found the defendant not guilty of aggravated robbery - infliction of bodily harm, and guilty of criminal possession of a firearm.In October 2021, Wade was arrested in connection with an early morning shooting in the 1500 block of West 12th Avenue in Hutchinson. Officers arrived at the scene and found Landre Bowie laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. He was transferred to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment and survived. Officers then located Gipson in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.Bowie testified during a preliminary hearing that Wade was the person who shot him before he crawled out into the street where police who were in the area assisted him. He also told detectives that he could hear Gibson shouting “don’t shoot me.”A co-defendant Robert Lagrange testified that he saw Wade shoot the two men. He also said that Wade tried to give him a cell phone which he threw in the trash. The phone belonged to Bowie. Lagrange also said that he helped hide Wade at his house for two days before police found him hiding in a closet. Stanton said the counts upon which the jury deadlocked will be retried on a future date. No sentencing date on the firearm count was given in Stanton's email to Hutch Post.

Jury deadlocked in Kansas murder case

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly stabbing and have made an arrest.

Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday, police to report of stabbing at a residence in the 2500 Block SE Ohio, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

First responders&nbsp;located&nbsp;Lois Brown, 92, of Topeka, unresponsive with life threatening injuries. Medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation, Stephanie Miller, 43 years of age, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge of First-Degree murder, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692007893684.png" alt="Miller-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly stabbing and have made an arrest.Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday, police to report of stabbing at a residence in the 2500 Block SE Ohio, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692008058271.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Sunday-photo courtesy WiBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Sunday-photo courtesy WiBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders&nbsp;located&nbsp;Lois Brown, 92, of Topeka, unresponsive with life threatening injuries. Medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.&nbsp;As a result of the investigation, Stephanie Miller, 43 years of age, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge of First-Degree murder, according to Monasmith.

Police investigate deadly stabbing of 92-year-old Kan. woman

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. —One person died and another arrested after an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in St. Charles County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Hyundai Venue driven by Dioavian R. Cook, 24, Wichita, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 just east of David Hoekel Parkway.

The SUV struck a 2012 Ford Explorer driven by Jared R. Allan, 42, Kansas City head-on.

St Charles County ambulance transported Allan, and passengers in the Ford Carri L. Allan, 42, Kansas City and a 7-year-old Kansas City boy to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital Lake St. Louis.&nbsp; The boy was pronounced dead just after 4a.m.

St. Charles County ambulance transported Cook to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The MSHP later arrested him on requested charges of driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of another.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. —One person died and another arrested after an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in St. Charles County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Hyundai Venue driven by Dioavian R. Cook, 24, Wichita, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 just east of David Hoekel Parkway.The SUV struck a 2012 Ford Explorer driven by Jared R. Allan, 42, Kansas City head-on.St Charles County ambulance transported Allan, and passengers in the Ford Carri L. Allan, 42, Kansas City and a 7-year-old Kansas City boy to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital Lake St. Louis.&nbsp; The boy was pronounced dead just after 4a.m.St. Charles County ambulance transported Cook to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The MSHP later arrested him on requested charges of driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of another.

7-year-old dies after crash with Kan. driver accused of DWI

MARION, Kan. (AP) — A small central Kansas police department is facing a torrent of criticism for raiding a local newspaper’s office and the home of its owner and publisher, seizing computers and cellphones, and, in the publisher’s view, stressing his 98-year-old mother enough to cause her weekend death.

Several press freedom watchdogs condemned the Marion Police Department's actions as a blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution’s protection for a free press. The Marion County Record's editor and publisher, Eric Meyer, worked with his staff Sunday to reconstruct stories, ads and other materials for its next edition Wednesday, even as he took time in the afternoon to provide a local funeral home with information about his mother, Joan, the paper's co-owner.

A search warrant tied Friday morning raids, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, to a dispute between the newspaper and a local restaurant owner, Kari Newell. She is accusing the newspaper of invading her privacy and illegally accessing information about her and her driving record and suggested that the newspaper targeted her after she threw Meyer and a reporter out of restaurant during a political event.

While Meyer saw Newell's complaints — which he said were untrue — as prompting the raids, he also believes the newspaper's aggressive coverage of local politics and issues played a role. He said the newspaper was examining Cody's past work with the Kansas City, Missouri, police as well.

“This is the type of stuff that, you know, that Vladimir Putin does, that Third World dictators do," Meyer said during an interview in his office. "This is Gestapo tactics from World War II.”

Cody said Sunday that the raid was legal and tied to an investigation.

The raids occurred in a town of about 1,900 people, nestled among rolling prairie hills, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, making the small weekly newspaper the latest to find itself in the headlines and possibly targeted for its reporting.

Last year in New Hampshire, the publisher of a weekly newspaper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-new-hampshire-newspapers-attorney-generals-office-b3e29c1d243cdab3e43b942e4b92a8f2">accused the state attorney general’s office of government overreach</a>&nbsp;after she was arrested for allegedly publishing advertisements for local races without properly marking them as political advertising. In Las Vegas, former Democratic elected official Robert Telles is scheduled to face trial in November for allegedly fatally stabbing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-nevada-state-government-las-vegas-homicide-4065890378111c7f913c4d97d2b96f7e">Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German</a>&nbsp;after German wrote articles critical of Telles and his managerial conduct.

Meyer said that on Friday, one Record reporter suffered an injury to a finger when Cody wrested her cellphone out of her hand, according to the report. The newspaper's surveillance video showed officers reading that reporter her rights while Cody watched, though she wasn't arrested or detained. Newspaper employees were hustled out of the building while the search continued for more than 90 minutes, according to the footage.

Meanwhile, Meyer said, police simultaneously raided his home, seizing computers, his cellphone and the home’s internet router.

But as Meyer fielded messages from reporters and editors as far away as London and reviewed footage from the newsroom’s surveillance camera, Newell was receiving death threats from as far away, she said. She said the Record engages in “tabloid trash reporting” and was trying to hush her up.

“I fully believe that the intent was to do harm and merely tarnish my reputation, and I think if had it been left at that, I don’t think that it would have blown up as big as it was,” Newell said in a telephone interview.

Newell said she threw Meyer and the Record reporter out of the event for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43776f9e6a0d4cd6ea07ab802a548f8d">Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner</a>&nbsp;at the request of others who are upset with the “toxic” newspaper. On the town's main street, one storefront included a handmade “Support Marion PD” sign."

The police chief and other officials also attended and were acknowledged at the reception, and the Marion Police Department highlighted the event on its Facebook page.

LaTurner's office did not immediately return phone messages left Sunday at his Washington and district offices seeking comment.

Newell said she believes the newspaper violated the law to get her personal information as it checked on the status of her driver's license following a 2008 drunken driving conviction and other driving violations.

The newspaper countered that it received that information unsolicited, which it verified through public online records. It eventually decided not to run a story because it wasn’t sure the source who supplied it had obtained it legally. But the newspaper did run a story on the city council meeting, in which Newell herself confirmed she'd had a DUI conviction and that she had continued to drive even after her license was suspended.

A two-page search warrant, signed by a local judge, lists Newell as the victim of alleged crimes by the newspaper. When the newspaper asked for a copy of the probable cause affidavit required by law to issue a search warrant, the district court issued a signed statement saying no such affidavit was on file, the Record reported.

Cody, the police chief, defended the raid on Sunday, saying in an email to The Associated Press that while federal law usually requires a subpoena — not just a search warrant — to raid a newsroom, there is an exception “when there is reason to believe the journalist is taking part in the underlying wrongdoing.”

Cody did not give details about what that alleged wrongdoing entailed.

Cody, who was hired in late April as Marion's police chief after serving 24 years in the Kansas City police, did not respond to questions about whether police filed a probable cause affidavit for the search warrant. He also did not answer questions about how police believe Newell was victimized.

Press freedom and civil rights organizations said that police, the local prosecutor's office and the judge who signed off on the search warrant overstepped their authority.

“It seems like one of the most aggressive police raids of a news organization or entity in quite some time,” said Sharon Brett, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, adding that it seemed “quite an alarming abuse of authority."

Seth Stern, director of advocacy for Freedom of the Press Foundation, said in a statement that the raid appeared to have violated federal law, the First Amendment, “and basic human decency.”

“The anti-press rhetoric that’s become so pervasive in this country has become more than just talk and is creating a dangerous environment for journalists trying to do their jobs," Stern said.

Meyer said he has been flooded with offers of help from press freedom groups and other news organizations. But he said what he and his staff need is more hours in the day to get their next edition put together.

Both he and Newell are contemplating lawsuits — Newell against the newspaper and Meyer against the public officials who staged the raid.

As for the criticism of the raid as a violation of First Amendment rights, Newell said her privacy rights were violated, and they are “just as important as anybody else’s.”

By JOHN HANNA and MARGERY A. BECK&nbsp;MARION, Kan. (AP) — A small central Kansas police department is facing a torrent of criticism for raiding a local newspaper’s office and the home of its owner and publisher, seizing computers and cellphones, and, in the publisher’s view, stressing his 98-year-old mother enough to cause her weekend death.Several press freedom watchdogs condemned the Marion Police Department's actions as a blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution’s protection for a free press. The Marion County Record's editor and publisher, Eric Meyer, worked with his staff Sunday to reconstruct stories, ads and other materials for its next edition Wednesday, even as he took time in the afternoon to provide a local funeral home with information about his mother, Joan, the paper's co-owner.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmarionpoliceks%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02fzBK6Mp4voBLB39mF6p1ug9uQreXjZ8yPnK5mWFqYwsXdkkzBzBUj46sQeeeP6mHl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="278" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>A search warrant tied Friday morning raids, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, to a dispute between the newspaper and a local restaurant owner, Kari Newell. She is accusing the newspaper of invading her privacy and illegally accessing information about her and her driving record and suggested that the newspaper targeted her after she threw Meyer and a reporter out of restaurant during a political event.While Meyer saw Newell's complaints — which he said were untrue — as prompting the raids, he also believes the newspaper's aggressive coverage of local politics and issues played a role. He said the newspaper was examining Cody's past work with the Kansas City, Missouri, police as well.“This is the type of stuff that, you know, that Vladimir Putin does, that Third World dictators do," Meyer said during an interview in his office. "This is Gestapo tactics from World War II.”Cody said Sunday that the raid was legal and tied to an investigation.The raids occurred in a town of about 1,900 people, nestled among rolling prairie hills, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, making the small weekly newspaper the latest to find itself in the headlines and possibly targeted for its reporting.Last year in New Hampshire, the publisher of a weekly newspaper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-new-hampshire-newspapers-attorney-generals-office-b3e29c1d243cdab3e43b942e4b92a8f2">accused the state attorney general’s office of government overreach</a>&nbsp;after she was arrested for allegedly publishing advertisements for local races without properly marking them as political advertising. In Las Vegas, former Democratic elected official Robert Telles is scheduled to face trial in November for allegedly fatally stabbing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-nevada-state-government-las-vegas-homicide-4065890378111c7f913c4d97d2b96f7e">Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German</a>&nbsp;after German wrote articles critical of Telles and his managerial conduct.Meyer said that on Friday, one Record reporter suffered an injury to a finger when Cody wrested her cellphone out of her hand, according to the report. The newspaper's surveillance video showed officers reading that reporter her rights while Cody watched, though she wasn't arrested or detained. Newspaper employees were hustled out of the building while the search continued for more than 90 minutes, according to the footage.Meanwhile, Meyer said, police simultaneously raided his home, seizing computers, his cellphone and the home’s internet router.But as Meyer fielded messages from reporters and editors as far away as London and reviewed footage from the newsroom’s surveillance camera, Newell was receiving death threats from as far away, she said. She said the Record engages in “tabloid trash reporting” and was trying to hush her up.“I fully believe that the intent was to do harm and merely tarnish my reputation, and I think if had it been left at that, I don’t think that it would have blown up as big as it was,” Newell said in a telephone interview.Newell said she threw Meyer and the Record reporter out of the event for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43776f9e6a0d4cd6ea07ab802a548f8d">Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner</a>&nbsp;at the request of others who are upset with the “toxic” newspaper. On the town's main street, one storefront included a handmade “Support Marion PD” sign."The police chief and other officials also attended and were acknowledged at the reception, and the Marion Police Department highlighted the event on its Facebook page.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmarionpoliceks%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02sWeqoeuTe4eZCtkA4dQZaT1gRUADb3uAamKRphxWTG7zoqErRQwcJ1VUQvmMgAA1l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="800" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>LaTurner's office did not immediately return phone messages left Sunday at his Washington and district offices seeking comment.Newell said she believes the newspaper violated the law to get her personal information as it checked on the status of her driver's license following a 2008 drunken driving conviction and other driving violations.The newspaper countered that it received that information unsolicited, which it verified through public online records. It eventually decided not to run a story because it wasn’t sure the source who supplied it had obtained it legally. But the newspaper did run a story on the city council meeting, in which Newell herself confirmed she'd had a DUI conviction and that she had continued to drive even after her license was suspended.A two-page search warrant, signed by a local judge, lists Newell as the victim of alleged crimes by the newspaper. When the newspaper asked for a copy of the probable cause affidavit required by law to issue a search warrant, the district court issued a signed statement saying no such affidavit was on file, the Record reported.Cody, the police chief, defended the raid on Sunday, saying in an email to The Associated Press that while federal law usually requires a subpoena — not just a search warrant — to raid a newsroom, there is an exception “when there is reason to believe the journalist is taking part in the underlying wrongdoing.”Cody did not give details about what that alleged wrongdoing entailed.Cody, who was hired in late April as Marion's police chief after serving 24 years in the Kansas City police, did not respond to questions about whether police filed a probable cause affidavit for the search warrant. He also did not answer questions about how police believe Newell was victimized.Press freedom and civil rights organizations said that police, the local prosecutor's office and the judge who signed off on the search warrant overstepped their authority.“It seems like one of the most aggressive police raids of a news organization or entity in quite some time,” said Sharon Brett, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, adding that it seemed “quite an alarming abuse of authority."Seth Stern, director of advocacy for Freedom of the Press Foundation, said in a statement that the raid appeared to have violated federal law, the First Amendment, “and basic human decency.”“The anti-press rhetoric that’s become so pervasive in this country has become more than just talk and is creating a dangerous environment for journalists trying to do their jobs," Stern said.Meyer said he has been flooded with offers of help from press freedom groups and other news organizations. But he said what he and his staff need is more hours in the day to get their next edition put together.Both he and Newell are contemplating lawsuits — Newell against the newspaper and Meyer against the public officials who staged the raid.As for the criticism of the raid as a violation of First Amendment rights, Newell said her privacy rights were violated, and they are “just as important as anybody else’s.”

Central Kan. police force comes under constitutional criticism after raiding a newspaper

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged road rage incident near Kansas City and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the area of Monks Walk Road in Loch Lloyd in reference to a possible road rage incident, according to the Cass County Sheriff.

Deputies made contact with a food delivery driver and two passengers who stated a subject chased them down the road, pulled in front of their vehicle, and pointed a firearm at them. 

 The subject, identified as Damon Lounds, 49, from Loch Lloyd, was taken into custody a short time later.  He was transported to the Cass County Jail for processing without incident. 

  Investigators obtained a search warrant for. Lounds residence in the 16000 East Heather Lane in Loch Lloyd.  During the execution of the search warrant a firearm, matching the description of the one used in the incident, as well as other evidence was collected. 

On Wednesday Lounds was charged in a Cass County Court with one count of Unlawful Use Of A Weapon. He was also found to have 14 outstanding arrest warrants from the Kansas City Police Department. The Judge&nbsp; ordered Lounds be held in the Cass County Jail without bond.  His next scheduled court date is set for August 16, according to the sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691759257057.png" alt="Lounds-photo Caass Co." />
 <figcaption>Lounds-photo Caass Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged road rage incident near Kansas City and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the area of Monks Walk Road in Loch Lloyd in reference to a possible road rage incident, according to the Cass County Sheriff.Deputies made contact with a food delivery driver and two passengers who stated a subject chased them down the road, pulled in front of their vehicle, and pointed a firearm at them. The subject, identified as Damon Lounds, 49, from Loch Lloyd, was taken into custody a short time later. He was transported to the Cass County Jail for processing without incident. Investigators obtained a search warrant for. Lounds residence in the 16000 East Heather Lane in Loch Lloyd. During the execution of the search warrant a firearm, matching the description of the one used in the incident, as well as other evidence was collected. On Wednesday Lounds was charged in a Cass County Court with one count of Unlawful Use Of A Weapon. He was also found to have 14 outstanding arrest warrants from the Kansas City Police Department. The Judge&nbsp; ordered Lounds be held in the Cass County Jail without bond. His next scheduled court date is set for August 16, according to the sheriff's office.

Road rage: Suspect pulled gun on food delivery driver

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect caught driving a stolen car.

Just after 11:30p.m&nbsp; Thursday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 3300 block of SW Gage Boulevard on a white 2019 Ford Fusion that was reported stolen out of Kansas City. 

The driver, later identified as&nbsp;Paul M. Eicholz, 24, of Topeka, failed to stop and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit ended in the 500 block of SW 39th Street where Eicholz fled the scene on foot.

A sheriff's department drone was used to quickly locate. He was arrested and transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response (AMR) due to a nonlife-threatening injury suffered while running away from the vehicle.

Eicholz was medically cleared and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement, felony flee or attempt to elude, two counts of possession of stolen property, speeding, failure to yield at a stop sign and possession of drug paraphernalia.

&nbsp;The passenger was interviewed and released from the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691780419210.png" alt="Eicholz-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Eicholz-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect caught driving a stolen car.Just after 11:30p.m&nbsp; Thursday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 3300 block of SW Gage Boulevard on a white 2019 Ford Fusion that was reported stolen out of Kansas City. The driver, later identified as&nbsp;Paul M. Eicholz, 24, of Topeka, failed to stop and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit ended in the 500 block of SW 39th Street where Eicholz fled the scene on foot.A sheriff's department drone was used to quickly locate. He was arrested and transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response (AMR) due to a nonlife-threatening injury suffered while running away from the vehicle.Eicholz was medically cleared and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement, felony flee or attempt to elude, two counts of possession of stolen property, speeding, failure to yield at a stop sign and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;The passenger was interviewed and released from the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.

Drone used to help catch Kan. man who ran from stolen car

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fire and have made an arrest.

Just after 1:30a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a vehicle fire&nbsp; at 1106 SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Fire crews found three unoccupied passenger vans engulfed in flames. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack extinguishing the fires. No injuries were reported during the incident.

After a preliminary investigation the fire cause was intentionally set.

The total estimated loss was $49,000, all of which is associated with the loss of the vehicles.

As a result of the investigation police arrested 31-year-old Nicholas A. Darnell of Topeka on requested charges of Arson, Criminal use of explosives, Theft and Criminal damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691699854566.png" alt="Darnell-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Darnell-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fire and have made an arrest.Just after 1:30a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a vehicle fire&nbsp; at 1106 SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Fire crews found three unoccupied passenger vans engulfed in flames. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack extinguishing the fires. No injuries were reported during the incident.After a preliminary investigation the fire cause was intentionally set.The total estimated loss was $49,000, all of which is associated with the loss of the vehicles.As a result of the investigation police arrested 31-year-old Nicholas A. Darnell of Topeka on requested charges of Arson, Criminal use of explosives, Theft and Criminal damage to property.

Kan. man accused of using explosives to set vans on fire

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jeffrey A. Knight, 32, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of producing child pornography.

By pleading guilty, Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet.

Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022.

Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups.

Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online, according to the United State's Attorney.Jeffrey A. Knight, 32, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of producing child pornography.By pleading guilty, Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet.Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022.Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups.Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest.A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

KC man admits using phone to create videos of child sex abuse

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department announced this week that a suspect has been arrested and charged in a June 5, homicide that took place in the 500 Block of Elizabeth, according to a media release.

The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, assisted by officers with the KCKPD, took 38-year-old Mahir Alihodzic, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, into custody August 8, in Kansas City, Kansas.

The shooting occurred just before 9:30 p.m June 5. Wheeler was transported to an area hospital where police reported he died the following afternoon..

The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged&nbsp;Alihodzic with second-degree murder.&nbsp; Alihodzic is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $350,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691714526560.png" alt="Alihodzic-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Alihodzic-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department announced this week that a suspect has been arrested and charged in a June 5, homicide that took place in the 500 Block of Elizabeth, according to a media release.The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, assisted by officers with the KCKPD, took 38-year-old Mahir Alihodzic, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, into custody August 8, in Kansas City, Kansas.The shooting occurred just before 9:30 p.m June 5. Wheeler was transported to an area hospital where police reported he died the following afternoon..The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged&nbsp;Alihodzic with second-degree murder.&nbsp; Alihodzic is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $350,000 bond.

U.S. Marshals help arrest suspect for murder of Kansas man

BROWN COUNTY —The Brown County Sheriff's Office has spent many many hours investigating criminal activity and after executing search warrants involving several different states and multiple locations in Kansas they have made arrests, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

The investigation&nbsp; led to&nbsp; the discovery of many thousands of dollars of stolen property that has been recovered, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Based on&nbsp; the investigation, three individuals have been charged in Brown County District Court with charges including felony theft and&nbsp; 4 arrests have been made in Richardson County Nebraska's jurisdiction stemming from the initial investigation.

The suspects connected with this case are Zach Brown, 40, Highland who was arrested on July 31, on charges of&nbsp; 2 Counts of Felony Theft and Felony&nbsp;Parole Violation.

Brad Donahue, 45, Powhattan, was arrested on July 29, on&nbsp; charges of Felony&nbsp;Theft, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Mark Levret, 53, Powhattan, was arrested on 8-8-2023 charges of&nbsp; Felony Theft, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug and&nbsp;&nbsp;Paraphernalia.&nbsp; All three are in the Brown County jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691700368962.png" alt="Brown-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —The Brown County Sheriff's Office has spent many many hours investigating criminal activity and after executing search warrants involving several different states and multiple locations in Kansas they have made arrests, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691700472381.png" alt="Donahue-Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Donahue-Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation&nbsp; led to&nbsp; the discovery of many thousands of dollars of stolen property that has been recovered, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691700517847.png" alt="Levret-Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Levret-Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Based on&nbsp; the investigation, three individuals have been charged in Brown County District Court with charges including felony theft and&nbsp; 4 arrests have been made in Richardson County Nebraska's jurisdiction stemming from the initial investigation.The suspects connected with this case are Zach Brown, 40, Highland who was arrested on July 31, on charges of&nbsp; 2 Counts of Felony Theft and Felony&nbsp;Parole Violation.Brad Donahue, 45, Powhattan, was arrested on July 29, on&nbsp; charges of Felony&nbsp;Theft, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mark Levret, 53, Powhattan, was arrested on 8-8-2023 charges of&nbsp; Felony Theft, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug and&nbsp;&nbsp;Paraphernalia.&nbsp; All three are in the Brown County jail..

Kan. investigation uncovers stolen property, 3 arrested

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a report of porch pirates have made arrests.

On Thursday afternoon, Maize Police with assistance from the Wichita Police Department arrested two individuals in connection with recent thefts of packages in the Wichita metropolitan area and recovered several pieces of property believed to have been taken in the thefts, according to a media release.

 If you recently encountered a theft of a delivered package to your residence, please email Maize Detective Piper at jpiper@maizeks.gov and provide a description of the item(s) that were taken and any associated police case number you made.

The suspects in the thefts were a white male and female driving a gray BMW 5 series with the Kansas tag 966RYP.&nbsp; According to online jail records the suspects are identified as <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=742012">18-year-old Audrey French</a>&nbsp;and 19-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=260827">Gavin Shaffer.</a>&nbsp;

They are being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, possession of stolen property and theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691180365684.png" alt="photo Maize Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Maize Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a report of porch pirates have made arrests.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691719945216.png" alt="Shaffer-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Shaffer-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday afternoon, Maize Police with assistance from the Wichita Police Department arrested two individuals in connection with recent thefts of packages in the Wichita metropolitan area and recovered several pieces of property believed to have been taken in the thefts, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691719974818.png" alt="French-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>French-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> If you recently encountered a theft of a delivered package to your residence, please email Maize Detective Piper at jpiper@maizeks.gov and provide a description of the item(s) that were taken and any associated police case number you made.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691180397601.png" alt="Gray BMW 5 series with the Kansas tag 966RYP-photo Maize Police" />
 <figcaption>Gray BMW 5 series with the Kansas tag 966RYP-photo Maize Police</figcaption>
 </figure> The suspects in the thefts were a white male and female driving a gray BMW 5 series with the Kansas tag 966RYP.&nbsp; According to online jail records the suspects are identified as <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=742012">18-year-old Audrey French</a>&nbsp;and 19-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=260827">Gavin Shaffer.</a>&nbsp;They are being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, possession of stolen property and theft.Just after 6p.m. August 3, the individual seen in security camera images took packages left on the porch of a residence in the 11000 block of West Sondra in the city of Maize, according to a social media report from police.