RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

On June 29, the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Division with the assistance of the Reno County Drug Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing an alleged traffic violation, according to a media release.

 A search of the vehicle turned up over 121 grams of meth, 55 grams of marijuana, 142 pills, and a handgun. All were seized from the vehicle. The pills are suspected to be counterfeit Oxycodone M30’s containing fentanyl.&nbsp;

Police arrested 30-year-old Matthew Demoura on requested charges of possession of meth, oxycodone and marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Xanax and criminal possession of a firearm.

Demoura has numerous previous convictions that include for theft, evading a road block, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. His being held on a bond of $135,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656698838039.png" alt="photo Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on drug allegations after a traffic stop.On June 29, the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Division with the assistance of the Reno County Drug Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing an alleged traffic violation, according to a media release. A search of the vehicle turned up over 121 grams of meth, 55 grams of marijuana, 142 pills, and a handgun. All were seized from the vehicle. The pills are suspected to be counterfeit Oxycodone M30’s containing fentanyl.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656687678435.jpeg" alt="Matthew Demoura-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Matthew Demoura-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested 30-year-old Matthew Demoura on requested charges of possession of meth, oxycodone and marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Xanax and criminal possession of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656698952355.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Demoura has numerous previous convictions that include for theft, evading a road block, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. His being held on a bond of $135,000.

Kan. felon caught with counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have suspects in custody.

Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a robbery in the 3000 Block of Bainbridge Circle in Lawrence, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

At the scene, police found a woman, her 2-year-old son and another man who was not present when the crime occurred.

The woman told police the suspects were armed with at least one handgun and robbed her at gunpoint of money, other items and fled to a nearby vehicle.&nbsp;

Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in north Lawrence and conducted surveillance on the home for several hours. Officers then detained three individuals as they left the residence at different times.

One vehicle stop was conducted without incident. The other resulted in a pursuit of approximately four blocks where the suspect's vehicle was disabled by a Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy who utilized a Tactical Vehicle Intervention near 7th and Maple.

Hours later, officers conducted a search warrant at the home they were surveilling. There were no injuries during the robbery, arrests or search warrant execution. Police did not release names of the suspects.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have suspects in custody.Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a robbery in the 3000 Block of Bainbridge Circle in Lawrence, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.At the scene, police found a woman, her 2-year-old son and another man who was not present when the crime occurred.The woman told police the suspects were armed with at least one handgun and robbed her at gunpoint of money, other items and fled to a nearby vehicle.&nbsp;Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in north Lawrence and conducted surveillance on the home for several hours. Officers then detained three individuals as they left the residence at different times.One vehicle stop was conducted without incident. The other resulted in a pursuit of approximately four blocks where the suspect's vehicle was disabled by a Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy who utilized a Tactical Vehicle Intervention near 7th and Maple.Hours later, officers conducted a search warrant at the home they were surveilling. There were no injuries during the robbery, arrests or search warrant execution. Police did not release names of the suspects.

Police: 3 jailed for armed robbery of Kan. woman, 2-year-old

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man who fled an arrest in Arkansas and was captured and hospitalized after a pursuit by officers in Kansas.

On Thursday afternoon, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office was notified that the Elk County Sheriff's Office was southbound on Kansas 99 Highway in pursuit of a stolen Kawasaki motorcycle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The suspect later identified as 37-year-old J.D. Comstock of Little Rock, Arkansas, was believed to have fled from Greenwood and Elk County Officers, stolen multiple vehicles and was reported as possibly armed and dangerous. Pursuing officers lost sight of the suspect near the Elk/Chautauqua County line.

A short time later Chautauqua County Officers located Comstock traveling southbound on Road 14 and another pursuit was initiated. The suspect fled south to U.S. 166 Highway, five miles west of Sedan, at times going off the roadway and then fled westbound for a short distance before striking a 2022 Ram 3500 driven by Kevin Viana, 23, of Livingston, Texas.

Comstock sustained several serious injuries and pursuing officers rendered aid until Sedan EMS arrived to transport him to Wesley Medical Center.

On June 20,&nbsp; investigators in Baxter County Arkansas served a search warrant at 5647 Highway 5 South looking for stolen property.  Investigators arrested Comstock, but he fled on foot.  A deputy gave chase, but fell and was injured. 

 A canine team from the North Central Unit of the Arkansas Dpt. of Corrections at Calico Rock tracked Comstock to a residence on Old Tracy Road, where it was discovered he had stolen a blue Honda SUV from that residence. Deputies later found that vehicle abandoned in Fulton County, according to the Sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656673043865.png" alt="Comstock-photo Baxter County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Comstock-photo Baxter County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man who fled an arrest in Arkansas and was captured and hospitalized after a pursuit by officers in Kansas.On Thursday afternoon, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office was notified that the Elk County Sheriff's Office was southbound on Kansas 99 Highway in pursuit of a stolen Kawasaki motorcycle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.The suspect later identified as 37-year-old J.D. Comstock of Little Rock, Arkansas, was believed to have fled from Greenwood and Elk County Officers, stolen multiple vehicles and was reported as possibly armed and dangerous. Pursuing officers lost sight of the suspect near the Elk/Chautauqua County line.A short time later Chautauqua County Officers located Comstock traveling southbound on Road 14 and another pursuit was initiated. The suspect fled south to U.S. 166 Highway, five miles west of Sedan, at times going off the roadway and then fled westbound for a short distance before striking a 2022 Ram 3500 driven by Kevin Viana, 23, of Livingston, Texas.Comstock sustained several serious injuries and pursuing officers rendered aid until Sedan EMS arrived to transport him to Wesley Medical Center.On June 20,&nbsp; investigators in Baxter County Arkansas served a search warrant at 5647 Highway 5 South looking for stolen property. Investigators arrested Comstock, but he fled on foot. A deputy gave chase, but fell and was injured. A canine team from the North Central Unit of the Arkansas Dpt. of Corrections at Calico Rock tracked Comstock to a residence on Old Tracy Road, where it was discovered he had stolen a blue Honda SUV from that residence. Deputies later found that vehicle abandoned in Fulton County, according to the Sheriff's office.

Suspect wanted in Arkansas injured after crash during Kan. chase

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a high speed chase.

On June 29, sheriff's deputies received a report of a possible intoxicated driver in black Kia northbound on U.S. 75 Highway in northern Shawnee County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Shortly, after the report, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a 2008 black Kia Sorento northbound on U.S. 75 in southern Jackson County allegedly traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph. 

 Eventually, a pursuit ensued and the vehicle headed westbound on 158th Road.  The pursuit headed south near L. Road as the suspect vehicle continued to evade law enforcement driving through yards at an area apartment complex. 

 The pursuit ended on Buffalo Drive where the suspect was taken into custody.  Lucas Michael Kitchkommie, 42, of Mayetta was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for on requested charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving under the influence, driving while suspended, criminal littering, and interference with law enforcement. The PBPN Police and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656603798898.png" alt="Kitchkommie-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Kitchkommie-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a high speed chase.On June 29, sheriff's deputies received a report of a possible intoxicated driver in black Kia northbound on U.S. 75 Highway in northern Shawnee County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Shortly, after the report, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a 2008 black Kia Sorento northbound on U.S. 75 in southern Jackson County allegedly traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Eventually, a pursuit ensued and the vehicle headed westbound on 158th Road. The pursuit headed south near L. Road as the suspect vehicle continued to evade law enforcement driving through yards at an area apartment complex. The pursuit ended on Buffalo Drive where the suspect was taken into custody. Lucas Michael Kitchkommie, 42, of Mayetta was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for on requested charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving under the influence, driving while suspended, criminal littering, and interference with law enforcement. The PBPN Police and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with this incident.

Sheriff: Kansas man jailed after 100 mile per hour chase

MOSCOW (AP) — American basketball star Brittney Griner went on trial Friday, 4 1/2 months after her arrest on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for a Russian team, in a case that unfolded amid tense relations between Moscow and Washington.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-sports-wnba-all-star-game-brittney-griner-365e3b770d10b0e79dacb91922b512cd">Phoenix Mercury center</a>&nbsp;and two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist was arrested in February at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after police said she was carrying vape canisters with cannabis oil. She could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.

Griner, 31, was escorted into the courtroom in the Moscow suburb of Khimki while handcuffed and wearing a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt. At a closed-door&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-politics-sports-brittney-griner-e855442ad005104a3eed495438ca03ed">preliminary hearing</a>&nbsp;Monday, her detention was extended for another six months, to Dec. 20.

Two witnesses were questioned by the prosecution: an airport customs official, who spoke in open court, and an unidentified witness in a closed session. according to the state news agency RIA-Novosti. The trial was then adjourned, it said, when two other witnesses did not show up, and the next session was set for July 7..

Alexander Boykov, an attorney for Griner, told reporters outside court that “I wouldn’t want to talk on the specifics of the case and on the charges and to comment on our position on it because it’s too early for it.”

Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.

Her case comes at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. Griner was arrested less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already high tensions between the two countries. The U.S. then imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow, and Russia denounced the U.S. for sending weapons to Ukraine.

Elizabeth Rood, U.S. charge d’affaires in Moscow, was in court and said she spoke with Griner, who “is doing as well as can be expected in these difficult circumstances.”

“The Russian Federation has wrongfully detained Brittney Griner,” Rood said. “The practice of wrongful detention is unacceptable wherever it occurs and is a threat to the safety of everyone traveling, working, and living abroad.”

She said the U.S. government, from its highest levels, "is working hard to bring Brittney and all wrongfully detained U.S. nationals home safely.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday denied politics played a role in Griner's detention and prosecution.

“The facts are that the famous athlete was detained in possession of prohibited medication containing narcotic substances,” Peskov told reporters. “In view of what I've said, it can’t be politically motivated," he added.

Griner’s supporters had kept a low profile in hopes of a quiet resolution until May, when the State Department reclassified her as wrongfully detained and shifted oversight of her case to its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs — effectively the U.S. government’s chief negotiator.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-sports-only-on-ap-brittney-griner-eab2338c18eab0fe600507eb6eb68093">Griner’s wife, Cherelle</a>, has urged President Joe Biden to secure her release, calling her “a political pawn.”

“It was good to see her in some of those images, but it’s tough. Every time’s a reminder that their teammate, their friend, is wrongfully imprisoned in another country,” Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard said Monday.

The coach hoped that Biden would "take the steps to ensure she comes home.”

Griner’s supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.

Russian news media have repeatedly raised speculation that she could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, nicknamed “the Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year sentence on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.

Russia has agitated for Bout’s release for years. But the wide discrepancy between Griner’s case — which involves alleged possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to the U.S.

Others have suggested that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-paul-whelan-government-and-politics-537c7eb77baee6f0342dbde07c184763">could be traded in tandem with Paul Whelan</a>, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a setup.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when asked Sunday on CNN whether a joint swap of Griner and Whelan for Bout was being considered, sidestepped the question.

“As a general proposition ... I have got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home,” he said. But he said he could not comment “in any detail on what we’re doing, except to say this is an absolute priority.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — American basketball star Brittney Griner went on trial Friday, 4 1/2 months after her arrest on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for a Russian team, in a case that unfolded amid tense relations between Moscow and Washington.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-sports-wnba-all-star-game-brittney-griner-365e3b770d10b0e79dacb91922b512cd">Phoenix Mercury center</a>&nbsp;and two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist was arrested in February at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after police said she was carrying vape canisters with cannabis oil. She could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.Griner, 31, was escorted into the courtroom in the Moscow suburb of Khimki while handcuffed and wearing a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt. At a closed-door&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-politics-sports-brittney-griner-e855442ad005104a3eed495438ca03ed">preliminary hearing</a>&nbsp;Monday, her detention was extended for another six months, to Dec. 20.Two witnesses were questioned by the prosecution: an airport customs official, who spoke in open court, and an unidentified witness in a closed session. according to the state news agency RIA-Novosti. The trial was then adjourned, it said, when two other witnesses did not show up, and the next session was set for July 7..Alexander Boykov, an attorney for Griner, told reporters outside court that “I wouldn’t want to talk on the specifics of the case and on the charges and to comment on our position on it because it’s too early for it.”Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.Her case comes at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. Griner was arrested less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already high tensions between the two countries. The U.S. then imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow, and Russia denounced the U.S. for sending weapons to Ukraine.Elizabeth Rood, U.S. charge d’affaires in Moscow, was in court and said she spoke with Griner, who “is doing as well as can be expected in these difficult circumstances.”“The Russian Federation has wrongfully detained Brittney Griner,” Rood said. “The practice of wrongful detention is unacceptable wherever it occurs and is a threat to the safety of everyone traveling, working, and living abroad.”She said the U.S. government, from its highest levels, "is working hard to bring Brittney and all wrongfully detained U.S. nationals home safely.”Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday denied politics played a role in Griner's detention and prosecution.“The facts are that the famous athlete was detained in possession of prohibited medication containing narcotic substances,” Peskov told reporters. “In view of what I've said, it can’t be politically motivated," he added.Griner’s supporters had kept a low profile in hopes of a quiet resolution until May, when the State Department reclassified her as wrongfully detained and shifted oversight of her case to its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs — effectively the U.S. government’s chief negotiator.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-sports-only-on-ap-brittney-griner-eab2338c18eab0fe600507eb6eb68093">Griner’s wife, Cherelle</a>, has urged President Joe Biden to secure her release, calling her “a political pawn.”“It was good to see her in some of those images, but it’s tough. Every time’s a reminder that their teammate, their friend, is wrongfully imprisoned in another country,” Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard said Monday.The coach hoped that Biden would "take the steps to ensure she comes home.”Griner’s supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.Russian news media have repeatedly raised speculation that she could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, nicknamed “the Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year sentence on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.Russia has agitated for Bout’s release for years. But the wide discrepancy between Griner’s case — which involves alleged possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to the U.S.Others have suggested that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-paul-whelan-government-and-politics-537c7eb77baee6f0342dbde07c184763">could be traded in tandem with Paul Whelan</a>, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a setup.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when asked Sunday on CNN whether a joint swap of Griner and Whelan for Bout was being considered, sidestepped the question.“As a general proposition ... I have got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home,” he said. But he said he could not comment “in any detail on what we’re doing, except to say this is an absolute priority.”

Former Big 12 star Griner's trial begins in Russian court

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an early morning traffic stop.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, deputies stopped a suspicious vehicle near U.S. 77 at mile marker 142, according to a media release.

Deputies found illegal drugs in the vehicle and arrested 56-year-old Thomas Fleeker of Council Grove on requested charges of criminal use of explosives, meth distribution, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal use of a weapon and related traffic violations.

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an early morning traffic stop.Just before 2a.m. Thursday, deputies stopped a suspicious vehicle near U.S. 77 at mile marker 142, according to a media release.Deputies found illegal drugs in the vehicle and arrested 56-year-old Thomas Fleeker of Council Grove on requested charges of criminal use of explosives, meth distribution, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal use of a weapon and related traffic violations.

Kansas man jailed for alleged criminal use of explosives

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a <a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">daycare provider</a> for alleged child endangerment.&nbsp;

Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of young children and a dog found unsupervised in someone’s backyard near a pool, according to Police Captain&nbsp;Mark Brinck.

When officers arrived, they found four children between the ages of 2 and 5-years-old in the area. Officers determined the children had left a daycare in the 700 Block of East Kansas Avenue and walked to this area.

Officers contacted 47-year-old Tracy Barr and another child in the 700 Block of East Kansas Avenue. According to online records Barr is the owner and program<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d"> director for&nbsp;Golden Explorers,</a> 722 East Kansas Avenue, a Licensed Day Care Home in McPherson with a maximum capacity of 10 children.

 Officers took the children into protective custody and later released them to their parents or guardians. 

Officers arrested Barr on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child and Driving Under the Influence, according to the release.

(<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacilityFindings.aspx?vn=1anlkfdkEy3LXT4y%2f0Pwn8noWE6KKLBIy7x24OeT5mWHQBhXLLQyq4uNKTq%2bjXfF60Lp5RJoijRpqpecC0J8EcTdPtK4NMxV3q4dNYRqH%2b7N4pS67WBHZg%3d%3d">Click here to read the</a> May 2022 KDHE Survey results for Golden Explorers Daycare)

Barr was booked into the McPherson County Jail and her bond was set at $13,750.00.&nbsp; On Thursday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Health has <a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">suspended the license of the Daycare.</a>

The McPherson Police Department has referred this incident to the Kansas Department of Children and Families and the McPherson County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656613239408.png" alt="Barr-photo McPherson Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Barr-photo McPherson Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a <a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">daycare provider</a> for alleged child endangerment.&nbsp;Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of young children and a dog found unsupervised in someone’s backyard near a pool, according to Police Captain&nbsp;Mark Brinck.When officers arrived, they found four children between the ages of 2 and 5-years-old in the area. Officers determined the children had left a daycare in the 700 Block of East Kansas Avenue and walked to this area.Officers contacted 47-year-old Tracy Barr and another child in the 700 Block of East Kansas Avenue. According to online records Barr is the owner and program<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d"> director for&nbsp;Golden Explorers,</a> 722 East Kansas Avenue, a Licensed Day Care Home in McPherson with a maximum capacity of 10 children. Officers took the children into protective custody and later released them to their parents or guardians. Officers arrested Barr on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child and Driving Under the Influence, according to the release.(<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacilityFindings.aspx?vn=1anlkfdkEy3LXT4y%2f0Pwn8noWE6KKLBIy7x24OeT5mWHQBhXLLQyq4uNKTq%2bjXfF60Lp5RJoijRpqpecC0J8EcTdPtK4NMxV3q4dNYRqH%2b7N4pS67WBHZg%3d%3d">Click here to read the</a> May 2022 KDHE Survey results for Golden Explorers Daycare)Barr was booked into the McPherson County Jail and her bond was set at $13,750.00.&nbsp; On Thursday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Health has <a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=pQ6%2fNNqOehPH%2fyl06ro2NaFtvgxEoDQrWI0c72s04Bc5b1cSYNv2vffzR%2bnLzsdQefZnslPgIsI%3d">suspended the license of the Daycare.</a>The McPherson Police Department has referred this incident to the Kansas Department of Children and Families and the McPherson County Attorney’s Office.

Police found children from Kan. daycare unsupervised near pool

RENO COUNTY — The report of an armed subject led officials to place Nickerson Elementary School, 400 North Nickerson Street, into lockdown Wednesday morning.

&nbsp;The family of 30-year-old Kristopher Gobble phoned law enforcement after they had an altercation with him, according to Steve Lutz of the Reno County Sheriff's Department.

Because Gobble's known address was near the school, law enforcement asked that the building be placed in lockdown. Summer school was in session at the time.

Authorities located Gobble at a friend's house in Nickerson. Law enforcement surrounded the house and communicated with him through a loudspeaker. Gobble eventually gave himself up and the lockdown was lifted after about two hours.

Gobble was taken into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, and criminal threat. He is also being detained on a warrant from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation.

His bond is set at $6,750. He’s scheduled to make a first appearance Thursday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656585162266.png" alt="Gobble has a previous conviction for drug possession, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Gobble has a previous conviction for drug possession, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — The report of an armed subject led officials to place Nickerson Elementary School, 400 North Nickerson Street, into lockdown Wednesday morning.&nbsp;The family of 30-year-old Kristopher Gobble phoned law enforcement after they had an altercation with him, according to Steve Lutz of the Reno County Sheriff's Department.Because Gobble's known address was near the school, law enforcement asked that the building be placed in lockdown. Summer school was in session at the time.Authorities located Gobble at a friend's house in Nickerson. Law enforcement surrounded the house and communicated with him through a loudspeaker. Gobble eventually gave himself up and the lockdown was lifted after about two hours.Gobble was taken into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, and criminal threat. He is also being detained on a warrant from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation.His bond is set at $6,750. He’s scheduled to make a first appearance Thursday morning.

Kan. school locked down during arrest of wanted suspect

MCPHERSON COUNTY —A former Kansas woman is going to prison for her role in a fatal DUI crash that killed a Kansas couple.

A McPherson County judge sentenced 44-year-old Julie Ann Hunter formerly of Lehigh now Aoka, Minnesota, to to just less than 12-years in prison for two counts of involuntary manslaughter-DUI, according to the McPherson County Attorney's office.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the crash in November of 2019 on Highway 56 involved a 1999 Ford Taurus driven by Hunter and a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica driven by&nbsp;Robert E. Unruh, 88, of Canton.

Unruh and a passenger Mary Lee Unruh, 83, Canton, were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Hunter to the hospital in McPherson and she was later arrested.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Hunter will be required to serve at least 80 months before becoming eligible for parole, according to the county attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656160789680.png" alt="Hunter-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hunter-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —A former Kansas woman is going to prison for her role in a fatal DUI crash that killed a Kansas couple.A McPherson County judge sentenced 44-year-old Julie Ann Hunter formerly of Lehigh now Aoka, Minnesota, to to just less than 12-years in prison for two counts of involuntary manslaughter-DUI, according to the McPherson County Attorney's office.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the crash in November of 2019 on Highway 56 involved a 1999 Ford Taurus driven by Hunter and a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica driven by&nbsp;Robert E. Unruh, 88, of Canton.Unruh and a passenger Mary Lee Unruh, 83, Canton, were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Hunter to the hospital in McPherson and she was later arrested.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hunter will be required to serve at least 80 months before becoming eligible for parole, according to the county attorney's office.

Woman sentenced for DUI crash that killed Kansas couple

FRANKLIN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and have made an arrest.

Just after 3p.m. June 25, police responded to report of a stabbing in the 700 Block of West 11th Street in Ottawa, according to a media release.

Officers found 29-year-old Dalton Presley of Ottawa deceased inside the home. He had been stabbed.

Police detained another resident of the home identified as 29-year-old Anthony Alvarado and transported him to the Ottawa Police Department for questioning.

Police later arrested Alvarado on requested charges of 2nd degree murder. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the case, according to the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656421632965.png" alt="Alvarado-photo Franklin Co." />
 <figcaption>Alvarado-photo Franklin Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and have made an arrest.Just after 3p.m. June 25, police responded to report of a stabbing in the 700 Block of West 11th Street in Ottawa, according to a media release.Officers found 29-year-old Dalton Presley of Ottawa deceased inside the home. He had been stabbed.Police detained another resident of the home identified as 29-year-old Anthony Alvarado and transported him to the Ottawa Police Department for questioning.Police later arrested Alvarado on requested charges of 2nd degree murder. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the case, according to the release.

Suspect accused of Kansas man's stabbing death

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged rape in Reno County.

Just after 11:30p.m. Monday sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a residence on the Obee Housing addition east of Hutchinson&nbsp;for a report of Sexual Assault, according to a media release.

With the information given to dispatch, deputies were able to make contact with a suspect identified as 29-year-old Jarrod LaForce whose vehicle had broken down in the area of G Avenue and Obee Road.&nbsp;

Upon further investigation LaForce was arrested on requested charges of DUI, Rape, Aggravated Sodomy and Aggravated Domestic Battery. He remains jailed on a bond of $105,250.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656446498254.png" alt="LaForce-photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>LaForce-photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged rape in Reno County.Just after 11:30p.m. Monday sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a residence on the Obee Housing addition east of Hutchinson&nbsp;for a report of Sexual Assault, according to a media release.With the information given to dispatch, deputies were able to make contact with a suspect identified as 29-year-old Jarrod LaForce whose vehicle had broken down in the area of G Avenue and Obee Road.&nbsp;Upon further investigation LaForce was arrested on requested charges of DUI, Rape, Aggravated Sodomy and Aggravated Domestic Battery. He remains jailed on a bond of $105,250.

Kan. deputies arrest rape suspect after his vehicle breaks down

MOSCOW (AP) — Shackled and looking wary, WNBA star Brittney Griner was ordered to stand trial Friday by a court near Moscow on cannabis possession charges, about 4 1/2 months after her arrest at an airport while returning to play for a Russian team.

The Phoenix Mercury center and two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist also was ordered to remain in custody for the duration of her criminal trial. Griner could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned.

At Monday’s closed-door preliminary hearing at the court in the Moscow suburb of Khimki, Griner’s detention was extended for another six months. Photos obtained by The Associated Press showed the 31-year-old in handcuffs and looking straight ahead, unlike a previous court appearance where she kept her head down and covered with a hood.

Her detention and trial come at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. She was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already-high tensions with sweeping sanctions by the United States and Russia’s denunciation of U.S. weapon supplies to Ukraine.

Amid the tensions, Griner’s supporters had taken a low profile in hopes of a quiet resolution, until May, when the State Department reclassified her as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-business-phoenix-mercury-united-states-b6aaaeee14b825bd247e2d853a9d708c">wrongfully detained</a>&nbsp;and shifted oversight of her case to its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs — effectively the U.S. government’s chief negotiator.

Griner’s wife, Cherelle, urged President Joe Biden in May to secure her release, calling her “a political pawn.”

Her supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.

Russian news media have repeatedly raised speculation that she could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, nicknamed “The Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year sentence on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.

Russia has agitated for Bout’s release for years. But the discrepancy between Griner’s case — she allegedly was found in possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to the U.S.

Others have suggested that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-paul-whelan-government-and-politics-537c7eb77baee6f0342dbde07c184763">could be traded in tandem with Paul Whelan</a>, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a set-up.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asked Sunday on CNN whether a joint swap of Griner and Whelan for Bout was being considered, sidestepped the question.

“As a general proposition ... I have got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home,” he said. But “I can’t comment in any detail on what we’re doing, except to say this is an absolute priority.”

Any swap would apparently require Griner to first be convicted and sentenced, then apply for a presidential pardon, Maria Yarmush, a lawyer specializing in international civil affairs, told Kremlin-funded TV channel RT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — Shackled and looking wary, WNBA star Brittney Griner was ordered to stand trial Friday by a court near Moscow on cannabis possession charges, about 4 1/2 months after her arrest at an airport while returning to play for a Russian team.The Phoenix Mercury center and two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist also was ordered to remain in custody for the duration of her criminal trial. Griner could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned.At Monday’s closed-door preliminary hearing at the court in the Moscow suburb of Khimki, Griner’s detention was extended for another six months. Photos obtained by The Associated Press showed the 31-year-old in handcuffs and looking straight ahead, unlike a previous court appearance where she kept her head down and covered with a hood.Her detention and trial come at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. She was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already-high tensions with sweeping sanctions by the United States and Russia’s denunciation of U.S. weapon supplies to Ukraine.Amid the tensions, Griner’s supporters had taken a low profile in hopes of a quiet resolution, until May, when the State Department reclassified her as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-business-phoenix-mercury-united-states-b6aaaeee14b825bd247e2d853a9d708c">wrongfully detained</a>&nbsp;and shifted oversight of her case to its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs — effectively the U.S. government’s chief negotiator.Griner’s wife, Cherelle, urged President Joe Biden in May to secure her release, calling her “a political pawn.”Her supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.Russian news media have repeatedly raised speculation that she could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, nicknamed “The Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year sentence on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.Russia has agitated for Bout’s release for years. But the discrepancy between Griner’s case — she allegedly was found in possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to the U.S.Others have suggested that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-paul-whelan-government-and-politics-537c7eb77baee6f0342dbde07c184763">could be traded in tandem with Paul Whelan</a>, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a set-up.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asked Sunday on CNN whether a joint swap of Griner and Whelan for Bout was being considered, sidestepped the question.“As a general proposition ... I have got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home,” he said. But “I can’t comment in any detail on what we’re doing, except to say this is an absolute priority.”Any swap would apparently require Griner to first be convicted and sentenced, then apply for a presidential pardon, Maria Yarmush, a lawyer specializing in international civil affairs, told Kremlin-funded TV channel RT.

Former Big 12 star Brittney Griner ordered to trial in Russia

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a weekend chase across state lines.

Just before 5 a.m. Saturday, officers attempted to stop a pickup truck pulling a trailer in the area of 10th and U.S.59, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; Police were following a tip&nbsp;that the truck was stolen. 

The vehicle fled westbound on U.S.59 and subsequently into the Branchton area and then back to U.S.59 where it went eastbound and into Missouri. 

At that point an Atchison County sheriff's deputy pursued the vehicle into Missouri. The vehicle continued to flee but returned eastbound and was on the Amelia Earhart bridge when he saw APD patrol cars on the west side of the bridge and turned around on the bridge and was again eastbound on U.S.59. 

A police officer on the east end of the bridge deployed stop sticks and while doing so the stop stick cord, which the officer was holding, made contact with the fleeing vehicle and trailer and injured the officer's hand. 

&nbsp;The officer was treated for that injury at an area hospital and released, according to Wilson.

The Atchison County Sheriff's deputy continued to pursue the vehicle into Platte County where the vehicle was stopped by Platte County deputies and took the driver identified as 29-year-old Michael Diblasi0, according to online jail records,&nbsp; into custody. He remains jailed without bond.

There was a motorcycle on that trailer that had been stolen from the 200 block North 9th Street in Atchison, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656342859008.png" alt="Diblasio-photo Platt County" />
 <figcaption>Diblasio-photo Platt County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a weekend chase across state lines.Just before 5 a.m. Saturday, officers attempted to stop a pickup truck pulling a trailer in the area of 10th and U.S.59, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; Police were following a tip&nbsp;that the truck was stolen. The vehicle fled westbound on U.S.59 and subsequently into the Branchton area and then back to U.S.59 where it went eastbound and into Missouri. At that point an Atchison County sheriff's deputy pursued the vehicle into Missouri. The vehicle continued to flee but returned eastbound and was on the Amelia Earhart bridge when he saw APD patrol cars on the west side of the bridge and turned around on the bridge and was again eastbound on U.S.59. A police officer on the east end of the bridge deployed stop sticks and while doing so the stop stick cord, which the officer was holding, made contact with the fleeing vehicle and trailer and injured the officer's hand. &nbsp;The officer was treated for that injury at an area hospital and released, according to Wilson.The Atchison County Sheriff's deputy continued to pursue the vehicle into Platte County where the vehicle was stopped by Platte County deputies and took the driver identified as 29-year-old Michael Diblasi0, according to online jail records,&nbsp; into custody. He remains jailed without bond.There was a motorcycle on that trailer that had been stolen from the 200 block North 9th Street in Atchison, according to Wilson.

Suspect arrested after 2-state chase in stolen truck

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/27/kansas-gop-governor-candidate-arrested-on-felony-charge-plunges-ahead-with-campaign/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Republican gubernatorial
 candidate Arlyn Briggs recorded a campaign commercial outlining his 
vision of conservative government in Kansas only to find out a prominent
 Christian radio network had no intention of airing the advertisement.

He said an employee at Bott Radio Network in Overland Park explained 
the campaign spot couldn’t be used on the network after learning of 
Briggs’ arrest on a charge of criminal threat against a law enforcement 
officer. The arrest in Allen County was a misunderstanding that ought to
 be resolved in his favor, Briggs said, but the radio network’s rebuff 
was a setback in his primary campaign against GOP frontrunner Derek 
Schmidt, who is the state’s attorney general.

“I’m a strong Christian,” Briggs said. “My job is to be a strong reflection of Jesus Christ.”

Briggs, 64, of rural Kincaid, said the legal trouble stemmed from 
allowing a man being sought by law enforcement for an alleged stalking 
offense to stay with him in early June. Briggs noticed a sheriff’s 
department vehicle driving slowly past his home, so he called the 
department to remind authorities of the “castle doctrine,” the 
stand-your-ground right of individuals in Kansas to take reasonable 
action, including deadly force, in defense of a home.

He warned law enforcement officers not to try anything, he said, and 
pointedly added “I may shoot you.” He said he wouldn’t have actually 
fired on deputies, and nothing happened. But officers later served an 
Anderson County warrant on him for criminal threat. He was released June
 15 from Allen County Jail.

If successful in the Aug. 2 primary against Schmidt, Briggs would 
likely face Democratic frontrunner Gov. Laura Kelly as well as 
independent candidate Dennis Pyle and Libertarian Seth Cordell in 
November. If victorious in the general election, Briggs said he would 
donate his state government salary to charity.

“I feel the primary is where the contest is this year. Kelly is so 
liberal,” Briggs said. “I say vote for the person. Not what they said, 
but what they do.”

Briggs said he was disappointed with Schmidt as a political leader, 
and asserted the attorney general was too focused on getting on U.S. 
Sen. Jerry Moran’s “good list” in anticipation of eventually running for
 Moran’s seat in the U.S. Senate. Briggs said he’d challenged Schmidt to
 five debates, but hadn’t received a response.

“I think there’s growing concern among conservatives across the 
United States and Kansas with what’s happening with government and our 
leaders,” Briggs said.

On social media last year, Briggs was critical of state legislators 
who he claimed talked about the value of local government control and 
then passed bills stripping local elected officials of influence. He 
said Democratic and Republican politicians at the statehouse believed 
they were “God’s appointed Kings over the serfs.” He said they all 
should be taught a lesson by being voted out of office.

Briggs ran for the Kansas House in 2012 and 2020, but lost both 
contests. He was soundly defeated in the most recent campaign, falling 
to state Rep. Trevor Jacobs, with Jacobs securing 83% of the vote in a 
GOP primary.

He said he lived in Johnson County for about 30 years. He worked for a
 Kansas City bank and at Hallmark and has been employed as a trucker and
 farmer. He performed mission work in more than a dozen countries, he 
said.

Briggs’ lieutenant governor running mate is Abilene resident Lance 
Berland, who Briggs said recently performed community service in 
Colorado to deal with his own legal challenges.

On social media, Berland said “we the people” were engaged in a fight
 against Republican and Democrat “warmongers,” the “most bloated, 
wasteful bureaucracy in human history” and “corrupt crony capitalists.” 
He claimed businessman George Soros, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, 
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett
 were involved in demise of U.S. freedom.

“We have been played, and Americans killed, by our own government and
 the ultra-wealthy non-citizens who dominate our nation from Davos, 
Geneva, and Brussels,” he said. “These people have perpetuated and 
delivered the world only racism, eugenics, war, toxicity, disease and 
unnecessary deaths by the hundreds of millions. These people serve only 
themselves and the devil.”

He also expressed disappointment Presidents Donald Trump and Joe 
Biden were convinced by the “global health mafia” to recommend Americans
 be vaccinated against COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656342858017.png" alt="Rural Kincaid resident Arlyn Briggs, a Republican candidate for Kansas governor, said his recent legal problems would blow over. He’s for term limits and won’t take a salary if elected governor. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Allen County Jail photograph)" />
 <figcaption>Rural Kincaid resident Arlyn Briggs, a Republican candidate for Kansas governor, said his recent legal problems would blow over. He’s for term limits and won’t take a salary if elected governor. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Allen County Jail photograph)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/27/kansas-gop-governor-candidate-arrested-on-felony-charge-plunges-ahead-with-campaign/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Republican gubernatorial
 candidate Arlyn Briggs recorded a campaign commercial outlining his 
vision of conservative government in Kansas only to find out a prominent
 Christian radio network had no intention of airing the advertisement.He said an employee at Bott Radio Network in Overland Park explained 
the campaign spot couldn’t be used on the network after learning of 
Briggs’ arrest on a charge of criminal threat against a law enforcement 
officer. The arrest in Allen County was a misunderstanding that ought to
 be resolved in his favor, Briggs said, but the radio network’s rebuff 
was a setback in his primary campaign against GOP frontrunner Derek 
Schmidt, who is the state’s attorney general.“I’m a strong Christian,” Briggs said. “My job is to be a strong reflection of Jesus Christ.”Briggs, 64, of rural Kincaid, said the legal trouble stemmed from 
allowing a man being sought by law enforcement for an alleged stalking 
offense to stay with him in early June. Briggs noticed a sheriff’s 
department vehicle driving slowly past his home, so he called the 
department to remind authorities of the “castle doctrine,” the 
stand-your-ground right of individuals in Kansas to take reasonable 
action, including deadly force, in defense of a home.He warned law enforcement officers not to try anything, he said, and 
pointedly added “I may shoot you.” He said he wouldn’t have actually 
fired on deputies, and nothing happened. But officers later served an 
Anderson County warrant on him for criminal threat. He was released June
 15 from Allen County Jail.If successful in the Aug. 2 primary against Schmidt, Briggs would 
likely face Democratic frontrunner Gov. Laura Kelly as well as 
independent candidate Dennis Pyle and Libertarian Seth Cordell in 
November. If victorious in the general election, Briggs said he would 
donate his state government salary to charity.“I feel the primary is where the contest is this year. Kelly is so 
liberal,” Briggs said. “I say vote for the person. Not what they said, 
but what they do.”Briggs said he was disappointed with Schmidt as a political leader, 
and asserted the attorney general was too focused on getting on U.S. 
Sen. Jerry Moran’s “good list” in anticipation of eventually running for
 Moran’s seat in the U.S. Senate. Briggs said he’d challenged Schmidt to
 five debates, but hadn’t received a response.“I think there’s growing concern among conservatives across the 
United States and Kansas with what’s happening with government and our 
leaders,” Briggs said.On social media last year, Briggs was critical of state legislators 
who he claimed talked about the value of local government control and 
then passed bills stripping local elected officials of influence. He 
said Democratic and Republican politicians at the statehouse believed 
they were “God’s appointed Kings over the serfs.” He said they all 
should be taught a lesson by being voted out of office.Briggs ran for the Kansas House in 2012 and 2020, but lost both 
contests. He was soundly defeated in the most recent campaign, falling 
to state Rep. Trevor Jacobs, with Jacobs securing 83% of the vote in a 
GOP primary.He said he lived in Johnson County for about 30 years. He worked for a
 Kansas City bank and at Hallmark and has been employed as a trucker and
 farmer. He performed mission work in more than a dozen countries, he 
said.Briggs’ lieutenant governor running mate is Abilene resident Lance 
Berland, who Briggs said recently performed community service in 
Colorado to deal with his own legal challenges.On social media, Berland said “we the people” were engaged in a fight
 against Republican and Democrat “warmongers,” the “most bloated, 
wasteful bureaucracy in human history” and “corrupt crony capitalists.” 
He claimed businessman George Soros, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, 
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett
 were involved in demise of U.S. freedom.“We have been played, and Americans killed, by our own government and
 the ultra-wealthy non-citizens who dominate our nation from Davos, 
Geneva, and Brussels,” he said. “These people have perpetuated and 
delivered the world only racism, eugenics, war, toxicity, disease and 
unnecessary deaths by the hundreds of millions. These people serve only 
themselves and the devil.”He also expressed disappointment Presidents Donald Trump and Joe 
Biden were convinced by the “global health mafia” to recommend Americans
 be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Kan. governor candidate arrested on felony charge plunges ahead with campaign

MOSCOW (AP) — More than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for cannabis possession, a Russian court has set the start date for the criminal trial of the American basketball star Brittney Griner for July 1. 

The Phoenix Mercury star could remain in Russian custody until late autumn as the court extended her detention for a fourth time. Griner could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. 

Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned. On Monday, the court in the Moscow suburb of Khimki extended Griner’s detention for another six months.

MOSCOW (AP) — More than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for cannabis possession, American basketball star Brittney Griner is to appear in court Monday for a preliminary hearing ahead of her trial.

The Phoenix Mercury star, considered in some polls to be the United States’ most gifted female athlete, could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned.

The trial date has not been announced, but is expected soon; Griner was recently ordered to remain in pretrial detention until July 2. The hearing in the court of the Moscow suburb of Khimki is to address procedural issues.

Griner’s detention and trial come at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. She was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already-high tensions with sweeping sanctions by the United States and Russia’s denunciation of U.S. weapon supplies to Ukraine.

Amid the tensions, Griner’s supporters had taken a low profile in hopes of a quiet resolution, until May, when the State Department reclassified her as wrongfully detained and shifted oversight of her case to its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs — effectively the U.S. government’s chief negotiator.

That move has drawn additional attention to Griner’s case, with supporters encouraging a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.

Others have suggested that she could be traded in tandem with Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a set-up.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — More than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for cannabis possession, a Russian court has set the start date for the criminal trial of the American basketball star Brittney Griner for July 1. The Phoenix Mercury star could remain in Russian custody until late autumn as the court extended her detention for a fourth time. Griner could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned. On Monday, the court in the Moscow suburb of Khimki extended Griner’s detention for another six months.--------MOSCOW (AP) — More than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for cannabis possession, American basketball star Brittney Griner is to appear in court Monday for a preliminary hearing ahead of her trial.The Phoenix Mercury star, considered in some polls to be the United States’ most gifted female athlete, could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned.The trial date has not been announced, but is expected soon; Griner was recently ordered to remain in pretrial detention until July 2. The hearing in the court of the Moscow suburb of Khimki is to address procedural issues.Griner’s detention and trial come at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. She was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already-high tensions with sweeping sanctions by the United States and Russia’s denunciation of U.S. weapon supplies to Ukraine.Amid the tensions, Griner’s supporters had taken a low profile in hopes of a quiet resolution, until May, when the State Department reclassified her as wrongfully detained and shifted oversight of her case to its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs — effectively the U.S. government’s chief negotiator.That move has drawn additional attention to Griner’s case, with supporters encouraging a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.Russian news media have repeatedly raised speculation that she could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, nicknamed “The Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year sentence on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.Russia has agitated for Bout’s release for years. But the discrepancy between Griner’s case — she allegedly was found in possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to the U.S.Others have suggested that she could be traded in tandem with Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a set-up.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asked Sunday on CNN whether a joint swap of Griner and Whelan for Bout was being considered, sidestepped the question.“As a general proposition ... I have got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home,” he said. But “I can’t comment in any detail on what we’re doing, except to say this is an absolute priority.”Any swap would apparently require Griner to first be convicted and sentenced, then apply for a presidential pardon, Maria Yarmush, a lawyer specializing in international civil affairs, told Kremlin-funded TV channel RT.

Russian court extends former Big-12 star Griner's detention again

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a drug bust at a motel

On Wednesday, Wichita Police Department (WPD) Patrol East Community Police Officers were conducting drug interdiction activities in the 300 block of S. Webb Road when they conducted a traffic stop on an individual leaving a hotel in that area, according to a media release.

The driver, a 36-year-old man from Haysville, was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and three handguns. Officers learned that the man was staying in the hotel, and significant traffic was observed at the room he was staying in. 

The officers applied for, and were granted, a search warrant which resulted in the seizure of approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,000 percocet pills which area a generic oxycodone, 100 ecstasy pills, an additional firearm and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Police have not reported the suspect's name or an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656104010957.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a drug bust at a motelOn Wednesday, Wichita Police Department (WPD) Patrol East Community Police Officers were conducting drug interdiction activities in the 300 block of S. Webb Road when they conducted a traffic stop on an individual leaving a hotel in that area, according to a media release.The driver, a 36-year-old man from Haysville, was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and three handguns. Officers learned that the man was staying in the hotel, and significant traffic was observed at the room he was staying in. The officers applied for, and were granted, a search warrant which resulted in the seizure of approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,000 percocet pills which area a generic oxycodone, 100 ecstasy pills, an additional firearm and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Police have not reported the suspect's name or an arrest.

Police seize 1000 generic oxycodone pills at Kansas motel

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 1:30 a.m. June 22, police were dispatched to the 1200 block of NE Winfield Avenue in Topeka on the report of an attempted aggravated robbery, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

Shortly after this occurred, officers located the suspect vehicle and detained several individuals believed to be involved in the incident. These individuals were transported to the Law Enforcement center to speak with Detectives.

As a result of the investigation, 20-year-old Quadream Williams and 20-year-old Cody Cooper both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656016695647.png" alt="Williams-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two suspects in custody.Just after 1:30 a.m. June 22, police were dispatched to the 1200 block of NE Winfield Avenue in Topeka on the report of an attempted aggravated robbery, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.Shortly after this occurred, officers located the suspect vehicle and detained several individuals believed to be involved in the incident. These individuals were transported to the Law Enforcement center to speak with Detectives.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656016836472.png" alt="Cooper photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cooper photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result of the investigation, 20-year-old Quadream Williams and 20-year-old Cody Cooper both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery.

Police: Two Kansas men jailed after robbery investigation 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Law enforcement made two arrests Friday afternoon after they say two armed subjects entered a Hutchinson business.

Hutchinson police say a call came in at 3:21 p.m. Friday about two armed subjects at the Adams Street Auto Repair at 528 N. Adams.

The police identified the men as 48-year-old Kevin D. Shipman and 19-year-old Jesse D. Shipman.

Law enforcement closed off the area streets as they took both men in for one suspected count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. They are both still in the Reno County Correctional Facility. No one was hurt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656104194598.jpeg" alt="Police on the scene of the Friday afternoon arrest" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Friday afternoon arrest</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Law enforcement made two arrests Friday afternoon after they say two armed subjects entered a Hutchinson business.Hutchinson police say a call came in at 3:21 p.m. Friday about two armed subjects at the Adams Street Auto Repair at 528 N. Adams.The police identified the men as 48-year-old Kevin D. Shipman and 19-year-old Jesse D. Shipman.Law enforcement closed off the area streets as they took both men in for one suspected count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. They are both still in the Reno County Correctional Facility. No one was hurt.

Police take armed suspects at business in Hutchinson into custody

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a two month investigation.

Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, members of the Dickinson County Sheriff's Drug Enforcement unit with the assistance of Abilene Police executed a search warrant at a home in the 700 Block of NW Tenth Street in Abilene, according to a media release.

Officers found a large quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, opiates and drug paraphernalia.

Officers arrested 49-year-old Mark St. Pierre and 49-year-old Sara Duncan at a home in the 700 Block of NW Eighth Street in Abilene.

Duncan is being held on requested charges of meth distribution within 1000 feet of a school. St. Pierre is being held on a requested charge of conspiracy to distribute meth. Both are also facing multiple additional requested drug charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656031464504.png" alt="St. Pierre-photo Dickinson County." />
 <figcaption>St. Pierre-photo Dickinson County.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a two month investigation.Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, members of the Dickinson County Sheriff's Drug Enforcement unit with the assistance of Abilene Police executed a search warrant at a home in the 700 Block of NW Tenth Street in Abilene, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656031524803.png" alt="Duncan-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Duncan-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers found a large quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, opiates and drug paraphernalia.Officers arrested 49-year-old Mark St. Pierre and 49-year-old Sara Duncan at a home in the 700 Block of NW Eighth Street in Abilene.Duncan is being held on requested charges of meth distribution within 1000 feet of a school. St. Pierre is being held on a requested charge of conspiracy to distribute meth. Both are also facing multiple additional requested drug charges.

2 accused of distribution after drugs found at Abilene home

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged auto theft.

Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for theft, criminal trespass, and interference with LEO in the 1100 block of Westport Dr. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

A 22-year-old woman reported a 36-year-old woman entered her car in the Taco Bell parking lot, locked herself inside and attempted to drive away in an attempt to steal the vehicle.

The estimated total loss associated with this case was approximately $13,000. 

The car was returned to its owner after police arrested Andrea Freeman, 36, of Manhattan in connection on requested charges of theft, criminal trespass, and interference with LEO. Freeman remains jailed on a total bond of $6,000, according to the RCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655993882814.png" alt="Taco Bell on Westport Drive in Manhattan -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Taco Bell on Westport Drive in Manhattan -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged auto theft.Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for theft, criminal trespass, and interference with LEO in the 1100 block of Westport Dr. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A 22-year-old woman reported a 36-year-old woman entered her car in the Taco Bell parking lot, locked herself inside and attempted to drive away in an attempt to steal the vehicle.The estimated total loss associated with this case was approximately $13,000. The car was returned to its owner after police arrested Andrea Freeman, 36, of Manhattan in connection on requested charges of theft, criminal trespass, and interference with LEO. Freeman remains jailed on a total bond of $6,000, according to the RCPD.

RCPD: Woman attempts to steal car from restaurant parking lot

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after he ran from an accident.

Just before 2p.m. June 19, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to a two vehicle accident in the 2800 block of NW 75 Highway, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.

Callers stated that one of the drivers had fled the scene on foot. The suspect was then seen by witnesses entering a building of a business in the 2900 block of NW Button Road. 

Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect across the street from the business.

Deputies arrested 25-year-old Kamren E. Brake of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of aggravated burglary, criminal trespass, and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655813997687.png" alt="Brake-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Brake-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after he ran from an accident.Just before 2p.m. June 19, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to a two vehicle accident in the 2800 block of NW 75 Highway, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.Callers stated that one of the drivers had fled the scene on foot. The suspect was then seen by witnesses entering a building of a business in the 2900 block of NW Button Road. Deputies arrived in the area and located the suspect across the street from the business.Deputies arrested 25-year-old Kamren E. Brake of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of aggravated burglary, criminal trespass, and interference with law enforcement.

Kan. burglary suspect arrested after he runs from crash 

KANSAS CITY (AP) —In her first week on the job at a Philadelphia abortion clinic, Amanda Kifferly was taught how to search for bombs. About a year later, protesters blocked the entrances and exits of the The Women’s Centers, at one point pulling Kifferly into something resembling a mosh pit, where they surrounded her and shoved her around.

And on the night of last winter’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-united-states-mississippi-65751e1b9ca7d34f1458ffe9729f82b2">arguments</a>&nbsp;before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could end the nationwide right to abortion, people gathered outside a clinic in New Jersey with lawn chairs, a cooler and a flaming torch — a sight that brought to mind lynchings and other horrors of the country’s racist past, says Kifferly, who now serves as vice president for abortion access.

Such scenes have become familiar for providers and patients across the country over the decades since the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion. At times the violence has been far more severe, including bombings, arson and murders — from the 1993 killing of Dr. David Gunn outside a Florida abortion clinic to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-trials-courts-colorado-denver-26f0712e558032c99384262adb7aed4f">2015 fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;of three people inside a Colorado Planned Parenthood.

Now providers and some in law enforcement worry what will come next. They’re preparing for an increase in violence once the Supreme Court rules, saying there has historically been a spike when the issue of abortion gets widespread public attention, such as after a state approves new restrictions. If the decision ends Roe v. Wade — as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">leaked draft opinion</a>&nbsp;indicates may happen — they also anticipate protests, harassment and other violence to be more concentrated and intensify in states where abortion remains legal.

“We know from experience, it’s not like the people protesting clinics in banned states just pack up and go home,” said Melissa Fowler, chief program officer for the National Abortion Federation.

The group and the hundreds of abortion clinics it represents have been on “heightened alert” since the opinion leaked, Fowler said. The organization has staff who specialize in security on call around the clock. They go out to clinics to do drills with employees and volunteers on scenarios such as bomb threats or active shooters and advise them on things like where to position security cameras. They also conduct safety assessments at the homes of physicians, monitor online threats and consult with local law enforcement.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —In her first week on the job at a Philadelphia abortion clinic, Amanda Kifferly was taught how to search for bombs. About a year later, protesters blocked the entrances and exits of the The Women’s Centers, at one point pulling Kifferly into something resembling a mosh pit, where they surrounded her and shoved her around.And on the night of last winter’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-united-states-mississippi-65751e1b9ca7d34f1458ffe9729f82b2">arguments</a>&nbsp;before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could end the nationwide right to abortion, people gathered outside a clinic in New Jersey with lawn chairs, a cooler and a flaming torch — a sight that brought to mind lynchings and other horrors of the country’s racist past, says Kifferly, who now serves as vice president for abortion access.Such scenes have become familiar for providers and patients across the country over the decades since the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion. At times the violence has been far more severe, including bombings, arson and murders — from the 1993 killing of Dr. David Gunn outside a Florida abortion clinic to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-trials-courts-colorado-denver-26f0712e558032c99384262adb7aed4f">2015 fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;of three people inside a Colorado Planned Parenthood.Now providers and some in law enforcement worry what will come next. They’re preparing for an increase in violence once the Supreme Court rules, saying there has historically been a spike when the issue of abortion gets widespread public attention, such as after a state approves new restrictions. If the decision ends Roe v. Wade — as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">leaked draft opinion</a>&nbsp;indicates may happen — they also anticipate protests, harassment and other violence to be more concentrated and intensify in states where abortion remains legal.“We know from experience, it’s not like the people protesting clinics in banned states just pack up and go home,” said Melissa Fowler, chief program officer for the National Abortion Federation.The group and the hundreds of abortion clinics it represents have been on “heightened alert” since the opinion leaked, Fowler said. The organization has staff who specialize in security on call around the clock. They go out to clinics to do drills with employees and volunteers on scenarios such as bomb threats or active shooters and advise them on things like where to position security cameras. They also conduct safety assessments at the homes of physicians, monitor online threats and consult with local law enforcement.In some places, local police are working with clinics to try to tamp down the potential for violence. In Jacksonville, Florida, the sheriff’s office said last month they would station an officer outside the clinic, and police in Little Rock, Arkansas, installed a camera atop a crane near an abortion clinic that has been the site of protests, hoping to deter bad actors.Immediately following the leak and for days afterward, police in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, initiated extra patrols around The Women’s Center location, Kifferly said.But the relationship between clinics and local police isn’t always a positive one, and clinics must weigh whether having a heavy police presence will frighten patients, Fowler said. In Kifferly’s experience, how well clinics and police departments work together varies by city and state. She recalled asking an officer for help as she was assaulted outside the Philadelphia clinic, and the officer responding that she should “call 911.”NAF, which collects monthly data from its over 500 members on harassment and violence, reported a spike in incidents in 2020, the most recent year for which the group has published data. The number of death threats or threats of harm and of assault and battery both increased by more than double, and providers reported more than 24,000 incidents of hate email or internet harassment.Abortion providers reported an uptick after Donald Trump became president, and “extremists felt like it was OK for them not to be in the shadows,” Fowler said. The coronavirus pandemic seemed to exacerbate things, Kifferly said, and in all four states where The Women’s Centers operates — New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia and Pennsylvania — “we were besieged by protesters” angry that abortion clinics were open while their churches or businesses were closed.Abortion opponents also have been targets of violence, and say they’ve also seen an increase in incidents since the draft opinion leaked, though the FBI in a 2020 memo described the incidents as historically “rare.”Shortly after the draft opinion became public, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-violence-government-and-politics-8f3a2a7146594a6275250b54be776f85">Department of Homeland Security’s</a>&nbsp;Office of Intelligence and Analysis said the draft had made extremist violence — by people on either side of the issue — more likely.Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said there were more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-wisconsin-vandalism-83ef112cf20dcf511cf09dfd5241e1c1">40 incidents</a>&nbsp;of violence, intimidation and vandalism at pregnancy centers and churches in recent weeks.In early June, a man with a gun, knife, zip ties and other items was arrested near&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-brett-kavanaugh-district-of-columbia-maryland-government-and-politics-179d18e7f933b3decbaddb542ceb0b29">Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s</a>&nbsp;home in the middle of the night. He told police he wanted to kill the justice because he was upset about the draft opinion as well as the fatal mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.The court is expected to issue its ruling in the coming days or weeks.As for what might occur next for abortion providers, much focus has been on how to provide care to people seeking it, should abortion be banned in more states. But Fowler said another concern is also front of mind: “We also need to focus on safety.”