SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at Towne East Mall on Friday have identified the 14-year-old victim as&nbsp;Trenjvious Hutton of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita.

 Upon arrival, officers entered the mall and located Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. The suspect then fled on foot.

Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest, according to Ditch.

 A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers have recovered two handguns during the investigation.

The 16-year-old shooting suspect is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Ditch.

"Any death stemming from a shooting is traumatic for our community,” said Wichita Police Chief Lem Moore said. “Especially when it involves one of our youths at a very busy shopping area. Wichita Police will be proactively providing extra resources at this shopping area to ensure safety of patrons and employees.”

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.

Just before 5:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched what was originally believed to be an active shooter at Towne East Mall, 7700 East Kellog in Wichita according to Officer Chad Ditch.

As officers arrived on scene, there was a mass exodus of people from the mall. As officers entered the lower level of the mall, they located a 14-year-old boy with several gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced deceased, according to Ditch.

Police later learned there was an altercation between several juveniles. One of the juveniles brandished a firearm and shot the victim several times.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A short time later, police located two suspect in the area. Officers took a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old into custody, according to Ditch.

Police released no additional details including the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647654687490.png" alt="Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at Towne East Mall on Friday have identified the 14-year-old victim as&nbsp;Trenjvious Hutton of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers entered the mall and located Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. The suspect then fled on foot.Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest, according to Ditch. A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers have recovered two handguns during the investigation.The 16-year-old shooting suspect is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Ditch."Any death stemming from a shooting is traumatic for our community,” said Wichita Police Chief Lem Moore said. “Especially when it involves one of our youths at a very busy shopping area. Wichita Police will be proactively providing extra resources at this shopping area to ensure safety of patrons and employees.”-----------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.Just before 5:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched what was originally believed to be an active shooter at Towne East Mall, 7700 East Kellog in Wichita according to Officer Chad Ditch.As officers arrived on scene, there was a mass exodus of people from the mall. As officers entered the lower level of the mall, they located a 14-year-old boy with several gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced deceased, according to Ditch.Police later learned there was an altercation between several juveniles. One of the juveniles brandished a firearm and shot the victim several times.&nbsp;&nbsp;A short time later, police located two suspect in the area. Officers took a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old into custody, according to Ditch.Police released no additional details including the victim's name.

Police ID 14-year-old shot and killed at Wichita Towne East Mall

ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a chase and crash in Hays.

Just before 5p.m. Friday, police responded to a robbery at All the Rage Studios, 2707 Vine Street in Hays, according to a media release.

 It was reported that a black male with dreadlocks and a face mask came into the business with his hand stuffed into a bag and demanded the money from the business. 

An employee handed the man the money and the male suspect left the area driving a black SUV with a Texas tag. &nbsp;

Other law enforcement started looking for the suspect’s vehicle and information was given out to the surrounding jurisdictions on the robbery suspect and his vehicle.

 The Russell Police Department located a black Toyota 4 Runner SUV with a Texas license plate in the McDonald’s drive-thru. From running the license plate, officers were able to determine the vehicle was reported stolen out of Colorado.

The suspect vehicle fled from officers, and a pursuit was initiated that headed west bound on Interstate 70 with speeds exceeding 100 mph.&nbsp; Numerous attempts to deploy stop stick tire deflation devices were attempted but were unsuccessful. 

The suspect drove down the west bound off ramp at the 159 exit and drove onto Vine Street in Hays.

 The suspect continued south on Vine Street after driving through the roundabout at the off-ramp exit. 

As the suspect’s vehicle exited the second roundabout just south of interstate on Vine Street, the vehicle started driving south in the northbound lane, directly into oncoming traffic. Hays Police Officers interceded and stopped the suspect vehicle from continuing into oncoming traffic. 

Three police vehicles were damaged along with the suspect’s stolen vehicle. The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Irving Wozanee Brooks III from Jacksonville, Florida. 

Brooks was arrested and taken to the Ellis County Jail. One officer was injured and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. 

Traffic on north Vine Street was blocked and congested to one lane for a lengthy period, causing traffic to be diverted onto interstate for a while as emergency responders worked to remove the damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway.

Irving W. Brooks III is currently being held in the Ellis County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653621461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a chase and crash in Hays.Just before 5p.m. Friday, police responded to a robbery at All the Rage Studios, 2707 Vine Street in Hays, according to a media release. It was reported that a black male with dreadlocks and a face mask came into the business with his hand stuffed into a bag and demanded the money from the business. An employee handed the man the money and the male suspect left the area driving a black SUV with a Texas tag. &nbsp;Other law enforcement started looking for the suspect’s vehicle and information was given out to the surrounding jurisdictions on the robbery suspect and his vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653478281.jpeg" alt="Photos by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photos by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure> The Russell Police Department located a black Toyota 4 Runner SUV with a Texas license plate in the McDonald’s drive-thru. From running the license plate, officers were able to determine the vehicle was reported stolen out of Colorado.The suspect vehicle fled from officers, and a pursuit was initiated that headed west bound on Interstate 70 with speeds exceeding 100 mph.&nbsp; Numerous attempts to deploy stop stick tire deflation devices were attempted but were unsuccessful. The suspect drove down the west bound off ramp at the 159 exit and drove onto Vine Street in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653659036.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> The suspect continued south on Vine Street after driving through the roundabout at the off-ramp exit. As the suspect’s vehicle exited the second roundabout just south of interstate on Vine Street, the vehicle started driving south in the northbound lane, directly into oncoming traffic. Hays Police Officers interceded and stopped the suspect vehicle from continuing into oncoming traffic. Three police vehicles were damaged along with the suspect’s stolen vehicle. The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Irving Wozanee Brooks III from Jacksonville, Florida. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653727062.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brooks was arrested and taken to the Ellis County Jail. One officer was injured and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Traffic on north Vine Street was blocked and congested to one lane for a lengthy period, causing traffic to be diverted onto interstate for a while as emergency responders worked to remove the damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway.Irving W. Brooks III is currently being held in the Ellis County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653832353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Armed robbery suspect caught after chase, crash in Hays

MOSCOW (AP) —The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.

Ekaterina Kalugina told The Associated Press on Friday that she visited Griner on Monday at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-arrest-extended-d769f6dfe03a3b55f23ef24960dae787">pretrial detention facility outside of Moscow</a>&nbsp;where she’s being held and spoke to her with the help of a cellmate who speaks Russian and English and served as an interpreter.

“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star and former 3-time Big 12 Player of the year, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-europe-antony-blinken-c3310a12490a0cf2e06f5f389e22e3a6">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>.

The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.

“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-europe-antony-blinken-c3310a12490a0cf2e06f5f389e22e3a6">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>.

Kalugina said Griner is being held at the facility where an Israeli woman, Naama Issachar, spent time before Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/122f4edecc8fa71d30b060ef2fa81a62">pardoned her in 2020</a>. Russian authorities said they found hashish in Issachar’s luggage while she was transferring between flights in Moscow en route from India to Israel, at the same airport where Griner was detained. Issachar was convicted and sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison before she was freed after spending nine months behind bars.

Griner’s legal team has been quietly seeking her release and has declined to speak out about the case since her arrest was made public earlier this month.

Of the thousands of U.S. citizens arrested and jailed in prisons abroad, a small subset are designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained — a category that affords their cases an extra level of government attention and places them under the auspices of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department. The U.S. government has not yet put Griner’s case in that category.

Griner is not the only American detained in Russia. Marine veteran Trevor Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2020 on charges alleging that he assaulted police officers in Moscow. And Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government have said are false. U.S. officials have publicly called for Moscow to release them.

<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) —The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.Ekaterina Kalugina told The Associated Press on Friday that she visited Griner on Monday at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-arrest-extended-d769f6dfe03a3b55f23ef24960dae787">pretrial detention facility outside of Moscow</a>&nbsp;where she’s being held and spoke to her with the help of a cellmate who speaks Russian and English and served as an interpreter.“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star and former 3-time Big 12 Player of the year, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-europe-antony-blinken-c3310a12490a0cf2e06f5f389e22e3a6">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>.The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.Ekaterina Kalugina told The Associated Press on Friday that she visited Griner on Monday at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-arrest-extended-d769f6dfe03a3b55f23ef24960dae787">pretrial detention facility outside of Moscow</a>&nbsp;where she’s being held and spoke to her with the help of a cellmate who speaks Russian and English and served as an interpreter.“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-europe-antony-blinken-c3310a12490a0cf2e06f5f389e22e3a6">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>.Kalugina said Griner is being held at the facility where an Israeli woman, Naama Issachar, spent time before Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/122f4edecc8fa71d30b060ef2fa81a62">pardoned her in 2020</a>. Russian authorities said they found hashish in Issachar’s luggage while she was transferring between flights in Moscow en route from India to Israel, at the same airport where Griner was detained. Issachar was convicted and sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison before she was freed after spending nine months behind bars.Griner’s legal team has been quietly seeking her release and has declined to speak out about the case since her arrest was made public earlier this month.Of the thousands of U.S. citizens arrested and jailed in prisons abroad, a small subset are designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained — a category that affords their cases an extra level of government attention and places them under the auspices of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department. The U.S. government has not yet put Griner’s case in that category.Griner is not the only American detained in Russia. Marine veteran Trevor Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2020 on charges alleging that he assaulted police officers in Moscow. And Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government have said are false. U.S. officials have publicly called for Moscow to release them.

US demands Russia allow access to detained basketball star

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/17/most-hbcu-bomb-threats-may-be-coming-from-one-juvenile-fbi-official-tells-congress/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — A top FBI official 
told members of a U.S. House panel on Thursday that the agency believes a
 single juvenile is behind most of the bomb threats made to more than 30
 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Ryan Young, executive assistant director of the Intelligence Branch 
at the FBI, said that the bomb threats made to HBCUs and historically 
Black churches are the agency’s top priority.

“We’ve treated this as domestic terrorism,” he said. “It’s meant to inflict harm within the African American population.”

Under questioning from Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, 
Young said that the FBI believes that a majority of the bomb threats are
 from one juvenile, but declined to give any more information.

Higgins asked if it is correct that the FBI has identified one 
juvenile behind the threats. Young said “that is consistent with the 
message we’ve shared with both law enforcement and the Historically 
Black Colleges.”

The exchange came during a hearing of the House Oversight Committee, 
as lawmakers grilled officials from law enforcement agencies about why 
those making bomb threats made against Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities have not been caught.

“As the investigation is ongoing, I know that the FBI cannot answer 
any questions about the status of these specific cases,” said Rep. Jamie
 Raskin, a Maryland Democrat and chair of the&nbsp;Subcommittee on Civil 
Rights and Civil Liberties.

“But I would like to know how the FBI is coordinating with HBCUs and 
communities of color to address the terrifying rise in hate crimes and 
white supremacy in the U.S.”

This year alone, 36 HBCUs have been targeted with bomb threats. The House and Senate on a bipartisan vote&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/08/u-s-house-condemns-bomb-threats-made-against-hbcus/">passed</a>&nbsp;
 a resolution condemning the bomb threats made to HBCUs and several 
congressional hearings on the threats to minority institutions have been
 held.

Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis temporarily closed its campus on Feb. 1 <a target="_blank" href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/education/2022-02-01/harris-stowe-state-university-shuts-down-campus-following-bomb-threats-to-it-and-other-hbcus">after receiving a bomb threat</a>.

Leaders of faith organizations and HBCUs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/17/u-s-house-hearing-on-extremism-toward-minorities-turns-into-defund-the-police-debate/">detailed</a>&nbsp;to
 the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland 
Security how their institutions and places of worship have been roiled 
by bomb threats and extremism.

Higgins said it was unacceptable that the FBI and Department of Justice have not made an arrest.

“The impact of the bomb threats, when you look at (the) historical 
aspect, that’s a level of fear that we should absolutely investigate in 
the most aggressive way possible,” he said.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/six-juveniles-identified-fbi-persons-interests-bomb-threats-historical-rcna14591">A February report from NBC&nbsp;</a>said
 the FBI was looking at a group of six juveniles as “persons of 
interest” in the threats. That report said the juveniles were “tech 
savvy” and able to disguise the source of the threats.

Students from HBCUs also testified before lawmakers on the impact of dealing with bomb threats.

Emmanuel Ukot, the president of the Student Government Association at
 Xavier University of Louisiana, said many classmates were anxious 
following the bomb threats in February.

“Our HBCUs are spaces where we are the majority, where we are valued,
 and where we are expected to excel,” Ukot said. “These attacks robbed 
us of that freedom and ease that HBCUs have historically provided to 
Black students.”

Another student,&nbsp;Devan Vilfrard, from&nbsp;Florida A&amp;M University in 
Tallahassee, said in his opening statement to lawmakers that “racial 
violence towards HBCUs is a multi-generational occurrence that 
profoundly impacts the Black community.”

“HBCUs should continue to be federally supported and protected as we 
endeavor to remove this ongoing tradition of bombing and bomb threats 
for HBCU students of the future,” he said.

Rep. Shontel Brown, an Ohio Democrat, said that the threats were also
 an attack on the mental health of faculty, students and staff, as a 
majority of the threats were made in February during Black History 
Month.

“HBCUs are building the next generation of Black leaders and Congress
 must continue to recognize their contributions in the most important 
way possible by affording the support, the infrastructure and the 
investment to keep them and our future leaders safe and secure,” Brown 
said.

She asked Michelle Asha Cooper, the acting assistant secretary for 
postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education, what the 
agency is doing to help HBCUs address the mental health impact of the 
bomb threats.

Cooper said that HBCUs who have received bomb threats get immediately
 contacted by the Department of Education so the agency can understand 
how to best serve those institutions. Cooper added that the agency is 
working on guidance on how HBCUs can tap into pandemic relief funds to 
address mental health needs.

The chair of the House Oversight Committee, Rep.&nbsp;Carolyn B. Maloney, a
 New York Democrat, asked Young if he believed these threats were being 
made by foreign actors.

Young said that the FBI had found no evidence of foreign influence in
 the bomb threats, but added that “there is an understanding that people
 online are radicalizing a lot more.”

He added that the agency has seen a rise in hate crimes not only 
toward the African American community, but other minority communities 
and places of worship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647552407908.png" alt="Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis temporarily closed its campus on Feb. 1 after receiving a bomb threat (photo courtesy of Harris-Stowe State)." />
 <figcaption>Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis temporarily closed its campus on Feb. 1 after receiving a bomb threat (photo courtesy of Harris-Stowe State).</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/17/most-hbcu-bomb-threats-may-be-coming-from-one-juvenile-fbi-official-tells-congress/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — A top FBI official 
told members of a U.S. House panel on Thursday that the agency believes a
 single juvenile is behind most of the bomb threats made to more than 30
 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.Ryan Young, executive assistant director of the Intelligence Branch 
at the FBI, said that the bomb threats made to HBCUs and historically 
Black churches are the agency’s top priority.“We’ve treated this as domestic terrorism,” he said. “It’s meant to inflict harm within the African American population.”Under questioning from Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, 
Young said that the FBI believes that a majority of the bomb threats are
 from one juvenile, but declined to give any more information.Higgins asked if it is correct that the FBI has identified one 
juvenile behind the threats. Young said “that is consistent with the 
message we’ve shared with both law enforcement and the Historically 
Black Colleges.”The exchange came during a hearing of the House Oversight Committee, 
as lawmakers grilled officials from law enforcement agencies about why 
those making bomb threats made against Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities have not been caught.“As the investigation is ongoing, I know that the FBI cannot answer 
any questions about the status of these specific cases,” said Rep. Jamie
 Raskin, a Maryland Democrat and chair of the&nbsp;Subcommittee on Civil 
Rights and Civil Liberties.“But I would like to know how the FBI is coordinating with HBCUs and 
communities of color to address the terrifying rise in hate crimes and 
white supremacy in the U.S.”This year alone, 36 HBCUs have been targeted with bomb threats. The House and Senate on a bipartisan vote&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/08/u-s-house-condemns-bomb-threats-made-against-hbcus/">passed</a>&nbsp;
 a resolution condemning the bomb threats made to HBCUs and several 
congressional hearings on the threats to minority institutions have been
 held.Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis temporarily closed its campus on Feb. 1 <a target="_blank" href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/education/2022-02-01/harris-stowe-state-university-shuts-down-campus-following-bomb-threats-to-it-and-other-hbcus">after receiving a bomb threat</a>.Leaders of faith organizations and HBCUs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/17/u-s-house-hearing-on-extremism-toward-minorities-turns-into-defund-the-police-debate/">detailed</a>&nbsp;to
 the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland 
Security how their institutions and places of worship have been roiled 
by bomb threats and extremism.Higgins said it was unacceptable that the FBI and Department of Justice have not made an arrest.“The impact of the bomb threats, when you look at (the) historical 
aspect, that’s a level of fear that we should absolutely investigate in 
the most aggressive way possible,” he said.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/six-juveniles-identified-fbi-persons-interests-bomb-threats-historical-rcna14591">A February report from NBC&nbsp;</a>said
 the FBI was looking at a group of six juveniles as “persons of 
interest” in the threats. That report said the juveniles were “tech 
savvy” and able to disguise the source of the threats.<h2>Student anxiety</h2>Students from HBCUs also testified before lawmakers on the impact of dealing with bomb threats.Emmanuel Ukot, the president of the Student Government Association at
 Xavier University of Louisiana, said many classmates were anxious 
following the bomb threats in February.“Our HBCUs are spaces where we are the majority, where we are valued,
 and where we are expected to excel,” Ukot said. “These attacks robbed 
us of that freedom and ease that HBCUs have historically provided to 
Black students.”Another student,&nbsp;Devan Vilfrard, from&nbsp;Florida A&amp;M University in 
Tallahassee, said in his opening statement to lawmakers that “racial 
violence towards HBCUs is a multi-generational occurrence that 
profoundly impacts the Black community.”“HBCUs should continue to be federally supported and protected as we 
endeavor to remove this ongoing tradition of bombing and bomb threats 
for HBCU students of the future,” he said.Rep. Shontel Brown, an Ohio Democrat, said that the threats were also
 an attack on the mental health of faculty, students and staff, as a 
majority of the threats were made in February during Black History 
Month.“HBCUs are building the next generation of Black leaders and Congress
 must continue to recognize their contributions in the most important 
way possible by affording the support, the infrastructure and the 
investment to keep them and our future leaders safe and secure,” Brown 
said.She asked Michelle Asha Cooper, the acting assistant secretary for 
postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education, what the 
agency is doing to help HBCUs address the mental health impact of the 
bomb threats.Cooper said that HBCUs who have received bomb threats get immediately
 contacted by the Department of Education so the agency can understand 
how to best serve those institutions. Cooper added that the agency is 
working on guidance on how HBCUs can tap into pandemic relief funds to 
address mental health needs.The chair of the House Oversight Committee, Rep.&nbsp;Carolyn B. Maloney, a
 New York Democrat, asked Young if he believed these threats were being 
made by foreign actors.Young said that the FBI had found no evidence of foreign influence in
 the bomb threats, but added that “there is an understanding that people
 online are radicalizing a lot more.”He added that the agency has seen a rise in hate crimes not only 
toward the African American community, but other minority communities 
and places of worship.

FBI: Most HBCU bomb threats may be coming from one juvenile

BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) responded to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon, critically injuring a Leon, Kansas man, according to a media release from the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on James B. Watts, 53, of Leon. 

Deputies were following Watts’ vehicle when he parked at Vintage Bank at 101 S. Main St., in Leon. They attempted to call Watts out of the vehicle in a controlled manner, but he ignored commands. Watts exited the vehicle armed with a pistol. Deputies continued to give commands for him to drop the gun, but Watts reached the entrance of the bank. When Watts attempted to enter the bank, three deputies fired multiple times toward Watts, striking him several times.

Deputies and EMS rendered first-aid and Watts was transported to a Wichita hospital. After surgery he is in critical, but stable condition.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Butler County Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647553641541.png" alt="The Butler County Sheriff’s Office contacted the KBI at approximately 2:20 p.m. requesting assistance investigating the shooting. -photo by Shawn Loging courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The Butler County Sheriff’s Office contacted the KBI at approximately 2:20 p.m. requesting assistance investigating the shooting. -photo by Shawn Loging courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) responded to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon, critically injuring a Leon, Kansas man, according to a media release from the KBI.Preliminary information indicates that deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on James B. Watts, 53, of Leon. Deputies were following Watts’ vehicle when he parked at Vintage Bank at 101 S. Main St., in Leon. They attempted to call Watts out of the vehicle in a controlled manner, but he ignored commands. Watts exited the vehicle armed with a pistol. Deputies continued to give commands for him to drop the gun, but Watts reached the entrance of the bank. When Watts attempted to enter the bank, three deputies fired multiple times toward Watts, striking him several times.Deputies and EMS rendered first-aid and Watts was transported to a Wichita hospital. After surgery he is in critical, but stable condition.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Butler County Attorney for review.

KBI: Suspect hospitalized after Kansas officer shooting

MOSCOW (AP) —A Moscow court announced it has extended the arrest of WNBA star and former three-time Big 12 player of the year Brittney Griner until May 19, according to the Russian state news agency Tass.

Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. They were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19,” the court said, according to Tass.

The United States embassy in Moscow did not immediately return calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.

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.

Griner has played in Russia for the last seven years in the winter, earning over $1 million per season — more than quadruple her WNBA salary. She last played for her Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg on Jan. 29 before the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments. She was arrested in Moscow upon returning to Russia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="Griner photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>Griner photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) —A Moscow court announced it has extended the arrest of WNBA star and former three-time Big 12 player of the year Brittney Griner until May 19, according to the Russian state news agency Tass.Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. They were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19,” the court said, according to Tass.The United States embassy in Moscow did not immediately return calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.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.The WNBA season opens May 6.Griner has played in Russia for the last seven years in the winter, earning over $1 million per season — more than quadruple her WNBA salary. She last played for her Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg on Jan. 29 before the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments. She was arrested in Moscow upon returning to Russia.

Russian court extends arrest of 3-time Big 12 player of the year

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have made an arrest.

Just before midnight Sunday, police responded to the 200 block of North Walnut Street in Coffeyville after report of a shooting, according to a media release. Officers located a juvenile gunshot victim of Chanute, Kansas. 

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital and they were pronounced deceased.

Police sought one person of interest for questioning.

On Wednesday, police arrested 19-year-old Treyvin Xavier Hayes Smith. He is being held on requested charges from the Montgomery County Attorney’s for Involuntary manslaughter; Recklessly: Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18: Contribute to a child misconduct; Unknown circumstance and&nbsp; Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; felony: 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647513036564.png" alt="Smith-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have made an arrest.Just before midnight Sunday, police responded to the 200 block of North Walnut Street in Coffeyville after report of a shooting, according to a media release. Officers located a juvenile gunshot victim of Chanute, Kansas. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital and they were pronounced deceased.Police sought one person of interest for questioning.On Wednesday, police arrested 19-year-old Treyvin Xavier Hayes Smith. He is being held on requested charges from the Montgomery County Attorney’s for Involuntary manslaughter; Recklessly: Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18: Contribute to a child misconduct; Unknown circumstance and&nbsp; Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; felony:

Police: Kan. man arrested after child dies in weekend shooting

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after the Kansas City Drug Enforcement Unit intercepted fentanyl brick which could have killed thousands, according to a social media report from KCPD.

Squad members estimate this brick would have been broken down into approximately 10,000 tablets resembling oxycodone.

This fentanyl arrived in Kansas City from California and was headed to Alabama. We believe the markings indicate a shipping destination. Suspects are facing charges.

The DEU intercepts fentanyl or fentanyl-laced pills weekly. It is a dangerous and growing issue nationwide. On Tuesday night,&nbsp;two KCPD officers went to the hospital for a possible fentanyl exposure during an arrest. The officers are fine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647479097154.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after the Kansas City Drug Enforcement Unit intercepted fentanyl brick which could have killed thousands, according to a social media report from KCPD.Squad members estimate this brick would have been broken down into approximately 10,000 tablets resembling oxycodone.This fentanyl arrived in Kansas City from California and was headed to Alabama. We believe the markings indicate a shipping destination. Suspects are facing charges.The DEU intercepts fentanyl or fentanyl-laced pills weekly. It is a dangerous and growing issue nationwide. On Tuesday night,&nbsp;two KCPD officers went to the hospital for a possible fentanyl exposure during an arrest. The officers are fine.

KCPD: Fentanyl brick from California “could have killed thousands"

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.

Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Anthony D. Rodriguez of Topeka following an investigation into a sexual offense that took place on March 11, at a residence in southwest Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The victim was a 14-year-old girl. Rodriguez was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647457633588.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Anthony D. Rodriguez of Topeka following an investigation into a sexual offense that took place on March 11, at a residence in southwest Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The victim was a 14-year-old girl. Rodriguez was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of rape.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of rape of 14-year-old 

PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a&nbsp;two-month narcotics investigation in Pawnee County, according to the sheriff's department.

Deputies and Larned police were assisted by ATF and the Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad in seizing multiple firearms, explosives, marijuana and a large quantity of methamphetamine.

One arrest was made on numerous requested charges including distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000' of a school, criminal use of explosives and criminal possession of firearms.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647449462804.jpeg" alt="Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a&nbsp;two-month narcotics investigation in Pawnee County, according to the sheriff's department.Deputies and Larned police were assisted by ATF and the Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad in seizing multiple firearms, explosives, marijuana and a large quantity of methamphetamine.One arrest was made on numerous requested charges including distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000' of a school, criminal use of explosives and criminal possession of firearms.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Explosives, guns and drugs seized at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday for his role in a series of armed business robberies in Kansas City and Independence, Mo., according to the United State's Attorney.

Henry Simmons, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On Sept. 1, 2021, Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Co-defendants Vonterrious Humbert, 22, Tremaine Johnson, 23, both of Kansas City, Mo., have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Humbert was sentenced on Feb. 24, 2021, to eight years in federal prison without parole. Johnson was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2021, to five years in federal prison without parole.

Simmons, Humbert, and Johnson were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, following the early-morning armed robbery of a Phillips 66 convenience store and the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell on N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City.

The conspiracy included eight additional business robberies: five armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., in the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2018, and three armed robberies of a Domino’s Pizza, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sinclair convenience store in Kansas City, Mo., during the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2018.

Law enforcement officials identified a 2003 Dodge Durango SUV as being used in some of the robberies. On Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, law enforcement observed Humbert, Johnson, Simmons and two juveniles traveling in that Dodge Durango SUV to approximately 15 to 20 convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that were open late or operated 24 hours a day. Officers believed they were casing the businesses – making repetitive passes by these businesses in a slow, surveillance-like manner, as if examining the businesses for activity and occupants in advance of initiating a robbery.

At approximately 2:37 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the vehicle arrived at the shopping area at N.W. Barry Road and Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex. Four individuals got out of the vehicle; Humbert and Johnson walked across the street to the Phillips 66 convenience store while Simmons and a juvenile male walked to the Taco Bell.

Humbert and Johnson robbed the Phillips 66 store at gunpoint, stealing approximately $400, then ran back across the street toward a wooded area near the apartment complex. Johnson and Humbert were pursued into a strip mall area near the apartment complex. Both were apprehended nearby and were found to have discarded the firearms they possessed at the time of the robbery – a Taurus handgun with a laser sight and an SKS-type 7.62x39mm rifle.

As this robbery was occurring, Simmons and the juvenile were attempting to gain entry to the Taco Bell to rob the employees.&nbsp; When officers approached, Simmons and the juvenile ran and discharged two firearms.&nbsp; After they were taken into custody, officers retrieved a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight and a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

A second juvenile male was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Durango SUV at the time of the arrests. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a jar containing marijuana.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday for his role in a series of armed business robberies in Kansas City and Independence, Mo., according to the United State's Attorney.Henry Simmons, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.On Sept. 1, 2021, Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Co-defendants Vonterrious Humbert, 22, Tremaine Johnson, 23, both of Kansas City, Mo., have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Humbert was sentenced on Feb. 24, 2021, to eight years in federal prison without parole. Johnson was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2021, to five years in federal prison without parole.Simmons, Humbert, and Johnson were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, following the early-morning armed robbery of a Phillips 66 convenience store and the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell on N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City.The conspiracy included eight additional business robberies: five armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., in the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2018, and three armed robberies of a Domino’s Pizza, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sinclair convenience store in Kansas City, Mo., during the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2018.Law enforcement officials identified a 2003 Dodge Durango SUV as being used in some of the robberies. On Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, law enforcement observed Humbert, Johnson, Simmons and two juveniles traveling in that Dodge Durango SUV to approximately 15 to 20 convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that were open late or operated 24 hours a day. Officers believed they were casing the businesses – making repetitive passes by these businesses in a slow, surveillance-like manner, as if examining the businesses for activity and occupants in advance of initiating a robbery.At approximately 2:37 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the vehicle arrived at the shopping area at N.W. Barry Road and Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex. Four individuals got out of the vehicle; Humbert and Johnson walked across the street to the Phillips 66 convenience store while Simmons and a juvenile male walked to the Taco Bell.Humbert and Johnson robbed the Phillips 66 store at gunpoint, stealing approximately $400, then ran back across the street toward a wooded area near the apartment complex. Johnson and Humbert were pursued into a strip mall area near the apartment complex. Both were apprehended nearby and were found to have discarded the firearms they possessed at the time of the robbery – a Taurus handgun with a laser sight and an SKS-type 7.62x39mm rifle.As this robbery was occurring, Simmons and the juvenile were attempting to gain entry to the Taco Bell to rob the employees.&nbsp; When officers approached, Simmons and the juvenile ran and discharged two firearms.&nbsp; After they were taken into custody, officers retrieved a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight and a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun.A second juvenile male was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Durango SUV at the time of the arrests. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a jar containing marijuana.

Man sentenced for series of KC-area armed robberies 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged domestic crimes.

Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, police following tips located 44-year-old Spencer Anthony Allen in a car and took him into custody without incident, according to Topeka police.

Allen is being held without bon on requested charges of Aggravated domestic battery, Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Domestic battery, aggravated battery, Criminal damage to property $1000-$25,000 and theft.

Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647362891567.png" alt="Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged domestic crimes.Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, police following tips located 44-year-old Spencer Anthony Allen in a car and took him into custody without incident, according to Topeka police.Allen is being held without bon on requested charges of Aggravated domestic battery, Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Domestic battery, aggravated battery, Criminal damage to property $1000-$25,000 and theft.Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Tips lead to arrest of Kansas felon for alleged violent attack

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have made two arrests.

Just before 7a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded the 1600 block of SW 37th Terrace on the report of a possible robbery that occurred at a different location earlier in the day, according to Lt. John Trimble.

Officers arrived on scene and were able to determine the robbery took place in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. Officers responded to that location where they were able to locate a crime scene and suspects involved.

Police brought those suspects to the Law Enforcement Center for interviews and arrested&nbsp;29-year-old Taurean Ross on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Robbery, Possession of Methamphetamine,&nbsp;Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They also arrested 37-year-old Christina Wallace on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and Promoting the Sale of Sexual Relations, according to Lt. Trimble.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271920834.png" alt="Ross-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Ross-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have made two arrests.Just before 7a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded the 1600 block of SW 37th Terrace on the report of a possible robbery that occurred at a different location earlier in the day, according to Lt. John Trimble.Officers arrived on scene and were able to determine the robbery took place in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. Officers responded to that location where they were able to locate a crime scene and suspects involved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647272244514.png" alt="Wallace-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wallace-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police brought those suspects to the Law Enforcement Center for interviews and arrested&nbsp;29-year-old Taurean Ross on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Robbery, Possession of Methamphetamine,&nbsp;Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They also arrested 37-year-old Christina Wallace on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and Promoting the Sale of Sexual Relations, according to Lt. Trimble.

Suspects jailed for robbery, promoting prostitution in Kansas

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent crime and have made an arrest.

In the early morning hours of January 16, police responded to a residence in the 1900 block Harper Drive in Atchison where an 18 year old female reported being the victim of a sexual battery and a 38 year old male reported being threatened with a firearm, according to police Chief Mike Wilson.

On Sunday, police arrested 27-year-old Joseph A. Evans of Atchison on a District Court warrant for aggravated assault and sexual battery.&nbsp;

Police arrested him on requested charges of domestic battery and bodily. harm in November of 2019, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647284682289.png" alt="Evans-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Evans-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent crime and have made an arrest.In the early morning hours of January 16, police responded to a residence in the 1900 block Harper Drive in Atchison where an 18 year old female reported being the victim of a sexual battery and a 38 year old male reported being threatened with a firearm, according to police Chief Mike Wilson.On Sunday, police arrested 27-year-old Joseph A. Evans of Atchison on a District Court warrant for aggravated assault and sexual battery.&nbsp;Police arrested him on requested charges of domestic battery and bodily. harm in November of 2019, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused in sexual battery of 18-year-old

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Trial begins Monday for a man accused in a 2019 shooting in Kansas that killed a college football player and wounded a teammate of the victim, a man who now plays in the NFL.

<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2022/03/12/trial-begin-topeka-2019-killing-washburn-player-dwane-simmons-wounding-nfl-player-corey-ballentine/9402245002/" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal</a>&nbsp;reports that Francisco Mendez is the only person arrested and charged in the case even though a prosecutor said at least three guns were used to fire 18 or more shots in the April 28, 2019, shooting.

Washburn University football player Dwane Simmons, 23, was killed in the shooting in Topeka. Corey Ballentine was shot and survived.

Mendez is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Simmons. He died at the scene from a single gunshot to the head.

Mendez is charged with attempted murder in the shooting of Ballentine, 25, who had been drafted hours earlier by the New York Giants.

Ballentine was shot once in the buttocks. He has played as a cornerback and kick returner with the Giants, New York Jets and Detroit Lions, and signed in January with the Atlanta Falcons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1570915422888.png" alt="Dwane Simmons-photo courtesy Washburn Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Dwane Simmons-photo courtesy Washburn Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Trial begins Monday for a man accused in a 2019 shooting in Kansas that killed a college football player and wounded a teammate of the victim, a man who now plays in the NFL.<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2022/03/12/trial-begin-topeka-2019-killing-washburn-player-dwane-simmons-wounding-nfl-player-corey-ballentine/9402245002/" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal</a>&nbsp;reports that Francisco Mendez is the only person arrested and charged in the case even though a prosecutor said at least three guns were used to fire 18 or more shots in the April 28, 2019, shooting.Washburn University football player Dwane Simmons, 23, was killed in the shooting in Topeka. Corey Ballentine was shot and survived.Mendez is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Simmons. He died at the scene from a single gunshot to the head.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563037412059.png" alt="Francisco Mendez photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Francisco Mendez photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Mendez is charged with attempted murder in the shooting of Ballentine, 25, who had been drafted hours earlier by the New York Giants.Ballentine was shot once in the buttocks. He has played as a cornerback and kick returner with the Giants, New York Jets and Detroit Lions, and signed in January with the Atlanta Falcons.

Trial set to begin in shooting that killed Washburn football player

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on&nbsp;drug and firearm charges after a SWAT team searched his home.

On March 9, police with the assistance of the Southern Kansas SWAT team, executed a search warrant at a residence located at 415 N. Sixth St. in west-central Arkansas City, according to a media release.

The residence had been identified as being used to harbor&nbsp;Cody Christopher Ranger, 29, a wanted suspect who was reported to be armed with a firearm. SWAT located Ranger hiding in the house’s attic.

Officers arrested Ranger on a warrant for probation violation from Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City and requested charges including of one felony count each of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, no drug tax stamp, possession with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession with intent to distribute narcotics within 1,000 feet of a school, as well as one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ranger was transported to and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield. He is being held without bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647025378747.png" alt="Ranger-photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Ranger-photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on&nbsp;drug and firearm charges after a SWAT team searched his home.On March 9, police with the assistance of the Southern Kansas SWAT team, executed a search warrant at a residence located at 415 N. Sixth St. in west-central Arkansas City, according to a media release.The residence had been identified as being used to harbor&nbsp;Cody Christopher Ranger, 29, a wanted suspect who was reported to be armed with a firearm. SWAT located Ranger hiding in the house’s attic.Officers arrested Ranger on a warrant for probation violation from Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City and requested charges including of one felony count each of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, no drug tax stamp, possession with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession with intent to distribute narcotics within 1,000 feet of a school, as well as one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.Ranger was transported to and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield. He is being held without bond.

SWAT Team finds wanted man hiding in attic of Kansas home

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The family of a Black man who was shot and killed by a white Kansas City police officer in 2020 is suing the officer and the Board of Police Commissioners for at least $10 million.

The federal lawsuit filed Thursday by Donnie Sanders' family accuses the officer, Blayne Newton, of using excessive force when he shot Sanders on March 12, 2020. It also accuses the board, which oversees the Kansas City Police Department, of not properly training or disciplining officers in the use of deadly force, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259293804.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

Leslie Foreman, a spokeswoman for the police, said the department does not comment on pending litigation.

Sanders' death is one of the prominent cases in Kansas City involving Black people cited by civil rights activists when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-michael-brown-police-reform-kansas-city-kansas-cbde7742a8a40470fa3a66bcc64e2c85">pushing for changes&nbsp;</a>to the Police Department.

Newton shot Sanders, 47, three times after he followed Sanders’ vehicle into an alley. Sanders parked the vehicle and ran, with Newton chasing him, police have said.

Police dashcam video records Newton yelling commands at Sanders to stop and show his hands but the video does not capture the shooting. Kansas City police were not wearing body cameras at the time but have since begun doing so.

Newton told investigators he believed he saw a gun in Sanders’ hand. No weapon was found; investigators said Sanders had only a cellphone in his jacket pocket.

Two witnesses reported they saw Newton walking backward while yelling commands as Sanders approached with his arm extended.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, citing an investigation by Kansas City police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, determined last year that the witnesses' statements collaborated Newton's account that he shot Sanders because he was afraid for his life.

Newton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-shootings-police-kansas-5b9815563f469d477c43ddc5186113db">was not charged</a>&nbsp;and returned to work as a patrol officer.

He underwent another review after witnesses said he put his knee on the back of a Black woman who was on the ground during an arrest — another case that sparked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-kansas-archive-05e0c8aadf22e1f2739d8f45c6baf148">protests</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647096242213.png" alt="Police on the scene of the March 2020 shooting investigation -photo courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the March 2020 shooting investigation -photo courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The family of a Black man who was shot and killed by a white Kansas City police officer in 2020 is suing the officer and the Board of Police Commissioners for at least $10 million.The federal lawsuit filed Thursday by Donnie Sanders' family accuses the officer, Blayne Newton, of using excessive force when he shot Sanders on March 12, 2020. It also accuses the board, which oversees the Kansas City Police Department, of not properly training or disciplining officers in the use of deadly force, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259293804.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.Leslie Foreman, a spokeswoman for the police, said the department does not comment on pending litigation.Sanders' death is one of the prominent cases in Kansas City involving Black people cited by civil rights activists when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-michael-brown-police-reform-kansas-city-kansas-cbde7742a8a40470fa3a66bcc64e2c85">pushing for changes&nbsp;</a>to the Police Department.Newton shot Sanders, 47, three times after he followed Sanders’ vehicle into an alley. Sanders parked the vehicle and ran, with Newton chasing him, police have said.Police dashcam video records Newton yelling commands at Sanders to stop and show his hands but the video does not capture the shooting. Kansas City police were not wearing body cameras at the time but have since begun doing so.Newton told investigators he believed he saw a gun in Sanders’ hand. No weapon was found; investigators said Sanders had only a cellphone in his jacket pocket.Two witnesses reported they saw Newton walking backward while yelling commands as Sanders approached with his arm extended.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, citing an investigation by Kansas City police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, determined last year that the witnesses' statements collaborated Newton's account that he shot Sanders because he was afraid for his life.Newton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-shootings-police-kansas-5b9815563f469d477c43ddc5186113db">was not charged</a>&nbsp;and returned to work as a patrol officer.He underwent another review after witnesses said he put his knee on the back of a Black woman who was on the ground during an arrest — another case that sparked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-kansas-archive-05e0c8aadf22e1f2739d8f45c6baf148">protests</a>.

Family of Black man shot by Kansas City police sues for $10M

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after allegedly stealing from a business on Wednesday.

Just before 8:15 a.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting that a suspicious person was in the process of taking items from a business in the 1000 block of SE 45th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The business owners were also on scene and attempted to detain the suspect. 

During the event, the suspect entered a vehicle and drove it towards the business owners, striking them with the vehicle.

Deputies responded to the call and arrested 24-year-old Colton G. Miller&nbsp; of Topeka, who was still at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.

Miller was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated battery, theft and criminal damage to property, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646911156968.png" alt="Miller-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after allegedly stealing from a business on Wednesday.Just before 8:15 a.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting that a suspicious person was in the process of taking items from a business in the 1000 block of SE 45th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The business owners were also on scene and attempted to detain the suspect. During the event, the suspect entered a vehicle and drove it towards the business owners, striking them with the vehicle.Deputies responded to the call and arrested 24-year-old Colton G. Miller&nbsp; of Topeka, who was still at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.Miller was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated battery, theft and criminal damage to property, according to Christian.

Sheriff: Theft suspect attempted to run over Kan. business owners 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man who went to the Saline County Jail to visit a friend Thursday afternoon ended up in jail.

Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, Anthony Harris, 59, of Salina, went to the Saline County Jail to visit a friend, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan. While he was there, the corrections officers learned that Harris had an outstanding warrant.

When the corrections officers went out to the jail lobby to arrest him, Harris allegedly threw a marijuana pipe in the trash, according to Soldan.

Additionally, when Harris was taken back to the booking area, he allegedly tossed a baggie of marijuana onto the floor. Corrections officers also allegedly found a baggie of methamphetamine among Harris' possessions.

In addition to the warrant, Harris is being held on requested charges of Trafficking contraband, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647009607152.png" alt="Harris photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Harris photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man who went to the Saline County Jail to visit a friend Thursday afternoon ended up in jail.Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, Anthony Harris, 59, of Salina, went to the Saline County Jail to visit a friend, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan. While he was there, the corrections officers learned that Harris had an outstanding warrant.When the corrections officers went out to the jail lobby to arrest him, Harris allegedly threw a marijuana pipe in the trash, according to Soldan.Additionally, when Harris was taken back to the booking area, he allegedly tossed a baggie of marijuana onto the floor. Corrections officers also allegedly found a baggie of methamphetamine among Harris' possessions.In addition to the warrant, Harris is being held on requested charges of Trafficking contraband, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Sheriff: Kansas man arrested while visiting friend in jail 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A year-long investigation resulted in the arrests of 26 people in an alleged conspiracy to distribute drugs in Jackson County, federal prosecutors said.

Federal prosecutors said more than 200 federal and Kansas City-area police officers worked together to arrested the defendants on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Officers seized 27 firearms, more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition, 11.1 kilograms of marijuana, 300 grams of cocaine, other illegal drugs, and $35,000 in cash, according to a news release.

The federal indictment alleges the defendants conspired since Jan. 28, 2019, to distribute drugs in Jackson County. They operated mostly in east Kansas City.

In addition to the conspiracy charge, some defendants are charged in 16 drug-trafficking counts and 57 counts of illegally using a telephone to facilitate the conspiracy.

Court documents also allege some of the suspects were armed and were violent, including that some were involved in a shooting that injured three people on April 17, 2021, in Kansas City's Westport entertainment area.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A year-long investigation resulted in the arrests of 26 people in an alleged conspiracy to distribute drugs in Jackson County, federal prosecutors said.Federal prosecutors said more than 200 federal and Kansas City-area police officers worked together to arrested the defendants on Tuesday and Wednesday.Officers seized 27 firearms, more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition, 11.1 kilograms of marijuana, 300 grams of cocaine, other illegal drugs, and $35,000 in cash, according to a news release.The federal indictment alleges the defendants conspired since Jan. 28, 2019, to distribute drugs in Jackson County. They operated mostly in east Kansas City.In addition to the conspiracy charge, some defendants are charged in 16 drug-trafficking counts and 57 counts of illegally using a telephone to facilitate the conspiracy.Court documents also allege some of the suspects were armed and were violent, including that some were involved in a shooting that injured three people on April 17, 2021, in Kansas City's Westport entertainment area.

Police arrest 26 in Kansas City-area drug bust

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man has been sentenced in federal court for the armed robbery of a female Z-Trip driver whom he shot approximately 26 times with a rifle from the back seat, according to the United State's Attorney.

Derron D. Nevels, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs on Wednesday, March 9, to 13 years in federal prison without parole.

On Aug. 27, 2021, Nevels pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

Nevels was picked up by a Z-Trip driver on Wabash Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., on the evening of Dec. 4, 2018. The Z-Trip taxi in which the crime was committed is equipped with interior and exterior cameras. The cameras show Nevels getting into the rear passenger seat at approximately 8 p.m. The Z-Trip driver took him to Benton Avenue in Kansas City, Mo.

When they arrived at the destination, they waited in the vehicle for somebody to bring out the fare. When a second suspect approached the vehicle, Nevels held a Smith and Wesson Military &amp; Police .22-caliber rifle up to the victim’s head and demanded she give him everything. The victim attempted to explain that Nevels was being recorded, to which Nevels responded, “I don’t care; give me everything.” Nevels also appeared to be taking a photo or video with his cell phone.

The victim turned toward the back seat and grabbed onto the rifle, and a struggle ensued. The second suspect hit the victim in the face, then reached around the driver’s seat and began striking the victim in the back and the back of the victim’s head. The victim released Nevels’ rifle and then Nevels leaned back in his seat, chambered a live round, and opened fire on the victim from close range.&nbsp; Nevels fired approximately 26 times into the victim.&nbsp; Nevels and his accomplice then ran from the scene.

About 10 minutes later, Nevels and another suspect returned to the victim’s vehicle to retrieve a cell phone Nevels had left behind when he fled from the scene of the earlier robbery and assault. Nevels can be heard on the Z-Trip vehicle’s video asking the victim if she is okay.&nbsp; The victim indicates she has been shot. Nevels asked the victim if she had called the police. He got into the rear driver’s side of the taxi and picked up the cell phone, then left the scene.

When police officers arrived, the victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. According to court documents, she continues to suffer from her serious and debilitating injuries inflicted by Nevels.

Investigators used cell phone and Facebook data to identify Nevels and the distinctive rifle he used in the robbery. On Dec. 10, 2018, Nevels was seen getting onto a bus near Prospect Avenue and Swope Parkway. Nevels was arrested when he got off the bus at 11th Street and Grand Avenue. Nevels was carrying the loaded rifle hidden in his waistband with the barrel going down his right pant leg. The rifle was later positively identified as the weapon used to shoot the Z-Trip driver during the robbery.

Co-defendants Bailee Anna Maria Prieto, 21, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Melani Yitzel Collazo Jimenez, also known as “Mel,” 24, of Kansas City, Mo., have each pleaded guilty to being accessories after the fact to the robbery. Prieto was sentenced on Nov. 23, 2021, to three years in federal prison without parole. Jimenez was sentenced on Nov. 18, 2021, to two years and six months in federal prison without parole.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630102827276.png" alt="Nevels-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Nevels-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man has been sentenced in federal court for the armed robbery of a female Z-Trip driver whom he shot approximately 26 times with a rifle from the back seat, according to the United State's Attorney.Derron D. Nevels, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs on Wednesday, March 9, to 13 years in federal prison without parole.On Aug. 27, 2021, Nevels pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of discharging a firearm during a violent crime.Nevels was picked up by a Z-Trip driver on Wabash Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., on the evening of Dec. 4, 2018. The Z-Trip taxi in which the crime was committed is equipped with interior and exterior cameras. The cameras show Nevels getting into the rear passenger seat at approximately 8 p.m. The Z-Trip driver took him to Benton Avenue in Kansas City, Mo.When they arrived at the destination, they waited in the vehicle for somebody to bring out the fare. When a second suspect approached the vehicle, Nevels held a Smith and Wesson Military &amp; Police .22-caliber rifle up to the victim’s head and demanded she give him everything. The victim attempted to explain that Nevels was being recorded, to which Nevels responded, “I don’t care; give me everything.” Nevels also appeared to be taking a photo or video with his cell phone.The victim turned toward the back seat and grabbed onto the rifle, and a struggle ensued. The second suspect hit the victim in the face, then reached around the driver’s seat and began striking the victim in the back and the back of the victim’s head. The victim released Nevels’ rifle and then Nevels leaned back in his seat, chambered a live round, and opened fire on the victim from close range.&nbsp; Nevels fired approximately 26 times into the victim.&nbsp; Nevels and his accomplice then ran from the scene.About 10 minutes later, Nevels and another suspect returned to the victim’s vehicle to retrieve a cell phone Nevels had left behind when he fled from the scene of the earlier robbery and assault. Nevels can be heard on the Z-Trip vehicle’s video asking the victim if she is okay.&nbsp; The victim indicates she has been shot. Nevels asked the victim if she had called the police. He got into the rear driver’s side of the taxi and picked up the cell phone, then left the scene.When police officers arrived, the victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. According to court documents, she continues to suffer from her serious and debilitating injuries inflicted by Nevels.Investigators used cell phone and Facebook data to identify Nevels and the distinctive rifle he used in the robbery. On Dec. 10, 2018, Nevels was seen getting onto a bus near Prospect Avenue and Swope Parkway. Nevels was arrested when he got off the bus at 11th Street and Grand Avenue. Nevels was carrying the loaded rifle hidden in his waistband with the barrel going down his right pant leg. The rifle was later positively identified as the weapon used to shoot the Z-Trip driver during the robbery.Co-defendants Bailee Anna Maria Prieto, 21, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Melani Yitzel Collazo Jimenez, also known as “Mel,” 24, of Kansas City, Mo., have each pleaded guilty to being accessories after the fact to the robbery. Prieto was sentenced on Nov. 23, 2021, to three years in federal prison without parole. Jimenez was sentenced on Nov. 18, 2021, to two years and six months in federal prison without parole.Prieto used or allowed her phone to be used to order the Z-Trip that was robbed. Prieto disposed of her phone after the robbery to avoid the police searching it.Jimenez went to the scene to help Nevels retrieve his telephone from the Z-Trip where he left it after the robbery and shooting. Jimenez provided her apartment for Nevels, Prieto, and others to stay the night after the robbery.Neither Prieto nor Jimenez reported anything to law enforcement. The two of them communicated with and were associated with Nevels and others, before, during, and after the robbery and shooting.