KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are investigating two more killings, bringing the yearly total to 154.

Police say a man was killed around 11 p.m. Wednesday in an altercation outside of an apartment building on East Linwood. The victim was “cut or otherwise injured,” according to a police spokesman. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police were called to a shooting around 2:45 a.m. on Northeast Ridgeway Avenue. The male victim was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

People at the scene said the shooting happened as the victim was involved in a disturbance with another man. The suspect fled. A short time later, a person of interest was taken into custody.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are investigating two more killings, bringing the yearly total to 154.Police say a man was killed around 11 p.m. Wednesday in an altercation outside of an apartment building on East Linwood. The victim was “cut or otherwise injured,” according to a police spokesman. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.No arrests have been made.Police were called to a shooting around 2:45 a.m. on Northeast Ridgeway Avenue. The male victim was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.People at the scene said the shooting happened as the victim was involved in a disturbance with another man. The suspect fled. A short time later, a person of interest was taken into custody.

Kansas City police investigating 2 Wednesday killings

LEAWOOD, Kan. (AP) — Two years after Zach Morrisey was shot to death in a Kansas suburb of Kansas City, his relatives say they’re still waiting for answers.

Morrisey, of Leawood, Kansas, was killed on Dec. 21, 2019. He was shot on the parking lot of a Leawood apartment complex as he was sitting inside a car with a friend. No arrests have been made. Morrisey was 24.

Morrisey’s cousin, Shannon Ross, told&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/unsolved-homicide-from-2019-leaves-family-still-searching-for-answers/" target="_blank">WDAF-TV</a>&nbsp;that the family is frustrated by not knowing what led to the shooting at that moment in time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640099982165.png" alt="Zach Morrisey-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Zach Morrisey-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAWOOD, Kan. (AP) — Two years after Zach Morrisey was shot to death in a Kansas suburb of Kansas City, his relatives say they’re still waiting for answers.Morrisey, of Leawood, Kansas, was killed on Dec. 21, 2019. He was shot on the parking lot of a Leawood apartment complex as he was sitting inside a car with a friend. No arrests have been made. Morrisey was 24.Morrisey’s cousin, Shannon Ross, told&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/unsolved-homicide-from-2019-leaves-family-still-searching-for-answers/" target="_blank">WDAF-TV</a>&nbsp;that the family is frustrated by not knowing what led to the shooting at that moment in time.

Two years later, still no arrests in Kansas man's death

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man was arrested on multiple requested charges, including possession of methamphetamine, after leading police on a "slow-speed pursuit" through part of the city early this morning.

Just after 1 a.m. Thursday, an officer in the 300 block of S. Fourth Street observed a silver 2006 Nissan Altima with an illegal license plate, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The officer attempted to stop the Altima, but the driver refused to stop, initiating what Forrester called a "slow-speed pursuit," during which, the driver drove the speed limit and stopped at stop signs.

During the pursuit, the driver was allegedly observed throwing something white from the car in the 300 block of N. Oakdale Avenue. Officers located three chunks of methamphetamine that weighed a total of 18.4 grams, Forrester said.

The car eventually was disabled when stop sticks were deployed at the E. Elm Street/Des Moines Avenue intersection, Forrester said. The driver, identified as Deric Bell, Sr., 30, of Salina, allegedly stopped the car in the middle of the street in the 300 block of N. Columbia Avenue, and fled on foot, Forrester said. A K-9 was deployed and Bell surrendered nearby.

Forrester said Bell was arrested on the following requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, No drug tax stamp, Flee and elude, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Driving while suspended, second conviction, Driving while a habitual violator, No proof of insurance, Illegal vehicle registration and Littering.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640279690050.jpeg" alt="Bell -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Bell -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested on multiple requested charges, including possession of methamphetamine, after leading police on a "slow-speed pursuit" through part of the city early this morning.Just after 1 a.m. Thursday, an officer in the 300 block of S. Fourth Street observed a silver 2006 Nissan Altima with an illegal license plate, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The officer attempted to stop the Altima, but the driver refused to stop, initiating what Forrester called a "slow-speed pursuit," during which, the driver drove the speed limit and stopped at stop signs.During the pursuit, the driver was allegedly observed throwing something white from the car in the 300 block of N. Oakdale Avenue. Officers located three chunks of methamphetamine that weighed a total of 18.4 grams, Forrester said.The car eventually was disabled when stop sticks were deployed at the E. Elm Street/Des Moines Avenue intersection, Forrester said. The driver, identified as Deric Bell, Sr., 30, of Salina, allegedly stopped the car in the middle of the street in the 300 block of N. Columbia Avenue, and fled on foot, Forrester said. A K-9 was deployed and Bell surrendered nearby.Forrester said Bell was arrested on the following requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, No drug tax stamp, Flee and elude, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Driving while suspended, second conviction, Driving while a habitual violator, No proof of insurance, Illegal vehicle registration and Littering.

Kan. man tossed drugs from car during 'slow-speed pursuit'

BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place Wednesday night in Andover, according to a media release from the agency.

Preliminary information indicates that&nbsp; just after 10:30 p.m., the Andover Police Department received a 911 call from a citizen reporting a suspicious person inside a self-storage facility at 1009 W. U.S. Highway 54 in Andover.

Four Andover police officers arrived to the area, and they located a man inside one of the storage units. They called him out of the unit to make contact with him. The man was later identified as Nicholas T. Waggoner, 25, of Wichita. Waggoner claimed the storage unit belonged to a family member, but when an officer patted him down he located a severed padlock in his possession.

Officers requested Waggoner’s driver’s license and allowed him to get into a Ford F-150 pickup truck to retrieve it. After he entered the pickup truck, he put the vehicle into reverse and quickly backed up in the direction of officers. One officer fired one round at Waggoner, striking him. The truck then crashed off a steep embankment. The shooting occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m, according to the KBI.

Officers took Waggoner into custody and administered first-aid. EMS responded to the scene. They transported him to Wesley Medical Center where he underwent surgery. Currently, Waggoner is in serious, but stable condition.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

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.

This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640289495816.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place Wednesday night in Andover, according to a media release from the agency.Preliminary information indicates that&nbsp; just after 10:30 p.m., the Andover Police Department received a 911 call from a citizen reporting a suspicious person inside a self-storage facility at 1009 W. U.S. Highway 54 in Andover.Four Andover police officers arrived to the area, and they located a man inside one of the storage units. They called him out of the unit to make contact with him. The man was later identified as Nicholas T. Waggoner, 25, of Wichita. Waggoner claimed the storage unit belonged to a family member, but when an officer patted him down he located a severed padlock in his possession.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640289941147.png" alt="Waggoner from an arrest in July in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Waggoner from an arrest in July in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers requested Waggoner’s driver’s license and allowed him to get into a Ford F-150 pickup truck to retrieve it. After he entered the pickup truck, he put the vehicle into reverse and quickly backed up in the direction of officers. One officer fired one round at Waggoner, striking him. The truck then crashed off a steep embankment. The shooting occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m, according to the KBI.Officers took Waggoner into custody and administered first-aid. EMS responded to the scene. They transported him to Wesley Medical Center where he underwent surgery. Currently, Waggoner is in serious, but stable condition.No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.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.This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

KBI: Officer shot suspect who allegedly drove at police

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jurors on Thursday convicted a suburban Minneapolis police officer of two manslaughter charges in the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-police-coronavirus-pandemic-minneapolis-d88c7d626eebcdea975dc249309a4fa5">Daunte Wright,</a>&nbsp;a Black motorist she shot during a traffic stop after she said she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-science-shootings-minnesota-minneapolis-44798cda3cc0f093de20f54dabec4dec">confused her gun for her Taser.</a>

The mostly white jury deliberated for about four days before finding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-minnesota-minneapolis-arrests-ea3f946497f367662842bb08c1b8e242">former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter</a>&nbsp;guilty of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-death-of-george-floyd-police-minneapolis-daunte-wright-2ea180cb1c5fb8ee94c8475daa1b64e0">first-degree and second-degree manslaughter.</a>&nbsp;Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison on the most serious count under the state’s sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.

Judge Regina Chu ordered Potter taken into custody and held without bail, and scheduled her to be sentenced on Feb. 18. As she was led away in handcuffs, a man in the courtroom shouted “We love you, Kim!”

Outside the courthouse, dozens of people who had gathered erupted in cheers, hugs and tears of joy as the verdicts were read. Two men jumped up and down holding one another’s shoulders. Other people then began jumping up and down in place and chanting “Guilty, guilty, guilty!”

They chanted “Say his name! Daunte Wright.” Some held yellow signs that said “guilty” in large block letters.

Potter, who testified that she “didn’t want to hurt anybody,” looked down without showing any visible reaction when the verdicts were read. As Chu thanked the jury, Potter made the sign of the cross.

Potter’s attorneys argued against her being held with no bail, saying she was not going to commit another crime or go anywhere.

“It is the Christmas holiday season,” Potter attorney Paul Engh arued. “She’s a devoted Catholic, no less, and there is no point to incarcerate her at this point in time.”

“I cannot treat this case any differently than any other case,” she said.

The time-stamps on the verdicts showed that the jurors agreed on the second count on Tuesday, before they asked the judge that afternoon what to do if they were having difficulty agreeing. The guilty verdict on the more serious first-degree count was reached at 11:40 a.m. Thursday.

Potter, who is white, shot and killed the 20-year-old Wright during an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge. The shooting happened at a time of high tension in the area, with former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin standing trial just miles away for the killing of George Floyd. Potter resigned two days later.

Jurors saw video of the shooting that was captured by police body cameras and dashcams. It showed Potter and an officer she was training, Anthony Luckey, pull over Wright for having expired license plate tags and an air freshener hanging from his rear-view mirror. During the stop, Luckey discovered there was a warrant for Wright’s arrest for not appearing in court on the weapons possession charge, and he, Potter and another officer went to take Wright into custody.

Wright obeyed Luckey’s order to get out of his car, but as Luckey tried to handcuff him, Wright pulled away and got back in. As Luckey held onto Wright, Potter said “I’ll tase ya.” The video then shows Potter holding her gun in her right hand and pointing it at Wright. Again, Potter said, “I’ll tase you,” and then two seconds later: “Taser, Taser, Taser.” One second later, she fired a single bullet into Wright’s chest.

“(Expletive)! I just shot him. ... I grabbed the wrong (expletive) gun,” Potter said. A minute later, she said: “I’m going to go to prison.”

In sometimes tearful testimony, Potter told jurors that she was “sorry it happened.” She said the traffic stop “just went chaotic” and that she shouted her warning about the Taser after she saw a look of fear on the face of Sgt. Mychal Johnson, who was leaning into the passenger-side door of Wright’s car. She also told jurors that she doesn’t remember what she said or everything that happened after the shooting, as much of her memory of those moments “is missing.”

Potter’s lawyers argued that she made a mistake by drawing her gun instead of her Taser. But they also said she would have been justified in using deadly force if she had meant to because Johnson was at risk of being dragged.

Prosecutors sought to raise doubts about Potter’s testimony that she decided to act after seeing fear on Johnson’s face. Prosecutor Erin Eldridge, in cross-examination, pointed out that in an interview with a defense expert Potter said she didn’t know why she decided to draw her Taser. During her closing argument, Eldridge also replayed Potter’s body-camera video that she said never gave a clear view of Johnson’s face during the key moments.

Eldridge also downplayed testimony from some other officers who described Potter as a good person or said they saw nothing wrong in her actions: “The defendant has found herself in trouble and her police family has her back.”

Prosecutors also got Potter to agree that she didn’t plan to use deadly force. They said Potter, an experienced officer with extensive training in Taser use and use of deadly force, acted recklessly and betrayed the badge.

For first-degree manslaughter, prosecutors had to prove that Potter caused Wright’s death while committing a misdemeanor — in this case, the “reckless handling or use of a firearm so as to endanger the safety of another with such force and violence that death or great bodily harm to any person was reasonably foreseeable.”

The second-degree manslaughter charge required prosecutors to prove that Potter caused Wright’s death “by her culpable negligence,” meaning she “caused an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm” to Wright while using or possessing a firearm.

Under Minnesota law, defendants are sentenced only on the most serious conviction if multiple counts involve the same act and the same victim. Prosecutors had said they would seek to prove aggravating factors that merit what’s called an upward departure from sentencing guidelines. In Potter’s case, they alleged that her actions were a danger to others, including her fellow officers, to Wright’s passenger and to the couple whose car was struck by Wright’s after the shooting. They also alleged she abused her authority as a police officer.

The maximum for 1st-degree manslaughter is 15 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640284022434.png" alt="Potter -Hennepin County, Minn., Sheriff " />
 <figcaption>Potter -Hennepin County, Minn., Sheriff </figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jurors on Thursday convicted a suburban Minneapolis police officer of two manslaughter charges in the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-police-coronavirus-pandemic-minneapolis-d88c7d626eebcdea975dc249309a4fa5">Daunte Wright,</a>&nbsp;a Black motorist she shot during a traffic stop after she said she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-science-shootings-minnesota-minneapolis-44798cda3cc0f093de20f54dabec4dec">confused her gun for her Taser.</a>The mostly white jury deliberated for about four days before finding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-minnesota-minneapolis-arrests-ea3f946497f367662842bb08c1b8e242">former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter</a>&nbsp;guilty of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-death-of-george-floyd-police-minneapolis-daunte-wright-2ea180cb1c5fb8ee94c8475daa1b64e0">first-degree and second-degree manslaughter.</a>&nbsp;Potter, 49, faces about seven years in prison on the most serious count under the state’s sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors said they would seek a longer term.Judge Regina Chu ordered Potter taken into custody and held without bail, and scheduled her to be sentenced on Feb. 18. As she was led away in handcuffs, a man in the courtroom shouted “We love you, Kim!”Outside the courthouse, dozens of people who had gathered erupted in cheers, hugs and tears of joy as the verdicts were read. Two men jumped up and down holding one another’s shoulders. Other people then began jumping up and down in place and chanting “Guilty, guilty, guilty!”ADVERTISEMENTThey chanted “Say his name! Daunte Wright.” Some held yellow signs that said “guilty” in large block letters.Potter, who testified that she “didn’t want to hurt anybody,” looked down without showing any visible reaction when the verdicts were read. As Chu thanked the jury, Potter made the sign of the cross.Potter’s attorneys argued against her being held with no bail, saying she was not going to commit another crime or go anywhere.“It is the Christmas holiday season,” Potter attorney Paul Engh arued. “She’s a devoted Catholic, no less, and there is no point to incarcerate her at this point in time.”Chu rejected their arguments.“I cannot treat this case any differently than any other case,” she said.The time-stamps on the verdicts showed that the jurors agreed on the second count on Tuesday, before they asked the judge that afternoon what to do if they were having difficulty agreeing. The guilty verdict on the more serious first-degree count was reached at 11:40 a.m. Thursday.Potter, who is white, shot and killed the 20-year-old Wright during an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge. The shooting happened at a time of high tension in the area, with former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin standing trial just miles away for the killing of George Floyd. Potter resigned two days later.Jurors saw video of the shooting that was captured by police body cameras and dashcams. It showed Potter and an officer she was training, Anthony Luckey, pull over Wright for having expired license plate tags and an air freshener hanging from his rear-view mirror. During the stop, Luckey discovered there was a warrant for Wright’s arrest for not appearing in court on the weapons possession charge, and he, Potter and another officer went to take Wright into custody.Wright obeyed Luckey’s order to get out of his car, but as Luckey tried to handcuff him, Wright pulled away and got back in. As Luckey held onto Wright, Potter said “I’ll tase ya.” The video then shows Potter holding her gun in her right hand and pointing it at Wright. Again, Potter said, “I’ll tase you,” and then two seconds later: “Taser, Taser, Taser.” One second later, she fired a single bullet into Wright’s chest.“(Expletive)! I just shot him. ... I grabbed the wrong (expletive) gun,” Potter said. A minute later, she said: “I’m going to go to prison.”In sometimes tearful testimony, Potter told jurors that she was “sorry it happened.” She said the traffic stop “just went chaotic” and that she shouted her warning about the Taser after she saw a look of fear on the face of Sgt. Mychal Johnson, who was leaning into the passenger-side door of Wright’s car. She also told jurors that she doesn’t remember what she said or everything that happened after the shooting, as much of her memory of those moments “is missing.”Potter’s lawyers argued that she made a mistake by drawing her gun instead of her Taser. But they also said she would have been justified in using deadly force if she had meant to because Johnson was at risk of being dragged.Prosecutors sought to raise doubts about Potter’s testimony that she decided to act after seeing fear on Johnson’s face. Prosecutor Erin Eldridge, in cross-examination, pointed out that in an interview with a defense expert Potter said she didn’t know why she decided to draw her Taser. During her closing argument, Eldridge also replayed Potter’s body-camera video that she said never gave a clear view of Johnson’s face during the key moments.Eldridge also downplayed testimony from some other officers who described Potter as a good person or said they saw nothing wrong in her actions: “The defendant has found herself in trouble and her police family has her back.”Prosecutors also got Potter to agree that she didn’t plan to use deadly force. They said Potter, an experienced officer with extensive training in Taser use and use of deadly force, acted recklessly and betrayed the badge.For first-degree manslaughter, prosecutors had to prove that Potter caused Wright’s death while committing a misdemeanor — in this case, the “reckless handling or use of a firearm so as to endanger the safety of another with such force and violence that death or great bodily harm to any person was reasonably foreseeable.”The second-degree manslaughter charge required prosecutors to prove that Potter caused Wright’s death “by her culpable negligence,” meaning she “caused an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm” to Wright while using or possessing a firearm.Under Minnesota law, defendants are sentenced only on the most serious conviction if multiple counts involve the same act and the same victim. Prosecutors had said they would seek to prove aggravating factors that merit what’s called an upward departure from sentencing guidelines. In Potter’s case, they alleged that her actions were a danger to others, including her fellow officers, to Wright’s passenger and to the couple whose car was struck by Wright’s after the shooting. They also alleged she abused her authority as a police officer.The maximum for 1st-degree manslaughter is 15 years.___

Jury: Ex-police officer who pulled gun instead of Taser found guilty

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after an alleged arson fire at a home in Topeka.

Just after 7a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 2600 block of SE Minnesota Avenue, according to Police Lt. Aaron Jones.

 Upon arrival they noticed smoke coming from the house. All occupants were able to vacate the residence safely.

The Topeka Fire Department responded as officers continued to gather information about the domestic incident and attempted to locate 31-year-old Rudz Descartes of Topeka, involved in the domestic incident.

Just before 7:30 a.m., an officer located the Descartes near 28th and SE Adams. He resisted arrest and battered a police officer while being taken into custody. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

The estimated dollar loss from the fire is $7,500.00 of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,500.00 is associated with contents loss, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

&nbsp;Descartes is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal Threat (Domestic Violence, Violation of a Protection Order, Arson, Felony Obstruction, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640210781672.png" alt="Descartes-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Descartes-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after an alleged arson fire at a home in Topeka.Just after 7a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 2600 block of SE Minnesota Avenue, according to Police Lt. Aaron Jones. Upon arrival they noticed smoke coming from the house. All occupants were able to vacate the residence safely.The Topeka Fire Department responded as officers continued to gather information about the domestic incident and attempted to locate 31-year-old Rudz Descartes of Topeka, involved in the domestic incident.Just before 7:30 a.m., an officer located the Descartes near 28th and SE Adams. He resisted arrest and battered a police officer while being taken into custody. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.The estimated dollar loss from the fire is $7,500.00 of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,500.00 is associated with contents loss, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Descartes is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal Threat (Domestic Violence, Violation of a Protection Order, Arson, Felony Obstruction, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

Kan. man accused of setting fire during domestic dispute

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas prosecutors argued Wednesday that a 21-year-old state lawmaker who is charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother is no longer eligible for diversion.

Johnson County Assistant District Attorney Samantha Shannon said in a Zoom hearing that the issue is that a warrant was issued for Aaron Coleman after a motion to revoke his bond was filed in the wake of his arrest late last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-lawrence-c876d564826fdfeebc29b002a3298492">on suspicion of drunken driving.</a>

But Coleman’s attorney, David Bell, said that he didn’t know what had changed to prevent diversion.

Magistrate Judge James Phelan set a hearing for Jan. 7 to consider the issue and hear the results of a mental health evaluation that he previously ordered. Phelan said Coleman could remain free on bond until the hearing.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-cad353ffd3afe3583df3d267ebb535a5">affidavit</a>&nbsp;in the domestic battery case said that the Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat pushed and hit his 18-year-old brother in an Oct. 30 fight. The sergeant said Coleman, who has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women, was “uncooperative” with police and “extremely erratic.”

Several lawmakers have called for Coleman to resign, but no formal action has been taken yet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Coleman from his October booking photo in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Coleman from his October booking photo in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas prosecutors argued Wednesday that a 21-year-old state lawmaker who is charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother is no longer eligible for diversion.Johnson County Assistant District Attorney Samantha Shannon said in a Zoom hearing that the issue is that a warrant was issued for Aaron Coleman after a motion to revoke his bond was filed in the wake of his arrest late last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-lawrence-c876d564826fdfeebc29b002a3298492">on suspicion of drunken driving.</a>But Coleman’s attorney, David Bell, said that he didn’t know what had changed to prevent diversion.Magistrate Judge James Phelan set a hearing for Jan. 7 to consider the issue and hear the results of a mental health evaluation that he previously ordered. Phelan said Coleman could remain free on bond until the hearing.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-cad353ffd3afe3583df3d267ebb535a5">affidavit</a>&nbsp;in the domestic battery case said that the Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat pushed and hit his 18-year-old brother in an Oct. 30 fight. The sergeant said Coleman, who has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women, was “uncooperative” with police and “extremely erratic.”Several lawmakers have called for Coleman to resign, but no formal action has been taken yet.

Prosecutors: Kansas lawmaker shouldn't get diversion

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after he allegedly ran over a man and fled from police.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 1600 block of South Millwood in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 As officers arrived, the suspect vehicle fled the scene, and as officers attempted to pursue it—the vehicle fled into a nearby apartment complex where officers lost it, according to Macy.

Officers at the accident scene located a 19-year-old man with minor injuries who reported being run over by the suspect vehicle. Witnesses reported the suspect intentionally running over the victim and threatening to run over additional people.

Officers eventually contacted the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Raymond Clark. Officers also learned that as he was fleeing law enforcement, he had two children – a 4-year-old and 4-month-old in the vehicle with him. 

Police arrested Clark and booked him into the Sedgwick county jail on requested charges of of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault,&nbsp; flee &amp; elude, endangering a child, and criminal threat.

EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment of possible minor injuries. The suspect and victim are believed to be known to each other, according to Macy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640196877362.png" alt="Clark photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Clark photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after he allegedly ran over a man and fled from police.Just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 1600 block of South Millwood in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. As officers arrived, the suspect vehicle fled the scene, and as officers attempted to pursue it—the vehicle fled into a nearby apartment complex where officers lost it, according to Macy.Officers at the accident scene located a 19-year-old man with minor injuries who reported being run over by the suspect vehicle. Witnesses reported the suspect intentionally running over the victim and threatening to run over additional people.Officers eventually contacted the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Raymond Clark. Officers also learned that as he was fleeing law enforcement, he had two children – a 4-year-old and 4-month-old in the vehicle with him. Police arrested Clark and booked him into the Sedgwick county jail on requested charges of of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault,&nbsp; flee &amp; elude, endangering a child, and criminal threat.EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment of possible minor injuries. The suspect and victim are believed to be known to each other, according to Macy.

Kan. man with kids in vehicle ran over man, fled from police

A registered sex offender in Hays has been arrested on new sexual assault charges following an investigation by the Hays Police Department.

After the Hays Police Department received information about a possible sexual assault against a minor, an investigation was initiated, Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler said.

The result of the investigation led to the arrest of Donald Joesph Littlefoot, 46.

Littlefoot was arrested on suspicion of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated criminal sodomy.

Littlefoot was convicted in 2012 of aggravated indecent solicitation of a minor and is listed on the state sex offender registry. The victim, in that case, was identified as 12 years old.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640211317554.png" alt="Donald Joseph Littlefoot- Photo Kansas Bureau of Investigation." />
 <figcaption>Donald Joseph Littlefoot- Photo Kansas Bureau of Investigation.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA registered sex offender in Hays has been arrested on new sexual assault charges following an investigation by the Hays Police Department.After the Hays Police Department received information about a possible sexual assault against a minor, an investigation was initiated, Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler said.The result of the investigation led to the arrest of Donald Joesph Littlefoot, 46.Littlefoot was arrested on suspicion of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated criminal sodomy.Littlefoot was convicted in 2012 of aggravated indecent solicitation of a minor and is listed on the state sex offender registry. The victim, in that case, was identified as 12 years old.

Kansas sex offender accused of rape in NW Kansas

BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Fort Scott Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, the person of interest connected to the murders of Melissa Mitchell and Leonard Zimmerman, according to a media release from the KBI.

Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 5th&nbsp;St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.

He is being held on requested charges of theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances. He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.

Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders, according to the KBI.

BOURBON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two victims were found shot in their Fort Scott home on Tuesday night, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot. 

When police arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman deceased inside the residence. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning connected to the case. Investigators are working to locate him at this time.

If you know the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, you are asked to contact the Fort Scott Police Department at 620-223-1700 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Mitchell is expected to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him, but immediately call police.

Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640220648047.png" alt="Dawson-photo Bourbon Co." />
 <figcaption>Dawson-photo Bourbon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Fort Scott Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, the person of interest connected to the murders of Melissa Mitchell and Leonard Zimmerman, according to a media release from the KBI.Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 5th&nbsp;St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.He is being held on requested charges of theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances. He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders, according to the KBI.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640191022809.png" alt="Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>------------BOURBON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two victims were found shot in their Fort Scott home on Tuesday night, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot. When police arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman deceased inside the residence. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640190791746.png" alt="Mitchell-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning connected to the case. Investigators are working to locate him at this time.If you know the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, you are asked to contact the Fort Scott Police Department at 620-223-1700 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Mitchell is expected to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him, but immediately call police.Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back.

KBI captures Kan. man wanted in the death of his mother, another man

MONTGOMERY COUNTY– A Kansas man has pleaded no contest to first-degree murder for a 2019 shooting death in southeast Kansas, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Benjamin Job Mason II, 20, of Coffeyville, entered a no contest plea Monday in Montgomery County District Court. Judge F. William Cullins accepted the plea to one count of first-degree murder and set sentencing for 1 p.m., February 15, 2022.

Mason was convicted for his role in the 2019 shooting death of 19-year-old <a href="https://www.wickhamfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Kimberly-Dawn-Meeks?obId=9627614#/celebrationWall">Kimberly Meeks</a>.&nbsp; She was shot to death as she walked with a man in Independence on Dec. 14, 2019.

Witnesses said someone fired shots from a passing car. Mason was arrested a day after the shooting at his home in Coffeyville, about 20 miles south of the shooting scene.

 The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Independence Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff and U.S. Postal Inspectors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576519962832.png" alt="Mason photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Mason photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY– A Kansas man has pleaded no contest to first-degree murder for a 2019 shooting death in southeast Kansas, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Benjamin Job Mason II, 20, of Coffeyville, entered a no contest plea Monday in Montgomery County District Court. Judge F. William Cullins accepted the plea to one count of first-degree murder and set sentencing for 1 p.m., February 15, 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640185141154.png" alt="Kimberly Meeks-photo courtesy Wickham Family Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Kimberly Meeks-photo courtesy Wickham Family Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>Mason was convicted for his role in the 2019 shooting death of 19-year-old <a href="https://www.wickhamfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Kimberly-Dawn-Meeks?obId=9627614#/celebrationWall">Kimberly Meeks</a>.&nbsp; She was shot to death as she walked with a man in Independence on Dec. 14, 2019.Witnesses said someone fired shots from a passing car. Mason was arrested a day after the shooting at his home in Coffeyville, about 20 miles south of the shooting scene. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Independence Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff and U.S. Postal Inspectors.

Kan. man enters plea in woman's drive-by shooting death

SHAWNEE COUNTY–&nbsp; Sheriff Brian C. Hill announced&nbsp; the final results of the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office’s recent Operation Grinch that occurred Sunday, December 12 through Saturday, December 18, 2021.

During Operation Grinch, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department joined together to target individuals with burglary and theft warrants for their arrest.

A total of 271 warrants were attempted to be served. Of those, 53 warrants were successfully served including 20 felony warrants, 24 misdemeanor warrants and 9 City of Topeka warrants.

There were 38 individuals arrested during Operation Grinch.

Over the last several years, the number of burglary and theft calls have been impressively decreasing.

“Operation Grinch is a continued proactive approach aimed at keeping our community safe for our citizens during the holidays,” stated Sheriff Brian Hill. “The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office will continue these enforcement efforts in order to ensure that our community remains safe.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640173424400.png" alt="Authorities arrested 44-year-old Frank Zbierski on requested aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and aggravated battery on Dec. 15, according to online jail records." />
 <figcaption>Authorities arrested 44-year-old Frank Zbierski on requested aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and aggravated battery on Dec. 15, according to online jail records.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–&nbsp; Sheriff Brian C. Hill announced&nbsp; the final results of the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office’s recent Operation Grinch that occurred Sunday, December 12 through Saturday, December 18, 2021.During Operation Grinch, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department joined together to target individuals with burglary and theft warrants for their arrest.A total of 271 warrants were attempted to be served. Of those, 53 warrants were successfully served including 20 felony warrants, 24 misdemeanor warrants and 9 City of Topeka warrants.There were 38 individuals arrested during Operation Grinch.Over the last several years, the number of burglary and theft calls have been impressively decreasing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640173044539.png" alt="The graphs show that decrease from the same time frame, November 15 to December 15, over the last three years." />
 <figcaption>The graphs show that decrease from the same time frame, November 15 to December 15, over the last three years.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Operation Grinch is a continued proactive approach aimed at keeping our community safe for our citizens during the holidays,” stated Sheriff Brian Hill. “The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office will continue these enforcement efforts in order to ensure that our community remains safe.”

Sheriff: 38 in Kansas jail during 2021 Operation Grinch 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;woman has been sentenced to more than 31 years in prison for killing a 3-year-old girl in a case that drew attention to the agency responsible for overseeing young children in the state.

Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick was sentenced Monday, a little more than a month after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.

Olivia Ann Jansen of Kansas City, Kansas, died in July 2020. Her body was found in a shallow grave, hours after her father reported her missing. A medical examiner's report later showed that she had signs of physical abuse and died of a brain bleed. Kirkpatrick and the child's father, Howard Jansen III, were arrested.

Jansen is scheduled to go to trial May 2 on a charge of first-degree murder.

Olivia’s death led to calls for changes at the Kansas Department of Children and Families. Information previously released by the agency shows it received two reports of alleged physical abuse involving Olivia in February 2020. One report alleged Olivia’s father hit her on the leg, leaving a bruise and possibly breaking the limb. The other report alleged Kilpatrick hit the girl. Both were ruled unsubstantiated after a person who alleged the abuse recanted.

The girl also was visited by a caseworker over a video call 11 days before she was found dead. That investigation stemmed from a hotline report from someone worried that her caregiver was unavailable or unable to care for her and may have been using drugs.

Child welfare officials also have acknowledged that they received repeated reports about a 2-year-old Wichita boy before he was found dead in a motel of a methadone overdose in May 2019. A 3-year-old Wichita boy’s body was found encased in concrete in 2017 after relatives repeatedly reported abuse. In the Kansas City area, a 7-year-old boy was tortured, starved, killed and fed to pigs in 2015 despite extensive involvement with welfare officials.

The state has taken several steps to address the issues, including creating an independent office to review complaints against the Kansas’ foster care system and recommend changes in child welfare policies, a longtime goal of advocates for abused and neglected children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594490776368.png" alt="Kirkpatrick-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirkpatrick-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;woman has been sentenced to more than 31 years in prison for killing a 3-year-old girl in a case that drew attention to the agency responsible for overseeing young children in the state.Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick was sentenced Monday, a little more than a month after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594403105823.png" alt="Olivia Jansen-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Jansen-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>Olivia Ann Jansen of Kansas City, Kansas, died in July 2020. Her body was found in a shallow grave, hours after her father reported her missing. A medical examiner's report later showed that she had signs of physical abuse and died of a brain bleed. Kirkpatrick and the child's father, Howard Jansen III, were arrested.Jansen is scheduled to go to trial May 2 on a charge of first-degree murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594468009097.png" alt="Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Olivia’s death led to calls for changes at the Kansas Department of Children and Families. Information previously released by the agency shows it received two reports of alleged physical abuse involving Olivia in February 2020. One report alleged Olivia’s father hit her on the leg, leaving a bruise and possibly breaking the limb. The other report alleged Kilpatrick hit the girl. Both were ruled unsubstantiated after a person who alleged the abuse recanted.The girl also was visited by a caseworker over a video call 11 days before she was found dead. That investigation stemmed from a hotline report from someone worried that her caregiver was unavailable or unable to care for her and may have been using drugs.Child welfare officials also have acknowledged that they received repeated reports about a 2-year-old Wichita boy before he was found dead in a motel of a methadone overdose in May 2019. A 3-year-old Wichita boy’s body was found encased in concrete in 2017 after relatives repeatedly reported abuse. In the Kansas City area, a 7-year-old boy was tortured, starved, killed and fed to pigs in 2015 despite extensive involvement with welfare officials.The state has taken several steps to address the issues, including creating an independent office to review complaints against the Kansas’ foster care system and recommend changes in child welfare policies, a longtime goal of advocates for abused and neglected children.

Kansas woman sentence in death of 3-year-old

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An arrest warrant has been issued for a former nursing home owner on eight Medicaid fraud charges involving his facilities in Arkansas, the state’s <a href="https://arkansasag.gov/news_releases/rutledge-announces-arrest-warrant-issued-for-skyline-nursing-home-owner-joseph-schwartz/">attorney general said Monday.</a>

Joseph Schwartz also faces two counts of state tax violations for failing to pay taxes that were withheld from employees’ paychecks, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said.

Schwartz operated Skyline Health Care, which at one point held licenses for one out of every 10 nursing homes in the state. Schwartz has relinquished most of his nursing homes, including those in Arkansas, because of financial insolvency.

Schwartz’ attorney, Bill James, told the newspaper that his client is expected to surrender in January and that he will plead not guilty to the charges.

Schwartz was also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tn-state-wire-sd-state-wire-ne-state-wire-us-news-ar-state-wire-acf33f73bd4412f55a74510c2b2119e8">sued in federal court</a>&nbsp;in 2020 by former employees in multiple states who claimed that they were left without health insurance even though money had been deducted from their paychecks. Five plaintiffs who worked at Skyline-operated facilities in South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska and Arkansas filed the suit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640106081276.png" alt="Attorney General Leslie Rutledge- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Leslie Rutledge- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An arrest warrant has been issued for a former nursing home owner on eight Medicaid fraud charges involving his facilities in Arkansas, the state’s <a href="https://arkansasag.gov/news_releases/rutledge-announces-arrest-warrant-issued-for-skyline-nursing-home-owner-joseph-schwartz/">attorney general said Monday.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640105791161.png" alt="Arkansas Attorney General's office" />
 <figcaption>Arkansas Attorney General's office</figcaption>
 </figure>Joseph Schwartz also faces two counts of state tax violations for failing to pay taxes that were withheld from employees’ paychecks, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said.Schwartz operated Skyline Health Care, which at one point held licenses for one out of every 10 nursing homes in the state. Schwartz has relinquished most of his nursing homes, including those in Arkansas, because of financial insolvency.Schwartz’ attorney, Bill James, told the newspaper that his client is expected to surrender in January and that he will plead not guilty to the charges.Schwartz was also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tn-state-wire-sd-state-wire-ne-state-wire-us-news-ar-state-wire-acf33f73bd4412f55a74510c2b2119e8">sued in federal court</a>&nbsp;in 2020 by former employees in multiple states who claimed that they were left without health insurance even though money had been deducted from their paychecks. Five plaintiffs who worked at Skyline-operated facilities in South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska and Arkansas filed the suit.

Arrest warrant issued for ex-nursing home owner with employees from Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a 61-year-0ld Wichita police officer for alleged stalking.

According to a media release, the Wichita Police Department recently learned that Officer Joseph Spicuglia was possibly involved in a domestic violence incident with a woman he knows. 

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated at the request of the Wichita Police Department in order to avoid conflicts of interest. As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested Spicuglia on a requested charge of stalking.&nbsp;The sheriff's office&nbsp; is still actively investigating the case, according to the release. 

Spicuglia has been employed with WPD for 25 years and is no longer an active member of the Wichita Police Department.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640086482613.png" alt="Spicuglia—Sedgwick County booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Spicuglia—Sedgwick County booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a 61-year-0ld Wichita police officer for alleged stalking.According to a media release, the Wichita Police Department recently learned that Officer Joseph Spicuglia was possibly involved in a domestic violence incident with a woman he knows. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated at the request of the Wichita Police Department in order to avoid conflicts of interest. As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested Spicuglia on a requested charge of stalking.&nbsp;The sheriff's office&nbsp; is still actively investigating the case, according to the release. Spicuglia has been employed with WPD for 25 years and is no longer an active member of the Wichita Police Department.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

25-year-veteran police officer arrested for alleged stalking

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.

On Dec. 18,&nbsp; police were dispatched to the 600 Block of W. 13th Street in Hays for a report of a man with a gun that had entered a home and attempted to rob the tenants.

Officers from the HPD and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office learned that the suspect had fled on foot into the tree line south of O'Loughlin Elementary School.

Police officers and deputies pursued the suspect later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp; Brenden Matthew Smith of Hays on foot through the tree line. The officers were able to catch Smith but he refused to comply with the officers despite repeated commands.

An officer deployed their Taser, but it was ineffective because of the heavy coat the suspect was wearing. Officers then tackled Smith and forcibly handcuffed him as he continued to resist.

Officers then transported Smith to Hays Medical Center for medical evaluation and he was later transported to the Ellis County Jail.

Investigation determined Smith had entered the apartment to rob the tenants. He held a knife to a victim’s throat and threatened to kill him.&nbsp; &nbsp;A neighbor, hearing the disturbance, approached the apartment.

Smith confronted the neighbor who attempted to call 911.&nbsp; Smith took the phone away from neighbor, and the neighbor fled back into his apartment. Smith chased the neighbor into the apartment.

The neighbor then obtained a handgun to protect himself.&nbsp; Smith attacked the neighbor and attempted to take the gun away from him. &nbsp;

The neighbor was able to retain the gun and forced Smith out of the apartment.&nbsp; He fled the scene and was later arrested&nbsp;

Smith is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, and Criminal Threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640085630975.png" alt="Smith-photo Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.On Dec. 18,&nbsp; police were dispatched to the 600 Block of W. 13th Street in Hays for a report of a man with a gun that had entered a home and attempted to rob the tenants.Officers from the HPD and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office learned that the suspect had fled on foot into the tree line south of O'Loughlin Elementary School.Police officers and deputies pursued the suspect later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp; Brenden Matthew Smith of Hays on foot through the tree line. The officers were able to catch Smith but he refused to comply with the officers despite repeated commands.An officer deployed their Taser, but it was ineffective because of the heavy coat the suspect was wearing. Officers then tackled Smith and forcibly handcuffed him as he continued to resist.Officers then transported Smith to Hays Medical Center for medical evaluation and he was later transported to the Ellis County Jail.Investigation determined Smith had entered the apartment to rob the tenants. He held a knife to a victim’s throat and threatened to kill him.&nbsp; &nbsp;A neighbor, hearing the disturbance, approached the apartment.Smith confronted the neighbor who attempted to call 911.&nbsp; Smith took the phone away from neighbor, and the neighbor fled back into his apartment. Smith chased the neighbor into the apartment.The neighbor then obtained a handgun to protect himself.&nbsp; Smith attacked the neighbor and attempted to take the gun away from him. &nbsp;The neighbor was able to retain the gun and forced Smith out of the apartment.&nbsp; He fled the scene and was later arrested&nbsp; Smith is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, and Criminal Threat.

Police: Kan. man attacks victim, neighbor during violent burglary

WASHINGTON (AP) — Warning that extremism in the ranks is increasing, Pentagon officials are issuing detailed new rules prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members participated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol, triggering a broad department review.

Senior defense officials tell The Associated Press that fewer than 100 military members are known to have been involved in substantiated cases of extremist activity in the past year, but they warn that the number may grow given recent spikes in domestic violent extremism, particularly among veterans.

Officials said the new policy doesn’t largely change what is prohibited, but is more of an effort to make sure troops are clear on what they can and can’t do, while still protecting their First Amendment free speech rights. And for the first time, it is far more specific about social media.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/132506p.PDF?ver=rdWZ4JDtL4sntI4jGjJgyA%3d%3d" target="_blank">new policy&nbsp;</a>lays out in detail the banned activities, which range from advocating terrorism or supporting the overthrow of the government to fundraising or rallying on behalf of an extremist group or “liking” or reposting extremist views on social media. The rules also specify that commanders must determine two things in order for someone to be held accountable: that the action was an extremist activity, as defined in the rules, and that the service member “actively participated” in that prohibited activity.

Previous policies banned extremist activities but didn’t go into such great detail, and also did not specify the two step process to determine someone accountable.

What was wrong yesterday is still wrong today, said one senior defense official. But several officials said that as a study group spoke with service members this year they found that many wanted clearer definitions of what was not allowed. The officials spoke about the new rules on condition of anonymity because they have not yet been made public.

The military has long been aware of small numbers of white supremacists and other extremists among the troops. But Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other leaders launched a broader campaign to root out extremism in the force after it became clear that military veterans and some current service members were present at the Jan. 6 insurrection.

In a message to the force on Monday, Austin said the department believes that only a few service members violate their oath and participate in extremist activities. But, he added, “even the actions of a few can have an outsized impact on unit cohesion, morale and readiness - and the physical harm some of these activities can engender can undermine the safety of our people.”

The risk of extremism in the military can be more dangerous because many service members have access to classified information about sensitive military operations or other national security information that could help adversaries. And extremist groups routinely recruit former and current service members because of their familiarity with weapons and combat tactics.

Officials said that while the substantiated cases may be small, compared to the size of the military, which includes more than 2 million active duty and reserve troops. The number appears to be an increase over previous years where the totals were in the low two-digits. But they also noted that data has not been consistent so it is difficult to identify trends.

The new rules do not provide a list of extremist organizations. Instead, it is up to commanders to determine if a service member is actively conducting extremist activities based on the definitions, rather than on a list of groups that may be constantly changing, officials said.

Asked whether troops can simply be members of an extremist organization, officials said the rules effectively prohibit membership in any meaningful way — such as the payment of dues or other actions that could be considered “active participation.”

The regulations lay out six broad groups of extremist activities, and then provide 14 different definitions that constitute active participation.

Soon after taking office, Austin ordered military leaders to schedule a so-called “stand-down” day and spend time talking to their troops about extremism in the ranks.

The new rules apply to all of the military services, including the Coast Guard, which in peacetime is part of the Department of Homeland Security. They were developed through recommendations from the Countering Extremist Activities Working Group. And they make the distinction, for example, that troops may possess extremist materials, but they can’t attempt to distribute them, and while they can observe an extremist rally, they can’t participate, fund or support one.

The rules, said the officials, focus on behavior not ideology. So service members have whatever political, religious or other beliefs that they want, but their actions and behavior are governed.

In addition to the new rules, the Pentagon is expanding its screening for recruits to include a deeper look at potential extremist activities. Some activities may not totally prevent someone from joining the military, but require a closer look at the applicant.

The department also is expanding education and training for current military members, and more specifically for those leaving the service who may be suddenly subject to recruitment by extremist organizations.

More than 650 people have been charged in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, including dozens of veterans and about a half dozen active duty service members. Among them — an Army reservist who wore a Hitler mustache to his job at a Navy base.

Some of the rioters facing the most serious charges, including members of far-right extremist groups, have military backgrounds. In several of the prosecution cases already, the Justice Department has cited a rioter’s military service as a factor weighing in favor of a jail sentence or house arrest. Prosecutors have repeatedly maintained that veterans’ service, while commendable, made their actions on Jan. 6 more egregious.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638310118543.png" alt="Sec. of Defense Lloyd Austin" />
 <figcaption>Sec. of Defense Lloyd Austin</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Warning that extremism in the ranks is increasing, Pentagon officials are issuing detailed new rules prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members participated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol, triggering a broad department review.Senior defense officials tell The Associated Press that fewer than 100 military members are known to have been involved in substantiated cases of extremist activity in the past year, but they warn that the number may grow given recent spikes in domestic violent extremism, particularly among veterans.Officials said the new policy doesn’t largely change what is prohibited, but is more of an effort to make sure troops are clear on what they can and can’t do, while still protecting their First Amendment free speech rights. And for the first time, it is far more specific about social media.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/132506p.PDF?ver=rdWZ4JDtL4sntI4jGjJgyA%3d%3d" target="_blank">new policy&nbsp;</a>lays out in detail the banned activities, which range from advocating terrorism or supporting the overthrow of the government to fundraising or rallying on behalf of an extremist group or “liking” or reposting extremist views on social media. The rules also specify that commanders must determine two things in order for someone to be held accountable: that the action was an extremist activity, as defined in the rules, and that the service member “actively participated” in that prohibited activity.Previous policies banned extremist activities but didn’t go into such great detail, and also did not specify the two step process to determine someone accountable.What was wrong yesterday is still wrong today, said one senior defense official. But several officials said that as a study group spoke with service members this year they found that many wanted clearer definitions of what was not allowed. The officials spoke about the new rules on condition of anonymity because they have not yet been made public.The military has long been aware of small numbers of white supremacists and other extremists among the troops. But Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other leaders launched a broader campaign to root out extremism in the force after it became clear that military veterans and some current service members were present at the Jan. 6 insurrection.In a message to the force on Monday, Austin said the department believes that only a few service members violate their oath and participate in extremist activities. But, he added, “even the actions of a few can have an outsized impact on unit cohesion, morale and readiness - and the physical harm some of these activities can engender can undermine the safety of our people.”The risk of extremism in the military can be more dangerous because many service members have access to classified information about sensitive military operations or other national security information that could help adversaries. And extremist groups routinely recruit former and current service members because of their familiarity with weapons and combat tactics.Officials said that while the substantiated cases may be small, compared to the size of the military, which includes more than 2 million active duty and reserve troops. The number appears to be an increase over previous years where the totals were in the low two-digits. But they also noted that data has not been consistent so it is difficult to identify trends.The new rules do not provide a list of extremist organizations. Instead, it is up to commanders to determine if a service member is actively conducting extremist activities based on the definitions, rather than on a list of groups that may be constantly changing, officials said.Asked whether troops can simply be members of an extremist organization, officials said the rules effectively prohibit membership in any meaningful way — such as the payment of dues or other actions that could be considered “active participation.”The regulations lay out six broad groups of extremist activities, and then provide 14 different definitions that constitute active participation.Soon after taking office, Austin ordered military leaders to schedule a so-called “stand-down” day and spend time talking to their troops about extremism in the ranks.The new rules apply to all of the military services, including the Coast Guard, which in peacetime is part of the Department of Homeland Security. They were developed through recommendations from the Countering Extremist Activities Working Group. And they make the distinction, for example, that troops may possess extremist materials, but they can’t attempt to distribute them, and while they can observe an extremist rally, they can’t participate, fund or support one.The rules, said the officials, focus on behavior not ideology. So service members have whatever political, religious or other beliefs that they want, but their actions and behavior are governed.In addition to the new rules, the Pentagon is expanding its screening for recruits to include a deeper look at potential extremist activities. Some activities may not totally prevent someone from joining the military, but require a closer look at the applicant.The department also is expanding education and training for current military members, and more specifically for those leaving the service who may be suddenly subject to recruitment by extremist organizations.More than 650 people have been charged in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, including dozens of veterans and about a half dozen active duty service members. Among them — an Army reservist who wore a Hitler mustache to his job at a Navy base.Some of the rioters facing the most serious charges, including members of far-right extremist groups, have military backgrounds. In several of the prosecution cases already, the Justice Department has cited a rioter’s military service as a factor weighing in favor of a jail sentence or house arrest. Prosecutors have repeatedly maintained that veterans’ service, while commendable, made their actions on Jan. 6 more egregious.

Pentagon issues rules aimed at stopping rise of extremism

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a violent altercation in Manhattan.

Just before 1:30p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery and domestic battery in Manhattan, according to the the Riley County Police Department activity report.

An 18-year-old woman and 21-year-old woman reported two suspects were in an altercation with them. A 21-year-old female suspect hit the 18-year-old victim in the head with a toaster. 

Police arrested Lakesha Randolph, 21, of Manhattan on requested charges aggravated battery. She is being held on a bond of $5,000, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a violent altercation in Manhattan.Just before 1:30p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery and domestic battery in Manhattan, according to the the Riley County Police Department activity report.An 18-year-old woman and 21-year-old woman reported two suspects were in an altercation with them. A 21-year-old female suspect hit the 18-year-old victim in the head with a toaster. Police arrested Lakesha Randolph, 21, of Manhattan on requested charges aggravated battery. She is being held on a bond of $5,000, according to the RCPD.

RCPD: Woman arrested after allegedly hitting teen with a toaster

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in the drive-by shooting at a home in Wichita that critically injured an 11-year-old girl&nbsp;is scheduled to return to court Monday for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's office.

Byron Purcell, 25 of Wichita, is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the District Attorney's office.

On Oct. 14, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18777609">Purcell</a>.&nbsp;He is accused of being the gunman in a shooting that happened early Oct. 12 in a Wichita neighborhood in which bullets hit a house.

Police say an<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">&nbsp;11-year-old girl </a>was in the house and asleep in her bed when she was hit by the gunfire. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police say four other people in the home at the time of the shooting were not injured.

Purcell remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Since Nov. 2017 Purcell was in one of several Kansas prisons following three convictions for aggravated  robbery. The state also reported Purcell had over  two dozen disciplinary violation during his time in prison. He was released in June, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634298594579.png" alt="Purcell photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Purcell photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in the drive-by shooting at a home in Wichita that critically injured an 11-year-old girl&nbsp;is scheduled to return to court Monday for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's office.Byron Purcell, 25 of Wichita, is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634162750977.png" alt="Image of the suspect vehicle driving by the home Oct. 12-Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image of the suspect vehicle driving by the home Oct. 12-Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On Oct. 14, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18777609">Purcell</a>.&nbsp;He is accused of being the gunman in a shooting that happened early Oct. 12 in a Wichita neighborhood in which bullets hit a house.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634171148198.png" alt="A cousin established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">GoFundMe page </a>to help the girl's family with medical expenses.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A cousin established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">GoFundMe page </a>to help the girl's family with medical expenses.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure> Police say an<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">&nbsp;11-year-old girl </a>was in the house and asleep in her bed when she was hit by the gunfire. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police say four other people in the home at the time of the shooting were not injured.Purcell remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.Since Nov. 2017 Purcell was in one of several Kansas prisons following three convictions for aggravated robbery. The state also reported Purcell had over two dozen disciplinary violation during his time in prison. He was released in June, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.---------

Suspect in drive-by shooting of Kan. girl due back in court

KANSAS CITY —A judge on Friday sentenced a 61-year-old Kansas City-area man to consecutive life sentences for the fatal May 2018 road rage incident, the stabbing of Cody M. Harter on an interstate roadside in Lee's Summit, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In August, a jury convicted Nicholas M. Webb, 62, Pleasant Hill, of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges. On Friday, a Jackson County judge on Friday sentenced Webb to life in prison for the Murder 2nd Degree conviction and life in prison on the Armed Criminal Action conviction. He set those sentences to run consecutively..&nbsp;

According to court records, Lee's Summit Police officers responded to Interstate 470 in the area of Colbern Road on a reported man on the ground. They found the victim with a large wound. The victim's vehicle was still at the scene. Witnesses and surveillance video of the victim's and the suspect's vehicles led police to the suspect. 

Lee's Summit police took the defendant into custody. The defendant told police he had exchanged words with driver of a truck and acknowledged getting out of his vehicle. He also stated the victim looked familiar. Lee's Summit police also found that Webb had been arrested in Liberty on the same day as the homicide. Information from that arrest showed Webb had a knife in his pants pocket.

As an Air National Guardsman, Harter had served in Iraq and Qatar and helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628246838266.png" alt="Webb-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Webb-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A judge on Friday sentenced a 61-year-old Kansas City-area man to consecutive life sentences for the fatal May 2018 road rage incident, the stabbing of Cody M. Harter on an interstate roadside in Lee's Summit, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In August, a jury convicted Nicholas M. Webb, 62, Pleasant Hill, of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges. On Friday, a Jackson County judge on Friday sentenced Webb to life in prison for the Murder 2nd Degree conviction and life in prison on the Armed Criminal Action conviction. He set those sentences to run consecutively..&nbsp;According to court records, Lee's Summit Police officers responded to Interstate 470 in the area of Colbern Road on a reported man on the ground. They found the victim with a large wound. The victim's vehicle was still at the scene. Witnesses and surveillance video of the victim's and the suspect's vehicles led police to the suspect. Lee's Summit police took the defendant into custody. The defendant told police he had exchanged words with driver of a truck and acknowledged getting out of his vehicle. He also stated the victim looked familiar. Lee's Summit police also found that Webb had been arrested in Liberty on the same day as the homicide. Information from that arrest showed Webb had a knife in his pants pocket.As an Air National Guardsman, Harter had served in Iraq and Qatar and helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico.

Man sentenced for KC-area road-rage killing of National Guardsman

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of illegally possessing a firearm.

Jovell L. Swopes, 43, was found guilty on Dec. 15, of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

Swopes sold 2.7 grams of marijuana to an undercover Kansas City police officer on July 31, 2019. He was pulled over afterward and placed under arrest. Officers searched the vehicle Swopes was driving and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber pistol on the front passenger seat. Officers found a Glock magazine that contained 21 .40-caliber rounds inside a fanny pack on the rear floorboard of the vehicle.

At the time of his arrest, Swopes was on supervised release after serving almost four years in federal prison for a conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. In addition to his prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Swopes has prior felony convictions for assault, armed criminal action, sale of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for five hours before returning a guilty verdict on this count to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Monday, Dec. 13.

Under federal statutes, Swopes is subject to a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603057195468.png" alt="Swopes-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Swopes-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of illegally possessing a firearm.Jovell L. Swopes, 43, was found guilty on Dec. 15, of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.Swopes sold 2.7 grams of marijuana to an undercover Kansas City police officer on July 31, 2019. He was pulled over afterward and placed under arrest. Officers searched the vehicle Swopes was driving and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber pistol on the front passenger seat. Officers found a Glock magazine that contained 21 .40-caliber rounds inside a fanny pack on the rear floorboard of the vehicle.At the time of his arrest, Swopes was on supervised release after serving almost four years in federal prison for a conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. In addition to his prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Swopes has prior felony convictions for assault, armed criminal action, sale of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance.Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for five hours before returning a guilty verdict on this count to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Monday, Dec. 13.Under federal statutes, Swopes is subject to a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.