RILEY COUNTY —Victor Schmidt, 29, of Spearville, Kansas was arrested while at the Riley County Law Enforcement Center after being extradited from Pennsylvania on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated sexual battery; force or fear, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

On May 25, Schmidt was booked into the&nbsp;Centre County Correctional Facility in&nbsp;Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, according to online jail records.

The original case was reported in November 2022. Schmidt remains jailed on a total bond of $100,000, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Victor Schmidt, 29, of Spearville, Kansas was arrested while at the Riley County Law Enforcement Center after being extradited from Pennsylvania on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated sexual battery; force or fear, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.On May 25, Schmidt was booked into the&nbsp;Centre County Correctional Facility in&nbsp;Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, according to online jail records.The original case was reported in November 2022. Schmidt remains jailed on a total bond of $100,000, according to the RCPD.

Sexual battery suspect extradited from Pennsylvania

JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 11p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspicious individuals in the area of 110th and T. Roads in southeastern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies stopped a vehicle leaving the area near 126th and T. Roads.  Deputies arrested the driver, identified as 22-year-old Joshua Kenneth Funk Jr., of Valley Falls for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and possession of cocaine. 

 Funk was booked into the Jackson County Jail. The Hoyt Police Department assisted with the incident. Funk is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690899444029.png" alt="Funk-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Funk-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 11p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspicious individuals in the area of 110th and T. Roads in southeastern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies stopped a vehicle leaving the area near 126th and T. Roads. Deputies arrested the driver, identified as 22-year-old Joshua Kenneth Funk Jr., of Valley Falls for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and possession of cocaine. Funk was booked into the Jackson County Jail. The Hoyt Police Department assisted with the incident. Funk is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas man caught transporting cocaine

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 58-year-old Manuel E. Valentine-Ruperto, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Just after 5 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in 3400 block of Roberts Street. First responders located an Valentine-Roberto on the side walk suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and declared him deceased. Police had no suspect in custody late Monday but are making progress identifying a person of interest in this case, according to Becchina. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690892621909.png" alt="There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.-photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.-photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 58-year-old Manuel E. Valentine-Ruperto, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina. Just after 5 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in 3400 block of Roberts Street. First responders located an Valentine-Roberto on the side walk suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and declared him deceased. Police had no suspect in custody late Monday but are making progress identifying a person of interest in this case, according to Becchina. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.

Police ID shooting victim found dead on Kansas City sidewalk

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

Just before 10p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported house fire located at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders found smoke coming from the single-story house consisting of two apartments.&nbsp;&nbsp; All occupants were able to exit the structure, prior to the arrival of fire crews.

After a preliminary investigation the fire cause is classified as intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, Linda Ritchey, 61, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of of Aggravated Arson.

The origin of the fire was determined to have been on the first floor of the home. The total loss was estimated at $11,000, with $10,000 associated with structural loss and $1,000 associated with content loss.

The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to the fire department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690819669630.png" alt="Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have made an arrest..Just before 10p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported house fire located at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First responders found smoke coming from the single-story house consisting of two apartments.&nbsp;&nbsp; All occupants were able to exit the structure, prior to the arrival of fire crews.After a preliminary investigation the fire cause is classified as intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, Linda Ritchey, 61, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of of Aggravated Arson.The origin of the fire was determined to have been on the first floor of the home. The total loss was estimated at $11,000, with $10,000 associated with structural loss and $1,000 associated with content loss.The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to the fire department.

Woman accused of setting Kansas house fire

GRANT COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a double-fatal crash that occurred in southwest Kansas in 2019 captured a man accused of fleeing the accident scene, according to the United State's Marshals Service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On July 28 , the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and the Southeast Region Fugitive Task Force arrested 46-year-old Paulo I. Garcia in Douglas County, Georgia.&nbsp;Garcia was wanted out of Grant County Kansas, for "leaving the scene of an accident which involved great bodily injury/death, and felony theft."

In October of  2019, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 12:30 p.m. on that Saturday, a 2007 Kenworth truck was westbound on Grant County Road 10 three miles north of U.S. 160.

The driver, later identified as Garcia, failed to yield right of way to a 2012 Chevy Silverado that was southbound on County Road X and driven by Kevin Jay Coyle, 57, Turpin, Oklahoma. The Kenworth entered the uncontrolled intersection&nbsp;directly into the path of the Silverado.

Coyle and his father 81-year-old Gerald Lee Coyle also of Turpin, Oklahoma, who was a passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene.

While a witness to the crash was working to assist the victims, the driver of the Kenworth truck drove away in the witness’s pickup, according to KHP Trooper Michael Racy. Authorities located the stolen pickup in a Haskell County, Kansas field.&nbsp;

Garcia was also wanted for a federal supervised release violation in Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

“I am proud of the dedicated work of our Fugitive Task Force, and I hope this arrest will help the victim’s family get some sense of closure,” said Ronald Miller, US Marshal for the District of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690834733508.png" alt="Garcia-photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Garcia-photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANT COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a double-fatal crash that occurred in southwest Kansas in 2019 captured a man accused of fleeing the accident scene, according to the United State's Marshals Service.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On 10/26/2019 KHP troopers worked a fatal in Grant County on U160 between East Rd 10-12. One of the drivers involved stole another vehicle and fled the scene. If you know who this person is or where he might be please contact TECHTRP Michael Racy at (620) 276-3201. <a href="https://t.co/d6CaBG3H7N">pic.twitter.com/d6CaBG3H7N</a>&mdash; Trooper Racy (@TrooperMikeKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperMikeKHP/status/1189580318732406787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On July 28 , the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and the Southeast Region Fugitive Task Force arrested 46-year-old Paulo I. Garcia in Douglas County, Georgia.&nbsp;Garcia was wanted out of Grant County Kansas, for "leaving the scene of an accident which involved great bodily injury/death, and felony theft."In October of 2019, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 12:30 p.m. on that Saturday, a 2007 Kenworth truck was westbound on Grant County Road 10 three miles north of U.S. 160.The driver, later identified as Garcia, failed to yield right of way to a 2012 Chevy Silverado that was southbound on County Road X and driven by Kevin Jay Coyle, 57, Turpin, Oklahoma. The Kenworth entered the uncontrolled intersection&nbsp;directly into the path of the Silverado.Coyle and his father 81-year-old Gerald Lee Coyle also of Turpin, Oklahoma, who was a passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene.While a witness to the crash was working to assist the victims, the driver of the Kenworth truck drove away in the witness’s pickup, according to KHP Trooper Michael Racy. Authorities located the stolen pickup in a Haskell County, Kansas field.&nbsp;Garcia was also wanted for a federal supervised release violation in Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.“I am proud of the dedicated work of our Fugitive Task Force, and I hope this arrest will help the victim’s family get some sense of closure,” said Ronald Miller, US Marshal for the District of Kansas.

Driver captured 4-years after he fled fatal SW Kansas crash 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating six separate homicides that occurred in Wichita last week.

Just before 6:30 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a check welfare call in the 4800 block of N. Portwest in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Officers arrived on the scene and were informed that 80-year-old Margaret O'Neil did not answer the door for a friend, which was out of the ordinary. Officers saw through a window that she was lying on the kitchen floor and forced entry into the residence to render aid.

It appeared that she was fatally shot multiple times. Her 57-year-old son identified as Michael O’Neil of Wichita, was found inside the residence with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Just before a.m.&nbsp; 4a.m. Thursday, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Gupilan.

EMS and fire arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the victims identified as  20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita died at the scene. Police arrested  19-year-old Zachary Ramirez of Maize in connection with the killing.

These were the fourth and fifth homicides in Wichita this week.

On Tuesday, a woman dropping off her child at an in-home daycare&nbsp; saw the two homicide victims through a window of a home in the 1100 Block of North Woodrow. The victims were identified as 50-year-old Vanessa Crawford and 58-year-old Donald Eckert both of Wichita.

Police arrested 62-year-old Charles Crawford in connection with the murders.&nbsp; He made a court appearance on Friday and was charged with capital murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, July 24, police responded to a call&nbsp;in the 600 block of S. Laura in Wichita. First responders located 14-year-old Malachi Sicka of Wichita nearby with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of E. Orme. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died. 

On Thursday night police reported the arrest of&nbsp;&nbsp;three juvenile male suspects on requested charges of 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Criminal Use of a Weapon, in the homicide Two of the suspects are 17 years old and the other is 15 years old, all from Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690487693837.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation early Thursday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation early Thursday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating six separate homicides that occurred in Wichita last week.Just before 6:30 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a check welfare call in the 4800 block of N. Portwest in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Officers arrived on the scene and were informed that 80-year-old Margaret O'Neil did not answer the door for a friend, which was out of the ordinary. Officers saw through a window that she was lying on the kitchen floor and forced entry into the residence to render aid.It appeared that she was fatally shot multiple times. Her 57-year-old son identified as Michael O’Neil of Wichita, was found inside the residence with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.Just before a.m.&nbsp; 4a.m. Thursday, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690507120194.png" alt="Ramirez-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ramirez-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>EMS and fire arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the victims identified as 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita died at the scene. Police arrested 19-year-old Zachary Ramirez of Maize in connection with the killing.These were the fourth and fifth homicides in Wichita this week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690336820824.png" alt="Police on the scene of the deadly killing at a home day care -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the deadly killing at a home day care -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, a woman dropping off her child at an in-home daycare&nbsp; saw the two homicide victims through a window of a home in the 1100 Block of North Woodrow. The victims were identified as 50-year-old Vanessa Crawford and 58-year-old Donald Eckert both of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690372152213.png" alt="Crawford-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Crawford-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested 62-year-old Charles Crawford in connection with the murders.&nbsp; He made a court appearance on Friday and was charged with capital murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 10p.m. Monday, July 24, police responded to a call&nbsp;in the 600 block of S. Laura in Wichita. First responders located 14-year-old Malachi Sicka of Wichita nearby with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of E. Orme. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died. On Thursday night police reported the arrest of&nbsp;&nbsp;three juvenile male suspects on requested charges of 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Criminal Use of a Weapon, in the homicide Two of the suspects are 17 years old and the other is 15 years old, all from Wichita.

Police: Deadly final week of July in Wichita

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an DUI accident in Manhattan.

Just after 6p.m. Saturday, police responded to a collision in the 300 block of Fort Riley Boulevard in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;A person involved reported a female suspect later identified as&nbsp; 28-year-old&nbsp; Brittany Holt of Salina crashed into a vehicle occupied by children. 

Police arrested Holt on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated endangering a child, driving under the influence, and driving while suspended. Holt was issued a total bond of $8,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an DUI accident in Manhattan.Just after 6p.m. Saturday, police responded to a collision in the 300 block of Fort Riley Boulevard in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A person involved reported a female suspect later identified as&nbsp; 28-year-old&nbsp; Brittany Holt of Salina crashed into a vehicle occupied by children. Police arrested Holt on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated endangering a child, driving under the influence, and driving while suspended. Holt was issued a total bond of $8,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

RCPD: Kan. woman crashed into a vehicle occupied by children

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for making an alleged false police report that generated a large police presence.&nbsp;

Just after 4 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home in the 2900 block of SE Indiana Ave. in Topeka in reference what was reported as a hostage situation, according to a media release from police.

Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that there was no hostage situation at the home, and that a false police report was made.

Investigators quickly determined the swatting call originated from a nearby home in the same block on SE Indiana Avenue.

 The suspect, later identified as Veronica E. Freeby, 33 of Topeka, was taken into custody without incident, later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Transmit/communicate false info to request emergency service; w/threat of violent activity ad aShawnee County warrant

Freeby and the involved parties are known to one another, and this is believed to have been an isolated incident. There were no injuries during this incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690556256910.png" alt="Freeby-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Freeby-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for making an alleged false police report that generated a large police presence.&nbsp;Just after 4 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home in the 2900 block of SE Indiana Ave. in Topeka in reference what was reported as a hostage situation, according to a media release from police.Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690556340872.png" alt="Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Given the nature of the call, significant police resources responded to the home.-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>During the course of the investigation, officers learned that there was no hostage situation at the home, and that a false police report was made.Investigators quickly determined the swatting call originated from a nearby home in the same block on SE Indiana Avenue. The suspect, later identified as Veronica E. Freeby, 33 of Topeka, was taken into custody without incident, later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Transmit/communicate false info to request emergency service; w/threat of violent activity ad aShawnee County warrantFreeby and the involved parties are known to one another, and this is believed to have been an isolated incident. There were no injuries during this incident.

Kansas woman accused of reporting fake hostage situation

KANSAS CITY— Jonathan M. Bravo-Lopez (also known as “Jonathan Vravo,” and “Shadow”), 27, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to life in federal prison for conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Bravo-Lopez was also sentenced to 24 months for unlawful reentry, which the court ordered to be served consecutive to the life sentences, according to the United State's Attorney.

On Dec. 16, 2022, Bravo-Lopez and co-defendant Juan D. Osorio (also known as “Spexx”), 30, also a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City were found guilty at trial of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Osorio was also found guilty of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Bravo-Lopez was also found guilty of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported in 2016.

Osorio was sentenced on June 20, 2023, to life in federal prison without parole.

Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Osorio and Bravo-Lopez conspired to kidnap Cristian Escutia in an attempt to rob him of money. They transported Escutia across state lines from Missouri to Kansas before fatally shooting him on April 3, 2017.

Osorio and Bravo-Lopez arranged to purchase $300 of marijuana from Escutia as a ruse to lure him into their kidnapping plan. On April 3, 2017, they met Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. Co-defendant Marco A. Sosa-Perea, 27, of Kansas City, Mo., who had remained in the car, drove them away from the scene of the kidnapping. The kidnapping was captured by the video surveillance system outside a nearby residence. When they drove to the 200 block of Donovan Road in Kansas City, Kan., they forced Escutia out of the vehicle. Escutia was shot three times and left to die on the side of the road.

Osorio, who is in the United States unlawfully, was in possession of an Action Arms Uzi .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol when he was arrested on April 7, 2017.

Sosa-Perea was sentenced on Feb. 6, 2023, to 10 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the kidnapping conspiracy.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Edwards and Matthew A. Moeder. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671644570715.png" alt="On April 3, 2017, the defendants met Cristian Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>On April 3, 2017, the defendants met Cristian Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Jonathan M. Bravo-Lopez (also known as “Jonathan Vravo,” and “Shadow”), 27, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to life in federal prison for conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Bravo-Lopez was also sentenced to 24 months for unlawful reentry, which the court ordered to be served consecutive to the life sentences, according to the United State's Attorney.On Dec. 16, 2022, Bravo-Lopez and co-defendant Juan D. Osorio (also known as “Spexx”), 30, also a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City were found guilty at trial of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Osorio was also found guilty of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Bravo-Lopez was also found guilty of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported in 2016.Osorio was sentenced on June 20, 2023, to life in federal prison without parole.Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Osorio and Bravo-Lopez conspired to kidnap Cristian Escutia in an attempt to rob him of money. They transported Escutia across state lines from Missouri to Kansas before fatally shooting him on April 3, 2017.Osorio and Bravo-Lopez arranged to purchase $300 of marijuana from Escutia as a ruse to lure him into their kidnapping plan. On April 3, 2017, they met Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. Co-defendant Marco A. Sosa-Perea, 27, of Kansas City, Mo., who had remained in the car, drove them away from the scene of the kidnapping. The kidnapping was captured by the video surveillance system outside a nearby residence. When they drove to the 200 block of Donovan Road in Kansas City, Kan., they forced Escutia out of the vehicle. Escutia was shot three times and left to die on the side of the road.Osorio, who is in the United States unlawfully, was in possession of an Action Arms Uzi .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol when he was arrested on April 7, 2017.Sosa-Perea was sentenced on Feb. 6, 2023, to 10 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the kidnapping conspiracy.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Edwards and Matthew A. Moeder. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.

Mexican national sentenced for kidnapping, murder in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting.

Just after 5 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in 3400 block of Roberts Street, according to&nbsp;Captain Corey Carlisle. First responders located an adult man on the side walk suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and declared him deceased. Police had no suspect in custody late Friday. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the scene to recover any evidence and speaking to any potential witnesses. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting. Just after 5 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in 3400 block of Roberts Street, according to&nbsp;Captain Corey Carlisle. First responders located an adult man on the side walk suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and declared him deceased. Police had no suspect in custody late Friday. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the scene to recover any evidence and speaking to any potential witnesses. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.

Police find shooting victim dead on Kansas City sidewalk

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations

On July 25, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit and Douglas County Sheriff’s Nexus Unit executed a narcotics related search warrant in the 400 block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, investigators found illegal narcotics including meth.

Tammi S. Moore, 57, and Jesse D. Jones, 31, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into them Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Moore is being held on requested charges that include distribution of stimulants, possession of drug paraphernalia and use of a communication device in commission of a felony drug violation. Jones remains jailed on a requested charge of distribution of stimulants and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690464285105.png" alt="Jones-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegationsOn July 25, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit and Douglas County Sheriff’s Nexus Unit executed a narcotics related search warrant in the 400 block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, investigators found illegal narcotics including meth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690464195704.png" alt="Moore-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Moore-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tammi S. Moore, 57, and Jesse D. Jones, 31, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into them Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Moore is being held on requested charges that include distribution of stimulants, possession of drug paraphernalia and use of a communication device in commission of a felony drug violation. Jones remains jailed on a requested charge of distribution of stimulants and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Two Kansans accused of selling methamphetamine

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged ID theft and related crimes in Manhattan.

Just after 9:30a.m. Thursday, police arrested 43-year-old Rachel Lingenfelter of Manhattan on a Riley County District Court warrant alleging mistreatment of a dependent adult, theft, and two counts each of identity theft and criminal use of a financial card in connection to the financial exploitation of a now-deceased man in 2022, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Lingenfelter was issued a total bond of $5,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged ID theft and related crimes in Manhattan.Just after 9:30a.m. Thursday, police arrested 43-year-old Rachel Lingenfelter of Manhattan on a Riley County District Court warrant alleging mistreatment of a dependent adult, theft, and two counts each of identity theft and criminal use of a financial card in connection to the financial exploitation of a now-deceased man in 2022, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Lingenfelter was issued a total bond of $5,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

Manhattan woman accused of mistreatment of a dependent adult, ID theft

PLEASANT HILL, Mo. (AP) — A 78-year-old Missouri woman charged with robbing a bank in April didn't show up to a court date, and police found a woman dead at her home when they checked on her this week.

Police in Pleasant Hill, a community of about 8,000 southeast of Kansas City, have not said whether they think the body found Wednesday is defendant Bonnie Gooch's, but they did say they don't suspect foul play and that an autopsy is scheduled. The police department didn't immediately reply to messages seeking further information left Friday.

Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Gooch when she missed the Monday hearing. When police went to her home, they found the door unlocked and the body of a woman in a bedroom.

Gooch, who had two previous bank robbery convictions,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bank-robbery-missouri-fcaa66a6c78eefc0e7bdf1df4a88c8c2">was charged in April</a>&nbsp;in a holdup in Pleasant Hill. In court documents, Cass County prosecutors allege that she passed a note to a teller demanding “13,000 small bills,” adding “thank you sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” Surveillance video also captured her banging on the counter, asking the teller to hurry.

Gooch's earlier robbery convictions were in California in 1977 and in the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit in 2020. Her probation in the second heist ended in November 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680817861086.png" alt="Gooch-photo Pleasant Hill Police" />
 <figcaption>Gooch-photo Pleasant Hill Police</figcaption>
 </figure>PLEASANT HILL, Mo. (AP) — A 78-year-old Missouri woman charged with robbing a bank in April didn't show up to a court date, and police found a woman dead at her home when they checked on her this week.Police in Pleasant Hill, a community of about 8,000 southeast of Kansas City, have not said whether they think the body found Wednesday is defendant Bonnie Gooch's, but they did say they don't suspect foul play and that an autopsy is scheduled. The police department didn't immediately reply to messages seeking further information left Friday.Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Gooch when she missed the Monday hearing. When police went to her home, they found the door unlocked and the body of a woman in a bedroom.Gooch, who had two previous bank robbery convictions,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bank-robbery-missouri-fcaa66a6c78eefc0e7bdf1df4a88c8c2">was charged in April</a>&nbsp;in a holdup in Pleasant Hill. In court documents, Cass County prosecutors allege that she passed a note to a teller demanding “13,000 small bills,” adding “thank you sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” Surveillance video also captured her banging on the counter, asking the teller to hurry.Gooch's earlier robbery convictions were in California in 1977 and in the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit in 2020. Her probation in the second heist ended in November 2021.

Body found at home of 78-year-old KC-area bank robbery suspect

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

Officers responded to the report of an injury crash near the intersection of Tuttle Creek and Fort Riley Boulevards on July 26, 2023, around 10:15 p.m.

A northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Kyle Field, 31, Manhattan, struck a&nbsp;1976 Ford truck driven by Zhang Guorong, 51, that had turned south onto Fort Riley Blvd. from Tuttle Creek Blvd., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Field was found to be intoxicated and arrested on a requested charge of driving under the influence. A passenger of Field's motorcycle, Alexandra Manlove, 31, of Manhattan was transported to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Thursday in Riley County.Officers responded to the report of an injury crash near the intersection of Tuttle Creek and Fort Riley Boulevards on July 26, 2023, around 10:15 p.m.A northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Kyle Field, 31, Manhattan, struck a&nbsp;1976 Ford truck driven by Zhang Guorong, 51, that had turned south onto Fort Riley Blvd. from Tuttle Creek Blvd., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Field was found to be intoxicated and arrested on a requested charge of driving under the influence. A passenger of Field's motorcycle, Alexandra Manlove, 31, of Manhattan was transported to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries.

Manhattan man accused of DUI in motorcycle, truck crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy have arrested three juvenile male suspects.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a call&nbsp;in the 600 block of S. Laura in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located 14-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/malachi-sicka">Malachi Sicka </a>of Wichita nearby with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of E. Orme. Despite the efforts of EMS and Fire personnel to administer life-saving measures, the boy&nbsp; was pronounced deceased.

On Thursday evening, police reported the arrest of the 17-year-old and a 15-year all from Wichita. They are being held on requested charges of First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, and Criminal Use of a Weapon

Friends have established an <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/malachi-sicka">online fundraiser</a> to assist the family.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy have arrested three juvenile male suspects.Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a call&nbsp;in the 600 block of S. Laura in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located 14-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/malachi-sicka">Malachi Sicka </a>of Wichita nearby with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of E. Orme. Despite the efforts of EMS and Fire personnel to administer life-saving measures, the boy&nbsp; was pronounced deceased.On Thursday evening, police reported the arrest of the 17-year-old and a 15-year all from Wichita. They are being held on requested charges of First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, and Criminal Use of a WeaponFriends have established an <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/malachi-sicka">online fundraiser</a> to assist the family.

Police: 3 juveniles accused in murder of 14-year-old Kan. boy

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of two people whose bodies were found in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town have arrested&nbsp;&nbsp;19-year-old Zachary Ramirez of Maize, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.

Just before 4:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in the parking garage and called 911, according Gupilan.

EMS and fire arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the victims were pronounced deceased.

The victims were identified as&nbsp; 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita. 

Ramirez is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Felony Murder (x2) and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, according to Gupilan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690487693837.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation early Thursday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation early Thursday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of two people whose bodies were found in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town have arrested&nbsp;&nbsp;19-year-old Zachary Ramirez of Maize, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.Just before 4:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in the parking garage and called 911, according Gupilan.EMS and fire arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the victims were pronounced deceased.The victims were identified as&nbsp; 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita. Ramirez is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Felony Murder (x2) and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, according to Gupilan.

Arrest made: Street sweeper found Kan. murder victims in parking garage

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

Just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to an alarm at Calhoun’s Jewelers, 1801 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found that an individual had forced entry into the business.

As a result of the investigation, Raymundo A. Martinez, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1,000 to $25,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690309886340.png" alt="Martinez-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to an alarm at Calhoun’s Jewelers, 1801 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found that an individual had forced entry into the business.As a result of the investigation, Raymundo A. Martinez, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1,000 to $25,000.

Man accused of burglary at Kansas jewelry store

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia have identified two juvenile suspects, according to a media release from police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On July 14,&nbsp;police responded to report of damage at the park in the 300 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia that included the swimming pool and pickle ball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering.&nbsp;

The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over that weekend and resulted in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees and lost revenue to the city. Police offered a $200 reward for information that led to an arrest and prosecution.

Officers have sent requested charges against the identified juveniles to the Cloud County Attorney's office.&nbsp; The investigation into the damage continues as&nbsp; officers pursue additional suspects.

Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689547541085.png" alt="Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police. Google image" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police. Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia have identified two juvenile suspects, according to a media release from police.&nbsp;&nbsp;On July 14,&nbsp;police responded to report of damage at the park in the 300 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia that included the swimming pool and pickle ball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering.&nbsp;The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over that weekend and resulted in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees and lost revenue to the city. Police offered a $200 reward for information that led to an arrest and prosecution.Officers have sent requested charges against the identified juveniles to the Cloud County Attorney's office.&nbsp; The investigation into the damage continues as&nbsp; officers pursue additional suspects.Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police.

Police: 2 juveniles face charges for vandalism at city pool, pickle ball courts 

By ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday faced off with Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, who did not directly call for his impeachment but strongly criticized his oversight of the agency.

“I know that today Secretary Mayorkas is going to try to paint a rosy picture of this disastrous mismanagement of our border. But nothing about the Biden administration’s policy is safe, orderly, or humane,” Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, said. “The numbers don’t lie.”

House Republicans have held multiple hearings about immigration at the Southern border as part of their broader strategy to impeach Mayorkas on the grounds that he has failed to enforce U.S. law. Multiple impeachment resolutions have been introduced and co-sponsored by dozens of Republicans.

House GOP members have also floated the idea of impeaching President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. During an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Monday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, suggested that House Republicans could be headed toward impeachment hearings for Biden.

On Tuesday, McCarthy again floated the idea that impeachment of Biden could be considered in light of questions Republicans are raising about Biden family finances,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">The Associated Press reported.</a>

Democrats spent much of the five-hour-plus Judiciary hearing pushing back against Republicans’ claims about migration at the U.S. Southern border and defending DHS practices.

The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, said Republicans used the hearing as a “baseless attempt to impeach Secretary Mayorkas.”

“To be clear, Republicans have not established any legitimate grounds to impeach Secretary Mayorkas, they’ve not uncovered evidence of wrongdoing or malfeasance of any kind,” Nadler said. “They have policy disagreements with this secretary.”

Mayorkas argued that the Biden administration’s policies at the border are working to deter unauthorized immigration, citing the use of parole programs for certain nationals and a new policy established after the end of pandemic-era immigration enforcement tool known as Title 42 that restricts asylum.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-biden-rule-limits-asylum-migrants-border">A federal judge Tuesday blocked that policy</a>, and the Department of Justice has appealed the decision.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, we have led the largest expansion of lawful, safe and orderly pathways for people to seek humanitarian relief under our laws, at the same time imposing tougher consequences on those who instead resort to the ruthless smuggling organizations that prey on the most vulnerable,” Mayorkas said.

There has been a decline in recent months in unauthorized border crossings, with the most recent data from May showing a 15% decrease compared to May 2022, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-may-2023-monthly-operational-update">U.S. Customs and Border Protection data</a>

Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania said that each day hundreds of people die from overdoses, with a majority of those from illicit fentanyl. Mayorkas said that DHS has focused on seizing fentanyl at ports of entry.

“We have a serious problem,” Dean said. “We don’t have folks on the other side of the aisle serious about solving it.”

The National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates">found</a>&nbsp;that deaths “involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) continued to rise with 70,601 overdose deaths reported in 2021.”

“We are leading an unprecedented effort to interdict the flow of fentanyl into our communities, which has escalated for more than five years,” Mayorkas said.

Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado told Mayorkas that his constituents consider Mayorkas a “traitor” because of the fentanyl crisis.

Republican Rep. Thomas Tiffany of Wisconsin accused Mayorkas of having an “open border policy,” and asked him if that has led to an increase in fentanyl in the U.S.

“We have interdicted more fentanyl at the ports of entry than in the prior administration,” Mayorkas said, adding that there is not an open border policy.

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Jordan grilled Mayorkas on his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ice.gov/doclib/news/guidelines-civilimmigrationlaw.pdf">directive</a>&nbsp;that focuses on removing undocumented people with a criminal record.

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/23/us-supreme-court-turns-down-push-by-states-to-challenge-biden-deportation-policy/">The Supreme Court in June overwhelmingly agreed</a>&nbsp;that the Biden administration has the legal authority to prioritize arresting and deporting noncitizens who have recently crossed the border without authorization and noncitizens who pose a threat to public safety.

“So long as you don’t commit a crime, you get to stay here and burden our schools, burden our social services, burden our jails,” Gaetz said.

Mayorkas said because there are anywhere between 11 and 12 million undocumented people in the country, it would not be feasible for the agency to focus its resources on deporting people who have not committed a crime. He added that the agency has deported more than 1.4 million people who did not have legal status.

Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia pushed back and said that “MAGA Republican extremists want to sell us on an apocalyptic fantasy,” and “want us to believe that the border is out of control.”

“But in reality, the greatest threat facing our homeland is white nationalist ideology,” Johnson said.

Republican Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina asked Mayokras if under his tenure the cartels have “become stronger or weaker.”

“Our efforts have weakened those cartels by the investigations and prosecutions that we have conducted with our international partners,” he said.

Democrats argued that there is only so much that DHS can do, because Congress has failed to update immigration laws.

“Our colleagues across the aisle have made clear with their tone and questions today that their primary interest is in scapegoating you and the Biden administration for the consequences of Congress failing for decades to address either the root causes of immigration at our Southern border … and (the) all but complete collapse of the U.S. immigration system,” Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania said.

Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said with the issues Mayorkas inherited from the Trump administration and Congress’ inability to pass immigration reform, it’s led to record levels of backlogs in the immigration system.

She asked Mayorkas about the impact of expanding legal pathways such as the parole systems that allow up to 30,000 migrants each month from Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua who have U.S.-based financial sponsors and pass a background check.

“Our approach is to expand lawful pathways so that individuals who qualify for relief under the laws of this Congress do not have to place their lives and their life savings in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers,” Mayorkas said.

Several Republicans such as Reps. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Andy Biggs of Arizona and Thomas Massie of Kentucky pressed Mayorkas about the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

CISA was formed in 2018. The agency is tasked with improving the government’s cybersecurity against private and foreign hackers, along with overall strengthening of the government’s cyber infrastructure across all agencies.

Johnson charged that CISA suppresses speech online, mainly that of conservative voices. He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-limits-biden-administration-contact-with-social-media-platforms-in-censorship-case/">cited a case</a>&nbsp;filed by former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt,in which a federal judge earlier this month prohibited the Biden administration from communicating with social media platforms about “protected speech.”

Mayorkas said the agency does not “censor free speech,” and that the purpose of the CISA is to identify and track adverse nations that weaponize disinformation, which is when someone purposely spreads false information.

Massie asked Mayorkas if it was illegal to “undermine public trust in government institutions.”

Mayorkas said that DHS does not get involved in speech surrounding ideology, only if that ideology is connected to violence. He said the agency does evaluate certain ideologies.

“What we get engaged in is a connectivity to violence,” he said. “It is our responsibility to prevent violence from occurring.”

An example he gave was the c<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8576388/">onspiracy theory that 5G cell towers</a>&nbsp;were connected to the coronavirus. DHS became involved and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/dhs-to-advise-telecom-firms-on-preventing-5g-cell-tower-attacks-linked-to-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories/2020/05/13/6aa9eaa6-951f-11ea-82b4-c8db161ff6e5_story.html">issued warnings to the telecom industry</a>&nbsp;because they believed there could be attacks to cell towers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690419772316.png" alt=" Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee. (Screenshot from committee webcast)" />
 <figcaption> Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee. (Screenshot from committee webcast)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday faced off with Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, who did not directly call for his impeachment but strongly criticized his oversight of the agency.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> calls out Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas for fueling the worst border crisis in U.S. history, and for their complete refusal to secure the border. <a href="https://t.co/OwTzV4tjWA">pic.twitter.com/OwTzV4tjWA</a>&mdash; GOP (@GOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOP/status/1682435857649737728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I know that today Secretary Mayorkas is going to try to paint a rosy picture of this disastrous mismanagement of our border. But nothing about the Biden administration’s policy is safe, orderly, or humane,” Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, said. “The numbers don’t lie.”House Republicans have held multiple hearings about immigration at the Southern border as part of their broader strategy to impeach Mayorkas on the grounds that he has failed to enforce U.S. law. Multiple impeachment resolutions have been introduced and co-sponsored by dozens of Republicans.House GOP members have also floated the idea of impeaching President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. During an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Monday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, suggested that House Republicans could be headed toward impeachment hearings for Biden.On Tuesday, McCarthy again floated the idea that impeachment of Biden could be considered in light of questions Republicans are raising about Biden family finances,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">The Associated Press reported.</a>Democrats spent much of the five-hour-plus Judiciary hearing pushing back against Republicans’ claims about migration at the U.S. Southern border and defending DHS practices.The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, said Republicans used the hearing as a “baseless attempt to impeach Secretary Mayorkas.”“To be clear, Republicans have not established any legitimate grounds to impeach Secretary Mayorkas, they’ve not uncovered evidence of wrongdoing or malfeasance of any kind,” Nadler said. “They have policy disagreements with this secretary.”Mayorkas argued that the Biden administration’s policies at the border are working to deter unauthorized immigration, citing the use of parole programs for certain nationals and a new policy established after the end of pandemic-era immigration enforcement tool known as Title 42 that restricts asylum.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-biden-rule-limits-asylum-migrants-border">A federal judge Tuesday blocked that policy</a>, and the Department of Justice has appealed the decision.“Under President Biden’s leadership, we have led the largest expansion of lawful, safe and orderly pathways for people to seek humanitarian relief under our laws, at the same time imposing tougher consequences on those who instead resort to the ruthless smuggling organizations that prey on the most vulnerable,” Mayorkas said.There has been a decline in recent months in unauthorized border crossings, with the most recent data from May showing a 15% decrease compared to May 2022, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-may-2023-monthly-operational-update">U.S. Customs and Border Protection data</a><h2>Fentanyl crisis</h2>Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania said that each day hundreds of people die from overdoses, with a majority of those from illicit fentanyl. Mayorkas said that DHS has focused on seizing fentanyl at ports of entry.“We have a serious problem,” Dean said. “We don’t have folks on the other side of the aisle serious about solving it.”The National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates">found</a>&nbsp;that deaths “involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) continued to rise with 70,601 overdose deaths reported in 2021.”“We are leading an unprecedented effort to interdict the flow of fentanyl into our communities, which has escalated for more than five years,” Mayorkas said.Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado told Mayorkas that his constituents consider Mayorkas a “traitor” because of the fentanyl crisis.Republican Rep. Thomas Tiffany of Wisconsin accused Mayorkas of having an “open border policy,” and asked him if that has led to an increase in fentanyl in the U.S.“We have interdicted more fentanyl at the ports of entry than in the prior administration,” Mayorkas said, adding that there is not an open border policy.<h2>Outdated immigration system</h2>Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Jordan grilled Mayorkas on his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ice.gov/doclib/news/guidelines-civilimmigrationlaw.pdf">directive</a>&nbsp;that focuses on removing undocumented people with a criminal record.<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/23/us-supreme-court-turns-down-push-by-states-to-challenge-biden-deportation-policy/">The Supreme Court in June overwhelmingly agreed</a>&nbsp;that the Biden administration has the legal authority to prioritize arresting and deporting noncitizens who have recently crossed the border without authorization and noncitizens who pose a threat to public safety.“So long as you don’t commit a crime, you get to stay here and burden our schools, burden our social services, burden our jails,” Gaetz said.Mayorkas said because there are anywhere between 11 and 12 million undocumented people in the country, it would not be feasible for the agency to focus its resources on deporting people who have not committed a crime. He added that the agency has deported more than 1.4 million people who did not have legal status.Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia pushed back and said that “MAGA Republican extremists want to sell us on an apocalyptic fantasy,” and “want us to believe that the border is out of control.”“But in reality, the greatest threat facing our homeland is white nationalist ideology,” Johnson said.Republican Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina asked Mayokras if under his tenure the cartels have “become stronger or weaker.”“Our efforts have weakened those cartels by the investigations and prosecutions that we have conducted with our international partners,” he said.Democrats argued that there is only so much that DHS can do, because Congress has failed to update immigration laws.“Our colleagues across the aisle have made clear with their tone and questions today that their primary interest is in scapegoating you and the Biden administration for the consequences of Congress failing for decades to address either the root causes of immigration at our Southern border … and (the) all but complete collapse of the U.S. immigration system,” Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania said.Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said with the issues Mayorkas inherited from the Trump administration and Congress’ inability to pass immigration reform, it’s led to record levels of backlogs in the immigration system.She asked Mayorkas about the impact of expanding legal pathways such as the parole systems that allow up to 30,000 migrants each month from Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua who have U.S.-based financial sponsors and pass a background check.“Our approach is to expand lawful pathways so that individuals who qualify for relief under the laws of this Congress do not have to place their lives and their life savings in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers,” Mayorkas said.<h2>Questions about speech online</h2>Several Republicans such as Reps. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Andy Biggs of Arizona and Thomas Massie of Kentucky pressed Mayorkas about the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.CISA was formed in 2018. The agency is tasked with improving the government’s cybersecurity against private and foreign hackers, along with overall strengthening of the government’s cyber infrastructure across all agencies.Johnson charged that CISA suppresses speech online, mainly that of conservative voices. He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-limits-biden-administration-contact-with-social-media-platforms-in-censorship-case/">cited a case</a>&nbsp;filed by former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt,in which a federal judge earlier this month prohibited the Biden administration from communicating with social media platforms about “protected speech.”Mayorkas said the agency does not “censor free speech,” and that the purpose of the CISA is to identify and track adverse nations that weaponize disinformation, which is when someone purposely spreads false information.Massie asked Mayorkas if it was illegal to “undermine public trust in government institutions.”Mayorkas said that DHS does not get involved in speech surrounding ideology, only if that ideology is connected to violence. He said the agency does evaluate certain ideologies.“What we get engaged in is a connectivity to violence,” he said. “It is our responsibility to prevent violence from occurring.”An example he gave was the c<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8576388/">onspiracy theory that 5G cell towers</a>&nbsp;were connected to the coronavirus. DHS became involved and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/dhs-to-advise-telecom-firms-on-preventing-5g-cell-tower-attacks-linked-to-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories/2020/05/13/6aa9eaa6-951f-11ea-82b4-c8db161ff6e5_story.html">issued warnings to the telecom industry</a>&nbsp;because they believed there could be attacks to cell towers.

Biden border policies ripped by U.S. House GOP; impeachment threats ramp up 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly stabbing have made an arrest and identified the victim as 43-year-old Latasha Williams of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

Just before 2p.m. Friday, police responded to report of a deceased individual in the 700 Block of Nebraska Avenue.

First responders found Williams in an apartment with apparent stab wounds.&nbsp; Police took a suspect into custody. On Tuesday police identified him as Robert Simpson, 66, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas,&nbsp;

Simpson has been charged by the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office with second degree murder. He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $150,000 bond. 

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690331323545.png" alt="Simpson photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Simpson photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly stabbing have made an arrest and identified the victim as 43-year-old Latasha Williams of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.Just before 2p.m. Friday, police responded to report of a deceased individual in the 700 Block of Nebraska Avenue.First responders found Williams in an apartment with apparent stab wounds.&nbsp; Police took a suspect into custody. On Tuesday police identified him as Robert Simpson, 66, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas,&nbsp;Simpson has been charged by the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office with second degree murder. He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $150,000 bond. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

Police ID suspect in deadly stabbing of Kan. woman at her apartment

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a multi-vehicle police chase crash that started as a carjacking just before 12:30p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

The carjacking victim was with the suspects in the a Toyota Corolla before being beaten and carjacked, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.

 South KCPD Patrol located the Corolla after the suspects were trying to commit another robbery in the area of East 101st Terrace in Kansas City, according toCarlisle .

AS KCPD officers were in pursuit of the Corolla, it traveled down the embankment from the entrance ramp to southbound Interstate 435 from Bannister and into the southbound lanes of Interstate 435.

A black Volvo T6 was traveling in the #2 lane on the interstate and braked to avoid the Toyota.

A Freightliner semi-truck and car carrier rear-ended the Volvo and pushed it west across all lanes of Interstate 435 and into the ditch.

The Freightliner then struck the Toyota. EMS transported the driver of the Volvo to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Freightliner and the occupants of the Toyota were uninjured in the collision.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The initial carjacking victim was transported to the hospital and was in stable condition late Tuesday, according to Carlisle. Police took all suspects into custody after a brief foot chase.&nbsp;

Police released no names or possible charges in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690312856227.png" alt="Traffic backed up due to the 3-vehicle chase, crash -photo KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>Traffic backed up due to the 3-vehicle chase, crash -photo KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a multi-vehicle police chase crash that started as a carjacking just before 12:30p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.The carjacking victim was with the suspects in the a Toyota Corolla before being beaten and carjacked, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle. South KCPD Patrol located the Corolla after the suspects were trying to commit another robbery in the area of East 101st Terrace in Kansas City, according toCarlisle .AS KCPD officers were in pursuit of the Corolla, it traveled down the embankment from the entrance ramp to southbound Interstate 435 from Bannister and into the southbound lanes of Interstate 435.A black Volvo T6 was traveling in the #2 lane on the interstate and braked to avoid the Toyota.A Freightliner semi-truck and car carrier rear-ended the Volvo and pushed it west across all lanes of Interstate 435 and into the ditch.The Freightliner then struck the Toyota. EMS transported the driver of the Volvo to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Freightliner and the occupants of the Toyota were uninjured in the collision.&nbsp; &nbsp;The initial carjacking victim was transported to the hospital and was in stable condition late Tuesday, according to Carlisle. Police took all suspects into custody after a brief foot chase.&nbsp;Police released no names or possible charges in the case.

Police: KC carjacking suspects arrested after 3-vehicle chase crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after he fled a weekend traffic stop.

Just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, police on patrol spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen near SW 21st Street and Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.

When officers attempted to pull the driver, later identified as 25-year-old Christian M. Gruber of Topeka, over, he refused to stop.

The driver finally was forced to stop after the vehicle crashed into a business in the 2800 Block SW Wanamaker Road.&nbsp; Officers found Gruber inside and he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs.

EMS transported Gruber to local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and then arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and interference with law enforcement.

Gruber has previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery and flee or attempted to elude law enforcement.

He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690287554020.png" alt="Gruber-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Gruber-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after he fled a weekend traffic stop.Just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, police on patrol spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen near SW 21st Street and Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.When officers attempted to pull the driver, later identified as 25-year-old Christian M. Gruber of Topeka, over, he refused to stop.The driver finally was forced to stop after the vehicle crashed into a business in the 2800 Block SW Wanamaker Road.&nbsp; Officers found Gruber inside and he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs.EMS transported Gruber to local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and then arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and interference with law enforcement.Gruber has previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery and flee or attempted to elude law enforcement.He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas felon jailed after crash while fleeing  traffic stop

LAWRENCE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a bomb threat on the University of Kansas campus.

Just after 3p.m Monday, University of Kansas Police responded to bomb threat made against KU Football facilities, according to a statement from interim Deputy Chief Damon Tucker.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Anderson Family Football Complex, Beatty Family Pavilion and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium were evacuated and checked by law enforcement officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..&nbsp;

Police identified and arrested a suspect for making the threats, according to Tucker. Law enforcement did not release a name.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate 21-year-old Joseph Michael Krause was booked into the Douglas County Jail just before 7p.m. Monday on requested charges of Aggravated criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption.

Krause is a red-shirt sophomore offensive lineman from Prairie Village, Kansas, <a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/season/2023-24/player/joe-krause/">according to the KU football</a> roster.&nbsp; Authorities have not officially linked Krause to the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690292402056.png" alt="Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a bomb threat on the University of Kansas campus.Just after 3p.m Monday, University of Kansas Police responded to bomb threat made against KU Football facilities, according to a statement from interim Deputy Chief Damon Tucker.Out of an abundance of caution, the Anderson Family Football Complex, Beatty Family Pavilion and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium were evacuated and checked by law enforcement officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..&nbsp;Police identified and arrested a suspect for making the threats, according to Tucker. Law enforcement did not release a name.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate 21-year-old Joseph Michael Krause was booked into the Douglas County Jail just before 7p.m. Monday on requested charges of Aggravated criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690281535043.png" alt="Krause-photo University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Krause-photo University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Krause is a red-shirt sophomore offensive lineman from Prairie Village, Kansas, <a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/season/2023-24/player/joe-krause/">according to the KU football</a> roster.&nbsp; Authorities have not officially linked Krause to the incident.