By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Two teens were arrested after a series of small fires were set in Salina Friday.&nbsp; According to Saline Police Captain Paul Forrester, the first fires were set early Friday morning.

Sunset Park, 700 Sunset Drive At approximately 12:37 a.m. Friday, officers and Salina Fire Department personnel were sent to the west side of Sunset Park for the report of a grass fire. When they arrived they found some brush on fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. Damage was estimated at $500.

Indian Rock Park, 1500 Gypsum Avenue At about that same time, officers and Salina Fire Department personnel were sent to the north side of the park for a report of a grass fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire. Damage was estimated at $500.

Sunset Park At approximately 2 a.m. Friday, officers and Salina Fire Department personnel were sent to another location on the west side of Sunset Park for the report of a brush fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire. Damage again was estimated at $500.

Taco Bell, 2315 S. Ninth Street At approximately 2:45 a.m., officers and firefighters were sent to the restaurant for the report of a dumpster on fire. The blaze was extinguished by firefighters. Damage was estimated at $100.

Two additional incidents occurred late Friday night, Forrester said. They are as follows.

Sunset Park At approximately 10:59 p.m. Friday, officers and firefighters were sent to the south side of Sunset Park, where someone had set some cardboard on fire under some bushes. The fire was extinguished. Damage was estimated at $500.

Indian Rock Park At approximately 11:25 p.m., officers and firefighters were sent to the upper part of the park for the report of a grass fire.

While they were there, the person who reported this last fire, a 17-year-old Salina boy, told officers that he had put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher he had with him,  Forrester said. A 13-year-old boy was accompanying him.

Damage caused by that fire was estimated at $500.

Forrester said that through the investigation, it was determined that the two boys had allegedly set all of the fires. Police arrested both on six requested counts of arson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681221164871.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostTwo teens were arrested after a series of small fires were set in Salina Friday.&nbsp; According to Saline Police Captain Paul Forrester, the first fires were set early Friday morning.Sunset Park, 700 Sunset Drive At approximately 12:37 a.m. Friday, officers and Salina Fire Department personnel were sent to the west side of Sunset Park for the report of a grass fire. When they arrived they found some brush on fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. Damage was estimated at $500.Indian Rock Park, 1500 Gypsum Avenue At about that same time, officers and Salina Fire Department personnel were sent to the north side of the park for a report of a grass fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire. Damage was estimated at $500.Sunset Park At approximately 2 a.m. Friday, officers and Salina Fire Department personnel were sent to another location on the west side of Sunset Park for the report of a brush fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire. Damage again was estimated at $500.Taco Bell, 2315 S. Ninth Street At approximately 2:45 a.m., officers and firefighters were sent to the restaurant for the report of a dumpster on fire. The blaze was extinguished by firefighters. Damage was estimated at $100.Two additional incidents occurred late Friday night, Forrester said. They are as follows.Sunset Park At approximately 10:59 p.m. Friday, officers and firefighters were sent to the south side of Sunset Park, where someone had set some cardboard on fire under some bushes. The fire was extinguished. Damage was estimated at $500.Indian Rock Park At approximately 11:25 p.m., officers and firefighters were sent to the upper part of the park for the report of a grass fire.While they were there, the person who reported this last fire, a 17-year-old Salina boy, told officers that he had put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher he had with him, Forrester said. A 13-year-old boy was accompanying him.Damage caused by that fire was estimated at $500.Forrester said that through the investigation, it was determined that the two boys had allegedly set all of the fires. Police arrested both on six requested counts of arson.

Police: 2 teens accused of setting 6 fires in Salina

MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust.

On Friday, the Morris County Sheriff's Office assisted the Herington Police Department with a drug investigation. During the investigation, K9 Kimber alerted to the presence of an illegal substance during a drug scan of the suspect vehicle. 

A Deputy located methamphetamine as a result of the probable cause search.&nbsp; The deputy arrested 65-year-old Anthony Sjodahl, of Herington, on a requested charges that included possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In February of 2020, deputies arrested him on similar allegations. He has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581688828208.jpeg" alt="Sjodahl has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept of Corrections- He is being held in Dickinson Co., according to online jail records." />
 <figcaption>Sjodahl has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept of Corrections- He is being held in Dickinson Co., according to online jail records.</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust.On Friday, the Morris County Sheriff's Office assisted the Herington Police Department with a drug investigation. During the investigation, K9 Kimber alerted to the presence of an illegal substance during a drug scan of the suspect vehicle. A Deputy located methamphetamine as a result of the probable cause search.&nbsp; The deputy arrested 65-year-old Anthony Sjodahl, of Herington, on a requested charges that included possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.In February of 2020, deputies arrested him on similar allegations. He has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kan. felon accused of selling methamphetamine 

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daunte-wright-kim-potter-police-shooting-93c1d847f2188571ce70285d0ac55406">Kim Potter</a>, the former Minnesota police officer who said she mistook her gun for a Taser when she shot and killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright">Daunte Wright</a>&nbsp;in 2021, was released from prison early Monday.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections said Potter was released at about 4 a.m. “out of an abundance of caution" for Potter's safety. The department confirmed Friday she would be released Monday from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, but declined to say what time due to security concerns.

Potter, a white former officer for the Brooklyn Center Police Department in suburban Minneapolis, fatally shot Wright, who was Black, during a traffic stop in April 2021. The shooting happened during the trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-sentencing-23c52021812168c579b3886f8139c73d">Derek Chauvin</a>, the officer who killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">George Floyd</a>, and Wright’s death set off several days of protests.

She was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and given a two-year sentence. Under Minnesota law, those sent to prison typically serve two-thirds of their sentence behind bars and the remaining time on supervised release. In Potter’s case, she served 16 months of her two-year sentence behind bars, said Department of Corrections spokesman Andy Skoogman.

Skoogman said Potter will be on supervised release until Dec. 21, and she will live in Wisconsin during that time.

Potter, now 50, appeared much thinner in a new photo released last week by the Department of Corrections. Her attorney, Earl Gray, said Friday he had “no idea” why her appearance had changed.

Potter's two-year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-death-of-george-floyd-minnesota-george-floyd-minneapolis-a43a48970e37392efd85adfeae79ddf0">sentence</a>&nbsp;from Judge Regina Chu drew strong criticism from Wright's family and their attorney, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump. The state attorney general’s office had sought a sentence recommended by state guidelines of just over seven years in prison.

Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, said after the sentencing that Potter “murdered my son,” adding: “Today the justice system murdered him all over again.”

Defense attorneys argued at the sentencing hearing that Potter deserved leniency because Wright was trying to drive away and Potter had the right to defend herself. Chu said at the time that the case was not the same as other high-profile killings, including Floyd’s death, which resulted in a 22 1/2-year sentence for Chauvin.

“This is a cop who made a tragic mistake,” she said of Potter.

Wright, a 20-year-old father, was killed on April 11, 2021, after Brooklyn Center officers pulled him over for having expired license tags and an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror. Officers discovered he had a warrant for a misdemeanor weapons possession charge and he was shot during a struggle as officers tried to arrest him.

Potter said she thought she was holding her Taser at the time, not her gun. She is heard on video yelling “Taser” several times just before she fires her pistol as Wright tried to drive away.

Potter, a 26-year police veteran, apologized to Wright’s family at the sentencing hearing and spoke directly to his mother: “Katie, I understand a mother’s love. I’m sorry I broke your heart ... my heart is broken and devastated for all of you.”

Civil rights advocates say laws against hanging objects from rearview mirrors have been used as a pretext for stopping Black motorists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640352112509.png" alt="Potter's booking photo shows her smiling following her conviction in December 2021-photo Hennepin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Potter's booking photo shows her smiling following her conviction in December 2021-photo Hennepin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daunte-wright-kim-potter-police-shooting-93c1d847f2188571ce70285d0ac55406">Kim Potter</a>, the former Minnesota police officer who said she mistook her gun for a Taser when she shot and killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright">Daunte Wright</a>&nbsp;in 2021, was released from prison early Monday.The Minnesota Department of Corrections said Potter was released at about 4 a.m. “out of an abundance of caution" for Potter's safety. The department confirmed Friday she would be released Monday from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, but declined to say what time due to security concerns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682343245082.png" alt="Potter as shown in the most recent photo released from the Minnesota Dpt. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Potter as shown in the most recent photo released from the Minnesota Dpt. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Potter, a white former officer for the Brooklyn Center Police Department in suburban Minneapolis, fatally shot Wright, who was Black, during a traffic stop in April 2021. The shooting happened during the trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-sentencing-23c52021812168c579b3886f8139c73d">Derek Chauvin</a>, the officer who killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">George Floyd</a>, and Wright’s death set off several days of protests.She was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and given a two-year sentence. Under Minnesota law, those sent to prison typically serve two-thirds of their sentence behind bars and the remaining time on supervised release. In Potter’s case, she served 16 months of her two-year sentence behind bars, said Department of Corrections spokesman Andy Skoogman.Skoogman said Potter will be on supervised release until Dec. 21, and she will live in Wisconsin during that time.Potter, now 50, appeared much thinner in a new photo released last week by the Department of Corrections. Her attorney, Earl Gray, said Friday he had “no idea” why her appearance had changed.Potter's two-year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-death-of-george-floyd-minnesota-george-floyd-minneapolis-a43a48970e37392efd85adfeae79ddf0">sentence</a>&nbsp;from Judge Regina Chu drew strong criticism from Wright's family and their attorney, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump. The state attorney general’s office had sought a sentence recommended by state guidelines of just over seven years in prison.Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, said after the sentencing that Potter “murdered my son,” adding: “Today the justice system murdered him all over again.”Defense attorneys argued at the sentencing hearing that Potter deserved leniency because Wright was trying to drive away and Potter had the right to defend herself. Chu said at the time that the case was not the same as other high-profile killings, including Floyd’s death, which resulted in a 22 1/2-year sentence for Chauvin.“This is a cop who made a tragic mistake,” she said of Potter.Wright, a 20-year-old father, was killed on April 11, 2021, after Brooklyn Center officers pulled him over for having expired license tags and an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror. Officers discovered he had a warrant for a misdemeanor weapons possession charge and he was shot during a struggle as officers tried to arrest him.Potter said she thought she was holding her Taser at the time, not her gun. She is heard on video yelling “Taser” several times just before she fires her pistol as Wright tried to drive away.Potter, a 26-year police veteran, apologized to Wright’s family at the sentencing hearing and spoke directly to his mother: “Katie, I understand a mother’s love. I’m sorry I broke your heart ... my heart is broken and devastated for all of you.”Civil rights advocates say laws against hanging objects from rearview mirrors have been used as a pretext for stopping Black motorists.

Officer who pulled gun instead of Taser released from prison

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. special operations forces carried out a precarious evacuation of the American embassy in warring Sudan on Sunday, sweeping in and out of the capital, Khartoum, with helicopters on the ground for less than an hour. No shots were fired and no major casualties were reported.

With the last U.S. employee of the embassy out, Washington shuttered the U.S. mission in Khartoum indefinitely. Left behind were thousands of private American citizens remaining in the east African country.

U.S. officials said it would be too dangerous to carry out a broader evacuation mission. Battles between two rival Sudanese commanders entered their ninth day Sunday, forcing continued closing of the main international airport and leaving roads out of the country in control of armed men. Fighting has killed more than 400 people.

In a statement thanking the troops, President Joe Biden said he was receiving regular reports from his team on efforts to assist remaining Americans in Sudan “to the extent possible.”

He also called for the end to “unconscionable” violence there.

About 100 U.S. troops in three MH-47 helicopters carried out the operation. They airlifted all of roughly 70 remaining American employees from a landing zone at the embassy to an undisclosed location in Ethiopia. Ethiopia also provided overflight and refueling support, said Molly Phee, assistant secretary of state for African affairs.

Biden said Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia also assisted with the evacuation.

“I am proud of the extraordinary commitment of our Embassy staff, who performed their duties with courage and professionalism and embodied America’s friendship and connection with the people of Sudan,” Biden said in a statement. “I am grateful for the unmatched skill of our service members who successfully brought them to safety.”

U.S. Africa Command and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley were in contact with both warring factions before and during the operation to ensure that U.S. forces would have safe passage to conduct the evacuation. However, John Bass, a U.S. undersecretary of state, denied claims by one faction, Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Security Forces, that it assisted in the U.S. evacuation.

“They cooperated to the extent that they did not fire on our service members in the course of the operation," Bass said.

Biden had ordered American troops to evacuate&nbsp;<a href="https://sd.usembassy.gov/">embassy</a>&nbsp;personnel after receiving a recommendation from his national security team, with no end in sight to the fighting.

“This tragic violence in Sudan has already cost the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians. It’s unconscionable and it must stop,” Biden said. “The belligerent parties must implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and respect the will of the people of Sudan.”

Sudan's fighting broke out April 15 between two commanders who just 18 months earlier jointly orchestrated a military coup to derail the nation’s transition to democracy.

The ongoing power struggle now between the armed forces chief, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the head of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has millions of Sudanese cowering inside their homes, hiding from explosions, gunfire and looting.

The violence has included an unprovoked attack on an American diplomatic convoy and numerous incidents in which foreign diplomats and aid workers were killed, injured or assaulted.

An estimated 16,000 private U.S. citizens are registered with the embassy as being in Sudan. The figure is rough because not all Americans register with embassy or say when they depart.

The embassy issued an alert earlier Saturday cautioning that “due to the uncertain security situation in Khartoum and closure of the airport, it is not currently safe to undertake a U.S. government-coordinated evacuation of private U.S. citizens.”

The U.S. evacuation planning for American employees of the embassy got underway in earnest on Monday after the embassy convoy was attacked in Khartoum. The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that U.S. troops were being moved to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti ahead of a possible evacuation.

Saudi Arabia announced the successful repatriation of some of its citizens on Saturday, sharing footage of Saudi nationals and other foreigners welcomed with chocolate and flowers as they stepped off an apparent evacuation ship at the Saudi port of Jeddah.

Embassy evacuations conducted by the U.S. military are relatively rare and usually take place only under extreme conditions.

When it orders an embassy to draw down staff or suspend operations, the State Department prefers to have its personnel leave on commercial transportation if that is an option.

When the embassy in Kyiv temporarily closed just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022, staffers used commercial transport to leave.

However, in several other recent cases, notably in Afghanistan in 2021, conditions made commercial departures impossible or extremely hazardous. U.S. troops accompanied personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, in an overland convoy to Tunisia when they evacuated in 2014.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sudan">Fighting in Sudan</a>&nbsp;between forces loyal to two top generals has put that nation at risk of collapse and could have consequences far beyond its borders.

Both sides have tens of thousands of fighters, foreign backers, mineral riches and other resources that could insulate them from sanctions. It’s a recipe for the kind of prolonged conflict that has devastated other countries in the Middle East and Africa, from Lebanon and Syria to Libya and Ethiopia.

The fighting, which began as Sudan attempted to transition to democracy, already has killed hundreds of people and left millions trapped in urban areas, sheltering from gunfire, explosions and looters.

A look at what is happening and the impact it could have outside Sudan.

Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, head of the armed forces, and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces that grew out of Darfur’s notorious Janjaweed militias,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sudan-clashes-military-rapid-support-forces-444d37ec93ccc813b2ba4abba24aca5c?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=relatedcontentmodule">are each seeking to seize control of Sudan</a>. It comes two years after they jointly carried out a military coup and derailed a transition to democracy that had begun after protesters in 2019 helped force the ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir. In recent months, negotiations were underway for a return to the democratic transition.

The victor of the latest fighting is likely to be Sudan's next president, with the loser facing exile, arrest or death. A long-running civil war or partition of the Arab and African country into rival fiefdoms are also possible.

Alex De Waal, a Sudan expert at Tufts University, wrote in a memo to colleagues this week that the conflict should be seen as “the first round of a civil war.”

“Unless it is swiftly ended, the conflict will become a multi-level game with regional and some international actors pursuing their interests, using money, arms supplies and possibly their own troops or proxies,” he wrote.

WHAT DOES THE FIGHING MEAN FOR SUDAN'S NEIGHBORS?

Sudan is Africa's third-largest country by area and straddles the Nile River. It uneasily shares its waters with regional heavyweights Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt relies on the Nile to support its population of over 100 million, and Ethiopia is working on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-africa-middle-east-egypt-kenya-1ddaf63927805e0e0f2aaab043008327">a massive upstream dam</a>&nbsp;that has alarmed both Cairo and Khartoum.

Egypt has close ties to Sudan’s military, which it sees as an ally against Ethiopia. Cairo has reached out to both sides in Sudan to press for a cease-fire but is unlikely to stand by if the military faces defeat.

Sudan borders five additional countries: Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, Eritrea and South Sudan, which seceded in 2011 and took 75% of Khartoum's oil resources with it. Nearly all are mired in their own internal conflicts, with various rebel groups operating along the porous borders.

“What happens in Sudan will not stay in Sudan,” said Alan Boswell of the International Crisis Group. “Chad and South Sudan look most immediately at risk of potential spillover. But the longer (the fighting) drags on the more likely it is we see major external intervention.”

WHAT EXTERNAL POWERS ARE INTERESTED IN SUDAN?

Arab Gulf countries have looked to the Horn of Africa in recent years as they have sought to project power across the region.

The United Arab Emirates, a rising military power that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ap-top-news-international-news-iran-united-arab-emirates-21735cadd41f4f2990cb2497b0ba4c73">expanded its presence</a>&nbsp;across the Middle East and East Africa, has close ties to the Rapid Support Forces, which sent thousands of fighters to aid the UAE and Saudi Arabia in their war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Russia, meanwhile, has long harbored plans to build a naval base capable of hosting up to 300 troops and four ships in Port Sudan, on a crucial Red Sea trading route for energy shipments to Europe.

The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary outfit with close ties to the Kremlin,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-technology-business-mali-d0d2c96e01d299a68e00d3a0828ba895">has made inroads across Africa in recent years</a>&nbsp;and has been operating in Sudan since 2017. The United State and the European Union&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/02/25/wagner-group-council-adds-11-individuals-and-7-entities-to-eu-sanctions-lists/">have imposed sanctions</a>&nbsp;on two Wagner-linked gold mining firms in Sudan accused of smuggling.

Sudan became an international pariah when it hosted Osama bin Laden and other militants in the 1990s, when al-Bashir had empowered a hard-line Islamist government.

Its isolation deepened over the conflict in the western Darfur region in the 2000s, when Sudanese forces and the Janjaweed were accused of carrying out atrocities while suppressing a local rebellion. The International Criminal Court eventually charged al-Bashir with genocide.

The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-osama-bin-laden-sudan-khartoum-africa-cab7d7fa4707759c9ab03f79059d948f">removed Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism</a>&nbsp;after the government in Khartoum agreed to forge ties with Israel in 2020.

But billions of dollars in loans and aid were put on hold after the 2021 military coup. That, along with the war in Ukraine and global inflation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-health-business-europe-prices-af9d07fd7e15f355c093cd5d945d4e77">sent the economy into free-fall</a>.

CAN EXTERNAL POWERS DO ANYTHING TO STOP THE FIGHTING?

Sudan’s economic woes would seem to provide an opening for Western nations to use economic sanctions to pressure both sides to stand down.

But in Sudan, as in other resource-rich African nations, armed groups have long enriched themselves through the shadowy trade in rare minerals and other natural resources.

Dagalo, a one-time camel herder from Darfur,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fd1c3fcd5d2e45468bca29de5010c0ee">has vast livestock holdings and gold mining operations</a>. He’s also believed to have been well-paid by Gulf countries for the RSF’s service in Yemen battling Iran-aligned rebels.

The military controls much of the economy, and can also count on businessmen in Khartoum and along the banks of the Nile who grew rich during al-Bashir’s long rule and who view the RSF as crude warriors from the hinterlands.

“Control over political funds will be no less decisive than the battlefield,” De Waal said. “(The military) will want to take control of gold mines and smuggling routes. The RSF will want to interrupt major transport arteries including the road from Port Sudan to Khartoum.”

Meanwhile, the sheer number of would-be mediators — including the U.S., the U.N., the European Union, Egypt, Gulf countries, the African Union and the eight-nation eastern Africa bloc known as IGAD — could render any peace efforts more complicated than the war itself.

“The external mediators risk becoming a traffic jam with no policeman," De Waal said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. special operations forces carried out a precarious evacuation of the American embassy in warring Sudan on Sunday, sweeping in and out of the capital, Khartoum, with helicopters on the ground for less than an hour. No shots were fired and no major casualties were reported.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Security Alert: On April 22, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations, and the Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. direct hire employees and their dependents due to the continued threat from armed conflict in Sudan. The U.S. government cannot…&mdash; U.S. Embassy Khartoum (@USEmbassyKRT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKRT/status/1649980859359846400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With the last U.S. employee of the embassy out, Washington shuttered the U.S. mission in Khartoum indefinitely. Left behind were thousands of private American citizens remaining in the east African country.U.S. officials said it would be too dangerous to carry out a broader evacuation mission. Battles between two rival Sudanese commanders entered their ninth day Sunday, forcing continued closing of the main international airport and leaving roads out of the country in control of armed men. Fighting has killed more than 400 people.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, on my orders, the United States military conducted an operation to extract U.S. Government personnel from Khartoum in response to the situation in Sudan. I am grateful for the commitment of our Embassy staff and the skill of our service members who brought them to safety.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1649974105385361408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement thanking the troops, President Joe Biden said he was receiving regular reports from his team on efforts to assist remaining Americans in Sudan “to the extent possible.”He also called for the end to “unconscionable” violence there.About 100 U.S. troops in three MH-47 helicopters carried out the operation. They airlifted all of roughly 70 remaining American employees from a landing zone at the embassy to an undisclosed location in Ethiopia. Ethiopia also provided overflight and refueling support, said Molly Phee, assistant secretary of state for African affairs.Biden said Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia also assisted with the evacuation.“I am proud of the extraordinary commitment of our Embassy staff, who performed their duties with courage and professionalism and embodied America’s friendship and connection with the people of Sudan,” Biden said in a statement. “I am grateful for the unmatched skill of our service members who successfully brought them to safety.”U.S. Africa Command and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley were in contact with both warring factions before and during the operation to ensure that U.S. forces would have safe passage to conduct the evacuation. However, John Bass, a U.S. undersecretary of state, denied claims by one faction, Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Security Forces, that it assisted in the U.S. evacuation.“They cooperated to the extent that they did not fire on our service members in the course of the operation," Bass said.Biden had ordered American troops to evacuate&nbsp;<a href="https://sd.usembassy.gov/">embassy</a>&nbsp;personnel after receiving a recommendation from his national security team, with no end in sight to the fighting.“This tragic violence in Sudan has already cost the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians. It’s unconscionable and it must stop,” Biden said. “The belligerent parties must implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and respect the will of the people of Sudan.”Sudan's fighting broke out April 15 between two commanders who just 18 months earlier jointly orchestrated a military coup to derail the nation’s transition to democracy.The ongoing power struggle now between the armed forces chief, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the head of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has millions of Sudanese cowering inside their homes, hiding from explosions, gunfire and looting.The violence has included an unprovoked attack on an American diplomatic convoy and numerous incidents in which foreign diplomats and aid workers were killed, injured or assaulted.An estimated 16,000 private U.S. citizens are registered with the embassy as being in Sudan. The figure is rough because not all Americans register with embassy or say when they depart.The embassy issued an alert earlier Saturday cautioning that “due to the uncertain security situation in Khartoum and closure of the airport, it is not currently safe to undertake a U.S. government-coordinated evacuation of private U.S. citizens.”The U.S. evacuation planning for American employees of the embassy got underway in earnest on Monday after the embassy convoy was attacked in Khartoum. The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that U.S. troops were being moved to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti ahead of a possible evacuation.Saudi Arabia announced the successful repatriation of some of its citizens on Saturday, sharing footage of Saudi nationals and other foreigners welcomed with chocolate and flowers as they stepped off an apparent evacuation ship at the Saudi port of Jeddah.Embassy evacuations conducted by the U.S. military are relatively rare and usually take place only under extreme conditions.When it orders an embassy to draw down staff or suspend operations, the State Department prefers to have its personnel leave on commercial transportation if that is an option.When the embassy in Kyiv temporarily closed just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022, staffers used commercial transport to leave.However, in several other recent cases, notably in Afghanistan in 2021, conditions made commercial departures impossible or extremely hazardous. U.S. troops accompanied personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, in an overland convoy to Tunisia when they evacuated in 2014.-----------------<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sudan">Fighting in Sudan</a>&nbsp;between forces loyal to two top generals has put that nation at risk of collapse and could have consequences far beyond its borders.Both sides have tens of thousands of fighters, foreign backers, mineral riches and other resources that could insulate them from sanctions. It’s a recipe for the kind of prolonged conflict that has devastated other countries in the Middle East and Africa, from Lebanon and Syria to Libya and Ethiopia.The fighting, which began as Sudan attempted to transition to democracy, already has killed hundreds of people and left millions trapped in urban areas, sheltering from gunfire, explosions and looters.A look at what is happening and the impact it could have outside Sudan.WHO IS FIGHTING?Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, head of the armed forces, and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces that grew out of Darfur’s notorious Janjaweed militias,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sudan-clashes-military-rapid-support-forces-444d37ec93ccc813b2ba4abba24aca5c?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=relatedcontentmodule">are each seeking to seize control of Sudan</a>. It comes two years after they jointly carried out a military coup and derailed a transition to democracy that had begun after protesters in 2019 helped force the ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir. In recent months, negotiations were underway for a return to the democratic transition.The victor of the latest fighting is likely to be Sudan's next president, with the loser facing exile, arrest or death. A long-running civil war or partition of the Arab and African country into rival fiefdoms are also possible.Alex De Waal, a Sudan expert at Tufts University, wrote in a memo to colleagues this week that the conflict should be seen as “the first round of a civil war.”“Unless it is swiftly ended, the conflict will become a multi-level game with regional and some international actors pursuing their interests, using money, arms supplies and possibly their own troops or proxies,” he wrote.WHAT DOES THE FIGHING MEAN FOR SUDAN'S NEIGHBORS?Sudan is Africa's third-largest country by area and straddles the Nile River. It uneasily shares its waters with regional heavyweights Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt relies on the Nile to support its population of over 100 million, and Ethiopia is working on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-africa-middle-east-egypt-kenya-1ddaf63927805e0e0f2aaab043008327">a massive upstream dam</a>&nbsp;that has alarmed both Cairo and Khartoum.Egypt has close ties to Sudan’s military, which it sees as an ally against Ethiopia. Cairo has reached out to both sides in Sudan to press for a cease-fire but is unlikely to stand by if the military faces defeat.Sudan borders five additional countries: Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, Eritrea and South Sudan, which seceded in 2011 and took 75% of Khartoum's oil resources with it. Nearly all are mired in their own internal conflicts, with various rebel groups operating along the porous borders.“What happens in Sudan will not stay in Sudan,” said Alan Boswell of the International Crisis Group. “Chad and South Sudan look most immediately at risk of potential spillover. But the longer (the fighting) drags on the more likely it is we see major external intervention.”WHAT EXTERNAL POWERS ARE INTERESTED IN SUDAN?Arab Gulf countries have looked to the Horn of Africa in recent years as they have sought to project power across the region.The United Arab Emirates, a rising military power that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ap-top-news-international-news-iran-united-arab-emirates-21735cadd41f4f2990cb2497b0ba4c73">expanded its presence</a>&nbsp;across the Middle East and East Africa, has close ties to the Rapid Support Forces, which sent thousands of fighters to aid the UAE and Saudi Arabia in their war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.Russia, meanwhile, has long harbored plans to build a naval base capable of hosting up to 300 troops and four ships in Port Sudan, on a crucial Red Sea trading route for energy shipments to Europe.The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary outfit with close ties to the Kremlin,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-technology-business-mali-d0d2c96e01d299a68e00d3a0828ba895">has made inroads across Africa in recent years</a>&nbsp;and has been operating in Sudan since 2017. The United State and the European Union&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/02/25/wagner-group-council-adds-11-individuals-and-7-entities-to-eu-sanctions-lists/">have imposed sanctions</a>&nbsp;on two Wagner-linked gold mining firms in Sudan accused of smuggling.WHAT ROLE DO WESTERN COUNTRIES PLAY?Sudan became an international pariah when it hosted Osama bin Laden and other militants in the 1990s, when al-Bashir had empowered a hard-line Islamist government.Its isolation deepened over the conflict in the western Darfur region in the 2000s, when Sudanese forces and the Janjaweed were accused of carrying out atrocities while suppressing a local rebellion. The International Criminal Court eventually charged al-Bashir with genocide.The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-osama-bin-laden-sudan-khartoum-africa-cab7d7fa4707759c9ab03f79059d948f">removed Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism</a>&nbsp;after the government in Khartoum agreed to forge ties with Israel in 2020.But billions of dollars in loans and aid were put on hold after the 2021 military coup. That, along with the war in Ukraine and global inflation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-health-business-europe-prices-af9d07fd7e15f355c093cd5d945d4e77">sent the economy into free-fall</a>.CAN EXTERNAL POWERS DO ANYTHING TO STOP THE FIGHTING?Sudan’s economic woes would seem to provide an opening for Western nations to use economic sanctions to pressure both sides to stand down.But in Sudan, as in other resource-rich African nations, armed groups have long enriched themselves through the shadowy trade in rare minerals and other natural resources.Dagalo, a one-time camel herder from Darfur,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fd1c3fcd5d2e45468bca29de5010c0ee">has vast livestock holdings and gold mining operations</a>. He’s also believed to have been well-paid by Gulf countries for the RSF’s service in Yemen battling Iran-aligned rebels.The military controls much of the economy, and can also count on businessmen in Khartoum and along the banks of the Nile who grew rich during al-Bashir’s long rule and who view the RSF as crude warriors from the hinterlands.“Control over political funds will be no less decisive than the battlefield,” De Waal said. “(The military) will want to take control of gold mines and smuggling routes. The RSF will want to interrupt major transport arteries including the road from Port Sudan to Khartoum.”Meanwhile, the sheer number of would-be mediators — including the U.S., the U.N., the European Union, Egypt, Gulf countries, the African Union and the eight-nation eastern Africa bloc known as IGAD — could render any peace efforts more complicated than the war itself.“The external mediators risk becoming a traffic jam with no policeman," De Waal said.

US evacuates diplomats, shuts embassy amid violence in Sudan

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges as part of an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation in southwest Kansas

On April 19, police served a search warrant at 310 North 11th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.

Investigators seized 2.4 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, THC gummies, items indicative of the distribution and consumption of illegal narcotics. They also seized a stolen firearm and additional stolen property.

Officers arrested 42-year-old Jessie Trujillo, 42,&nbsp; for an active felony warrant and requested charges of Unlawful Acts Involving Derived from the Sale of Controlled Substances, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Within 1000 Feet of a School, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Paraphernalia, Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Theft – Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Use of Weapons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682082895829.png" alt="Trujillo-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Trujillo-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges as part of an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation in southwest KansasOn April 19, police served a search warrant at 310 North 11th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.Investigators seized 2.4 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, THC gummies, items indicative of the distribution and consumption of illegal narcotics. They also seized a stolen firearm and additional stolen property.Officers arrested 42-year-old Jessie Trujillo, 42,&nbsp; for an active felony warrant and requested charges of Unlawful Acts Involving Derived from the Sale of Controlled Substances, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Within 1000 Feet of a School, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Paraphernalia, Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Theft – Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Use of Weapons.

Police: Man was selling drugs from SW Kan. home with children

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man arrested after a standoff last weekend made his first court appearance in the case this week.

Markel Henderson, 20, Wichita, is charged with 3 counts of aggravated assault, 2 counts of criminal threat, and a misdemeanor count of battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just before 5:30p.m. on April 16, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance with a weapon at a home in the 7000 block of West Freeman in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp;

 A 911 caller reported a man identified as Henderson was inside a home and threatened multiple people with a firearm. The 911 caller and another victim reported leaving the house, but Henderson was still inside.

Officers arrived at the&nbsp; home and established a perimeter as the Wichita Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was assembled. Officers were able to make contact with the suspect, who exited the home and was taken into custody shortly before 8:00 p.m.

Henderson is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office. Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates on May 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681770126430.png" alt="Henderson-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Henderson-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man arrested after a standoff last weekend made his first court appearance in the case this week.Markel Henderson, 20, Wichita, is charged with 3 counts of aggravated assault, 2 counts of criminal threat, and a misdemeanor count of battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just before 5:30p.m. on April 16, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance with a weapon at a home in the 7000 block of West Freeman in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; A 911 caller reported a man identified as Henderson was inside a home and threatened multiple people with a firearm. The 911 caller and another victim reported leaving the house, but Henderson was still inside.Officers arrived at the&nbsp; home and established a perimeter as the Wichita Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was assembled. Officers were able to make contact with the suspect, who exited the home and was taken into custody shortly before 8:00 p.m.Henderson is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office. Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates on May 1.

Kansas man charged for weekend SWAT team standoff

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have made a second arrest in connection with the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8ce86ab1-c043-4736-9e97-092b57786a8c">March 6 shooting at Sunset Zoo</a>.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, officers conducted a search warrant in the 1500 block of Hillcrest Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County. Police Department activity report.

The investigation led to the arrest of Sierra Wells and Thesiaus Robinson, both 20, both of Manhattan after drugs and guns were found. 

Wells was arrested on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, criminal use of weapons, and two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Robinson was arrested on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance and distribution of hallucinogenic drugs, three counts of drug possession and&nbsp; for aggravated robbery in connection to the March 6, shooting at the Sunset Zoo parking lot. 

Wells was issued a total bond of $25,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report. Robinson was issued a total bond of $45,000 for the drug and weapon charges, his aggravated robbery charge bond and judicial review are pending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678154374014.jpeg" alt="RCPD investigating shooting at Sunset Zoo parking lot" />
 <figcaption>RCPD investigating shooting at Sunset Zoo parking lot</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have made a second arrest in connection with the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8ce86ab1-c043-4736-9e97-092b57786a8c">March 6 shooting at Sunset Zoo</a>.Just before 3p.m. Thursday, officers conducted a search warrant in the 1500 block of Hillcrest Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County. Police Department activity report.The investigation led to the arrest of Sierra Wells and Thesiaus Robinson, both 20, both of Manhattan after drugs and guns were found. Wells was arrested on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, criminal use of weapons, and two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Robinson was arrested on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance and distribution of hallucinogenic drugs, three counts of drug possession and&nbsp; for aggravated robbery in connection to the March 6, shooting at the Sunset Zoo parking lot. Wells was issued a total bond of $25,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report. Robinson was issued a total bond of $45,000 for the drug and weapon charges, his aggravated robbery charge bond and judicial review are pending.

RCPD: 4th suspect arrested for Sunset Zoo parking lot shooting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City man was sentenced Thursday to nearly 22 years in federal prison for committing a hate crime when he shot and wounded a teenager because of the victim's sexual orientation, prosecutors said.

Malachi Robinson, 25, pleaded guilty in July to violating federal hate crime laws when he shot the 16-year-old eight times on May 29, 2019. He was sentenced Thursday to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.

The teenager survived after spending two weeks in the hospital but underwent several surgeries and physical therapy and still has bullets in his body, prosecutors said.

Court documents said the two met by chance and were walking near Swope Park when Robinson suggested they go into a wooded area to engage in a sex act. But Robinson wrote separately to his girlfriend that he “might shoot this boy” because of his sexual orientation.

When the teenager changed his mind and tried to leave, Robinson shot him eight times, prosecutors said. He was able to get away and eventually collapsed near an apartment building, where a bystander called 911. Before his arrest, Robinson told several people that he shot the victim because of his sexual orientation, according to court documents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657306576039.png" alt="Robinson-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Robinson-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City man was sentenced Thursday to nearly 22 years in federal prison for committing a hate crime when he shot and wounded a teenager because of the victim's sexual orientation, prosecutors said.Malachi Robinson, 25, pleaded guilty in July to violating federal hate crime laws when he shot the 16-year-old eight times on May 29, 2019. He was sentenced Thursday to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.The teenager survived after spending two weeks in the hospital but underwent several surgeries and physical therapy and still has bullets in his body, prosecutors said.Court documents said the two met by chance and were walking near Swope Park when Robinson suggested they go into a wooded area to engage in a sex act. But Robinson wrote separately to his girlfriend that he “might shoot this boy” because of his sexual orientation.When the teenager changed his mind and tried to leave, Robinson shot him eight times, prosecutors said. He was able to get away and eventually collapsed near an apartment building, where a bystander called 911. Before his arrest, Robinson told several people that he shot the victim because of his sexual orientation, according to court documents.

Man sentenced for anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime in Kansas City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting on Monday in Topeka have arrest 36-year-old Christopher L. Brown of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

Just after 6:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 2300 block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found 33-year-old Sherman Coleman, Jr. suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he died.

As a result of the investigation, police reported on Thursday they arrested Brown and booked him on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Criminal possession of a weapon and a Violation of the offender registration act.

Brown has been a registered offender since 2015 for convictions that include attempted aggravated murder, criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied dwelling and aggravated assault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682071208821.png" alt="Brown-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting on Monday in Topeka have arrest 36-year-old Christopher L. Brown of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.Just after 6:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 2300 block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681821530853.png" alt="-Police on the scene of the investigation Monday evening-Photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>-Police on the scene of the investigation Monday evening-Photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found 33-year-old Sherman Coleman, Jr. suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he died.As a result of the investigation, police reported on Thursday they arrested Brown and booked him on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Criminal possession of a weapon and a Violation of the offender registration act.Brown has been a registered offender since 2015 for convictions that include attempted aggravated murder, criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied dwelling and aggravated assault.

Kansas registered offender arrested for man's murder

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges.

On Wednesday, police in Atchison arrested 60-year-old&nbsp;James W. Schneider of Lawrence on a Douglas County warrant for alleged domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Schneider has a previous conviction for attempted aggravated assault in Johnson County, according to the Kanas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody in Atchison County, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682007695314.png" alt="Schneider-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Schneider-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges.On Wednesday, police in Atchison arrested 60-year-old&nbsp;James W. Schneider of Lawrence on a Douglas County warrant for alleged domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Schneider has a previous conviction for attempted aggravated assault in Johnson County, according to the Kanas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody in Atchison County, according to online jail records.

Police catch Kan. felon wanted for alleged domestic battery

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent attack on a man and woman.

On Sunday, April 9, deputies responded to a report of a disturbance with an assault in progress at a residence in the 5000 block of SE Adams Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies located a man and woman with injuries.&nbsp;The male was treated at a local hospital for injuries to his face and head and the woman sustained minor facial injuries.

During the investigation, it was discovered that a 45-year-old female arrived at the residence and appeared to be suffering from a mental health condition. The male homeowner was attempting to help the woman when a man later identified as 20-year-old Brevin O. Canady of Topeka, arrived on scene. Canady then attacked the homeowner and the woman, unprovoked, before leaving the scene. 

Unknown to the homeowner, the woman who arrived at the residence had previously taken a vehicle from Canady. On April 15, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued for Canady.

On April 18, members of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit took Canady into custody in the 4400 block of SE Adams Street, according to Christian. He is being held on requested charges of aggravated battery and battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681931667604.png" alt="Canady-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Canady-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent attack on a man and woman.On Sunday, April 9, deputies responded to a report of a disturbance with an assault in progress at a residence in the 5000 block of SE Adams Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies located a man and woman with injuries.&nbsp;The male was treated at a local hospital for injuries to his face and head and the woman sustained minor facial injuries.During the investigation, it was discovered that a 45-year-old female arrived at the residence and appeared to be suffering from a mental health condition. The male homeowner was attempting to help the woman when a man later identified as 20-year-old Brevin O. Canady of Topeka, arrived on scene. Canady then attacked the homeowner and the woman, unprovoked, before leaving the scene. Unknown to the homeowner, the woman who arrived at the residence had previously taken a vehicle from Canady. On April 15, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued for Canady.On April 18, members of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit took Canady into custody in the 4400 block of SE Adams Street, according to Christian. He is being held on requested charges of aggravated battery and battery.

Fugitive task force arrests Kansas man for violent attack on couple

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities investigating a second fatal shooting this week in Topeka have identified the victim as 55-year-old Troy Shepard ofTopeka and arrested 32-year-old Christopher F. Ray of Topeka in connection with the killing.

Just before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 900 block of SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Officers located Shepard suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

Ray is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

On Monday 33-year-old Sherman Coleman Jr, of Topeka died from injuries in a shooting in the&nbsp;&nbsp;2300 block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka.

Police have not released&nbsp; possible suspect details in these cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681931386406.png" alt="Ray-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ray-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities investigating a second fatal shooting this week in Topeka have identified the victim as 55-year-old Troy Shepard ofTopeka and arrested 32-year-old Christopher F. Ray of Topeka in connection with the killing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681864464057.png" alt="-Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>-Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 900 block of SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Officers located Shepard suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;Ray is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.On Monday 33-year-old Sherman Coleman Jr, of Topeka died from injuries in a shooting in the&nbsp;&nbsp;2300 block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka.Police have not released&nbsp; possible suspect details in these cases.

Police arrest suspect in Kansas homicide investigation

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salina woman was arrested for an alleged violent attack.

Just before 5p.m. Tuesday, police officers were sent to the 200 block of E. Iron Avenue in Salina for the report of a domestic dispute in a car, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

He said that a 20-year-old Wichita man and Melissa Baker, 20, of Salina, allegedly were having an argument inside a 2001 Buick Century that Baker was driving on E. Iron Avenue.

Baker pulled over in the 200 block of E. Iron Avenue to let the man out. He told police that at that point, Baker crawled over the console of the car and allegedly attacked him while he was trying to get out. He said she also allegedly stabbed him in his right arm with a pair of scissors. At one point, Baker also allegedly broke his cell phone.

Forrester said the man's injuries were consistent with what he told police. Baker also was allegedly found to be in possession of a personal use amount of marijuana, Forrester said.

Police arrested Baker on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Disorderly conduct, Domestic battery, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681908507297.jpeg" alt="Melissa Baker. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Melissa Baker. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salina woman was arrested for an alleged violent attack.Just before 5p.m. Tuesday, police officers were sent to the 200 block of E. Iron Avenue in Salina for the report of a domestic dispute in a car, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.He said that a 20-year-old Wichita man and Melissa Baker, 20, of Salina, allegedly were having an argument inside a 2001 Buick Century that Baker was driving on E. Iron Avenue.Baker pulled over in the 200 block of E. Iron Avenue to let the man out. He told police that at that point, Baker crawled over the console of the car and allegedly attacked him while he was trying to get out. He said she also allegedly stabbed him in his right arm with a pair of scissors. At one point, Baker also allegedly broke his cell phone.Forrester said the man's injuries were consistent with what he told police. Baker also was allegedly found to be in possession of a personal use amount of marijuana, Forrester said.Police arrested Baker on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Disorderly conduct, Domestic battery, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Damage to property.

Police: Kan. woman stabbed man with scissors during car fight

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a check writing scam.

On Feb. 14, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the scam and fraudulent check case involving at least Barton County-area business, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. 

The individual in question wrote checks at businesses, produced proper identification and purchased large quantities of merchandise. The business later discovered the checks and identification were forged.

The Sheriff’s Office was able to identify the suspect as 65-year-old Roger Kornegay of Mount Olive, North Carolina. He had been recently released from federal parole. Investigators discovered Kornegay had been using more than 25 aliases and has a criminal history involving financial crimes.

Detectives had obtained a warrant for his arrest and have been in the process of tracking his location for several weeks.

The Sheriff’s Office learned that Kornegay was in Nebraska, possibly headed to Oberlin, Kansas. With the assistance of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and the Oberlin Police Department, Kornegay was arrested on a Barton County District Court warrant for forgery and theft. 

Kornegay is currently being held on a $100,000 bond in the Decatur County jai. He will be transported to Barton County Wednesday, according to Bellendir.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681916228349.jpeg" alt="Security camera photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Security camera photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a check writing scam.On Feb. 14, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the scam and fraudulent check case involving at least Barton County-area business, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The individual in question wrote checks at businesses, produced proper identification and purchased large quantities of merchandise. The business later discovered the checks and identification were forged.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681916413116.jpeg" alt="Kornegay -photo Decatur County" />
 <figcaption>Kornegay -photo Decatur County</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sheriff’s Office was able to identify the suspect as 65-year-old Roger Kornegay of Mount Olive, North Carolina. He had been recently released from federal parole. Investigators discovered Kornegay had been using more than 25 aliases and has a criminal history involving financial crimes.Detectives had obtained a warrant for his arrest and have been in the process of tracking his location for several weeks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681916433018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Sheriff’s Office learned that Kornegay was in Nebraska, possibly headed to Oberlin, Kansas. With the assistance of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and the Oberlin Police Department, Kornegay was arrested on a Barton County District Court warrant for forgery and theft. Kornegay is currently being held on a $100,000 bond in the Decatur County jai. He will be transported to Barton County Wednesday, according to Bellendir.&nbsp;

Suspect in Kansas check writing scam captured

SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man with an active warrant now faces requested charges that include aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer after an alleged incident at a north Salina motel late Monday afternoon.

An officer was sent to the Airliner Motel, 781 N. Broadway Boulevard, where Darin Stewart, 28, Salina, was staying. Stewart was known to have an active probation violation warrant from Saline County District Court, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Upon arrival at Stewart's room at the Airliner Motel, the officer made contact with Kimberly OConnor, 32, of Salina, who told the officer that Stewart was in the room and then allegedly attempted to shut the door on the officer, Forrester said.

The officer was able to enter the room, and saw Stewart allegedly holding an unfolded four-inch black knife. Stewart allegedly pointed the knife at the officer and told him to come in the room.

Forrester said Stewart eventually dropped the knife, but continued to ignore commands from the officer. OConnor allegedly attempted to prevent the officer from taking Stewart into custody. At one point, Stewart advanced toward the officer and was tased, Forrester said. Stewart was then taken into custody.

Stewart was arrested on the warrant and the following requested charges, Forrester said.

●Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer

●Felony interference with a law enforcement officer

Forrester said OConnor was arrested on the requested charge of felony interference with a law enforcement officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681824009775.jpeg" alt="Darin Stewart Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Darin Stewart Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man with an active warrant now faces requested charges that include aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer after an alleged incident at a north Salina motel late Monday afternoon.An officer was sent to the Airliner Motel, 781 N. Broadway Boulevard, where Darin Stewart, 28, Salina, was staying. Stewart was known to have an active probation violation warrant from Saline County District Court, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Upon arrival at Stewart's room at the Airliner Motel, the officer made contact with Kimberly OConnor, 32, of Salina, who told the officer that Stewart was in the room and then allegedly attempted to shut the door on the officer, Forrester said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681823356521.jpeg" alt="Kimberly OConnor-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Kimberly OConnor-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The officer was able to enter the room, and saw Stewart allegedly holding an unfolded four-inch black knife. Stewart allegedly pointed the knife at the officer and told him to come in the room.Forrester said Stewart eventually dropped the knife, but continued to ignore commands from the officer. OConnor allegedly attempted to prevent the officer from taking Stewart into custody. At one point, Stewart advanced toward the officer and was tased, Forrester said. Stewart was then taken into custody.Stewart was arrested on the warrant and the following requested charges, Forrester said.●Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer●Felony interference with a law enforcement officerForrester said OConnor was arrested on the requested charge of felony interference with a law enforcement officer.

Police use taser on wanted Kansas man who had a knife

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Wearing a red cap and a Buffalo Bills pullover, safety Damar Hamlin sat down at the podium and declared he’s ready to resume playing football.

“This event was life-changing, but it’s not the end of my story,” Hamlin said Tuesday, speaking at a news conference at the team’s facility for the first time since he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati four months ago.

“I plan on making a comeback to the NFL,” Hamlin added. “My heart is still in the game.”

Hamlin spoke a few hours after general manager Brandon Beane announced Hamlin was cleared to play and was attending the team’s voluntary workout program, the latest and biggest steps in the 25-year-old’s remarkable recovery.

“He’s fully cleared. He’s here and he is of the mindset. He’s in a great headspace to come back and make his return,” Beane told reporters.

Beane said the clearance came after Hamlin met with a third and final specialist on Friday, with all three being in agreement that Hamlin can resume playing without any fear of setbacks or complications. While the Bills had their head athletic trainer sit in on Hamlin’s meetings with specialists, Beane said the team is following the lead of the specialists.

“He’s such a great kid and has such a great family, and it’s exciting to go from a guy who was fighting for his life to now,” Beane said. “His story hasn’t been written. Now it’s about his comeback.”

Hamlin’s teammates were elated to see him back in the facility working out.

“D-Ham is a special person, a beautiful soul,” fellow safety Micah Hyde said. “I look up to him, especially how he’s bounced back after facing adversity. A little scary. But to see him well and in the building and move around a little bit, it gives you a little energy.”

Hamlin’s recovery is personal to many who watched in shock as Hamlin collapsed on the field on a nationally televised “Monday Night Football” game, but moreso for Beane. While the Bills returned home after the game initially was suspended and eventually canceled, Beane spent the first four days at Hamlin’s side, including when he was awakened from a medically induced coma at the University Cincinnati Medical Center.

“It was all about his health, and it’s always going to be about his health,” Beane said. “But to truly, you know, however many months later be talking about he’s fully cleared is pretty remarkable. And I’m excited for him and his family where for where they are on his journey.”

Hamlin collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter of a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals. His collapse led to an outporing of support from around the NFL and across North America, with donations made to Hamlin’s charitable organization topping more than $9 million.

The second-year player from Pittsburgh’s exurb of McKee’s Rock spent nearly 10 days recovering in hospitals in Cincinnati and Buffalo before being released. He eventually began visiting the Bills’ facility and attended the team’s season-ending 27-10 loss to Cincinnati in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Hamlin has since made numerous appearances around the country, including meeting with President Joe Biden last month.

Biden posted a tweet on the visit that read: “Hamlin’s courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people. And what’s more: he turned recovery into action — and our country is better for it.”

The White House said in a statement that Hamlin’s efforts during his recovery had helped to “make life-saving technologies more widely available.” Biden previously spoke by phone with Hamlin’s parents while visiting Cincinnati on Jan. 4, two days after the game and while Hamlin was in the hospital.

Hamlin’s visit to Washington came as part of the player’s desire to back a bill that would increase access to defibrillators in public and private elementary and secondary schools.

During the Super Bowl festivities in Arizona in February, he received the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award. He also took part in a pregame ceremony in which the NFL honored the Bills’ and Bengals’ training and medical staffs and first responders who treated him.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Wearing a red cap and a Buffalo Bills pullover, safety Damar Hamlin sat down at the podium and declared he’s ready to resume playing football.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“This is not the end of my story. I plan to make a comeback to the NFL.” 🫶 <a href="https://t.co/jlAMdErKWk">pic.twitter.com/jlAMdErKWk</a>&mdash; Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1648384392128020481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“This event was life-changing, but it’s not the end of my story,” Hamlin said Tuesday, speaking at a news conference at the team’s facility for the first time since he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati four months ago.“I plan on making a comeback to the NFL,” Hamlin added. “My heart is still in the game.”Hamlin spoke a few hours after general manager Brandon Beane announced Hamlin was cleared to play and was attending the team’s voluntary workout program, the latest and biggest steps in the 25-year-old’s remarkable recovery.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Per GM Brandon Beane, Damar Hamlin has been cleared to resume full football activities.<a href="https://twitter.com/HamlinIsland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HamlinIsland</a> is in Buffalo and in a great headspace. ❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/wa2ZfGm8mX">pic.twitter.com/wa2ZfGm8mX</a>&mdash; Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1648340190140956676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“He’s fully cleared. He’s here and he is of the mindset. He’s in a great headspace to come back and make his return,” Beane told reporters.Beane said the clearance came after Hamlin met with a third and final specialist on Friday, with all three being in agreement that Hamlin can resume playing without any fear of setbacks or complications. While the Bills had their head athletic trainer sit in on Hamlin’s meetings with specialists, Beane said the team is following the lead of the specialists.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Damar Hamlin is working out with the team today in Buffalo. Glad to have you back, 3. 🫶 <a href="https://t.co/n80HheSIaG">pic.twitter.com/n80HheSIaG</a>&mdash; Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1648342750566182915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“He’s such a great kid and has such a great family, and it’s exciting to go from a guy who was fighting for his life to now,” Beane said. “His story hasn’t been written. Now it’s about his comeback.”Hamlin’s teammates were elated to see him back in the facility working out.“D-Ham is a special person, a beautiful soul,” fellow safety Micah Hyde said. “I look up to him, especially how he’s bounced back after facing adversity. A little scary. But to see him well and in the building and move around a little bit, it gives you a little energy.”Hamlin’s recovery is personal to many who watched in shock as Hamlin collapsed on the field on a nationally televised “Monday Night Football” game, but moreso for Beane. While the Bills returned home after the game initially was suspended and eventually canceled, Beane spent the first four days at Hamlin’s side, including when he was awakened from a medically induced coma at the University Cincinnati Medical Center.“It was all about his health, and it’s always going to be about his health,” Beane said. “But to truly, you know, however many months later be talking about he’s fully cleared is pretty remarkable. And I’m excited for him and his family where for where they are on his journey.”Hamlin collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter of a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals. His collapse led to an outporing of support from around the NFL and across North America, with donations made to Hamlin’s charitable organization topping more than $9 million.The second-year player from Pittsburgh’s exurb of McKee’s Rock spent nearly 10 days recovering in hospitals in Cincinnati and Buffalo before being released. He eventually began visiting the Bills’ facility and attended the team’s season-ending 27-10 loss to Cincinnati in the divisional round of the playoffs.Hamlin has since made numerous appearances around the country, including meeting with President Joe Biden last month.Biden posted a tweet on the visit that read: “Hamlin’s courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people. And what’s more: he turned recovery into action — and our country is better for it.”The White House said in a statement that Hamlin’s efforts during his recovery had helped to “make life-saving technologies more widely available.” Biden previously spoke by phone with Hamlin’s parents while visiting Cincinnati on Jan. 4, two days after the game and while Hamlin was in the hospital.Hamlin’s visit to Washington came as part of the player’s desire to back a bill that would increase access to defibrillators in public and private elementary and secondary schools.During the Super Bowl festivities in Arizona in February, he received the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award. He also took part in a pregame ceremony in which the NFL honored the Bills’ and Bengals’ training and medical staffs and first responders who treated him.___

🎥Damar Hamlin cleared to play football after cardiac arrest

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 5p.m. April 15, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop for speeding on US 36 near Horned Owl Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

The deputy spoke with a female driver less than 18 years of age and it was discovered that she did not possess a valid drivers license. 

A Brown County K-9 arrived and Carla alerted on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and items of evidence were seized such as an open container of whiskey, methamphetamine, marijuana, syringes, fentanyl, paraphernalia, scales etc. 

An investigation following the search resulted in the arrest of the passenger in the vehicle, Camden Hubbard 42 of Wamego.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681813980364.png" alt="Hubbard-photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Hubbard-photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 5p.m. April 15, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop for speeding on US 36 near Horned Owl Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.The deputy spoke with a female driver less than 18 years of age and it was discovered that she did not possess a valid drivers license. A Brown County K-9 arrived and Carla alerted on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and items of evidence were seized such as an open container of whiskey, methamphetamine, marijuana, syringes, fentanyl, paraphernalia, scales etc. An investigation following the search resulted in the arrest of the passenger in the vehicle, Camden Hubbard 42 of Wamego. Hubbard was booked on requested Charges of Aggravated Human Trafficking victim &gt;14, Aggravated Child Endangerment &lt;18, Contributing to a Child's Misconduct, Conspiracy Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Use Communication Device to Facilitate Felony, Transport Open Container, Improper Vehicle Registration, Possession of Opiate, Possession of Stimulant, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.The case will be forwarded to the Brown County attorney for review.