PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest facing child pornography charges in&nbsp;Rhode Island&nbsp;was released on unsecured bond and will be allowed to travel to&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;to stay with a family member while he awaits trial.

The Rev. James W. Jackson, 66, made an initial appearance in federal court in Providence on Wednesday.

Prosecutors sought to have Jackson detained, saying he was a flight risk and a danger to the community. But Jackson will be allowed to travel to Kansas with home detention and GPS monitoring. Authorities did not specify exactly where in Kansas he would stay.

Jackson was arrested on Saturday by state police after a court-authorized search warrant was executed at St. Mary's church and rectory in Providence.

According to an affidavit, the investigation began on Sept. 4 after police identified an IP address sharing files of “child sexual abuse materials” through a peer-to-peer network.

The IP address was linked to St. Mary’s, according to authorities.

Investigators found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on an external hard drive owned by Jackson, according to court documents. An email seeking comment was left with Jackson's attorney.

Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin in an earlier statement said Jackson has been prohibited from performing the duties of a priest.

Jackson came to the diocese in August from the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, which has cared for St. Mary's since June 2018. He had previously passed a background check, the organization said.

Jackson also faces arraignment on related state charges on Nov. 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636050976552.png" alt="Jackson photo&nbsp;Rhode Island State Police" />
 <figcaption>Jackson photo&nbsp;Rhode Island State Police</figcaption>
 </figure>PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest facing child pornography charges in&nbsp;Rhode Island&nbsp;was released on unsecured bond and will be allowed to travel to&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;to stay with a family member while he awaits trial.The Rev. James W. Jackson, 66, made an initial appearance in federal court in Providence on Wednesday.Prosecutors sought to have Jackson detained, saying he was a flight risk and a danger to the community. But Jackson will be allowed to travel to Kansas with home detention and GPS monitoring. Authorities did not specify exactly where in Kansas he would stay.Jackson was arrested on Saturday by state police after a court-authorized search warrant was executed at St. Mary's church and rectory in Providence.According to an affidavit, the investigation began on Sept. 4 after police identified an IP address sharing files of “child sexual abuse materials” through a peer-to-peer network.The IP address was linked to St. Mary’s, according to authorities.Investigators found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on an external hard drive owned by Jackson, according to court documents. An email seeking comment was left with Jackson's attorney.Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin in an earlier statement said Jackson has been prohibited from performing the duties of a priest.Jackson came to the diocese in August from the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, which has cared for St. Mary's since June 2018. He had previously passed a background check, the organization said.Jackson also faces arraignment on related state charges on Nov. 15.

Priest had 'hundreds' of child porn images, will await trial in Kan.

KANSAS CITY(AP) — A Kansas City woman who told police she shot and killed three people because she was "a bad person” has been convicted in their deaths.

Lynnsey D. Jones, 37, was convicted Thursday of three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said in a news release.

Court documents said Jones went to a home in Kansas City to buy narcotics on Oct. 17, 2019.

Officers who were responding to reports of gunshots saw her walking near the home with a weapon in her hands. She was arrested and a man who was with her, Victor Sykes, 45, was arrested after a short foot chase.

Officers found the bodies of Larona T. Jones, Brady Jones and Larry T. Barnes Jr. inside and outside of the home.

When police asked Jones why she shot the three victims, she replied “because I'm a bad person," according to a police affidavit.

Sykes is scheduled for trial on Nov. 29 on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636135682333.png" alt="Jones photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A Kansas City woman who told police she shot and killed three people because she was "a bad person” has been convicted in their deaths.Lynnsey D. Jones, 37, was convicted Thursday of three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said in a news release.Court documents said Jones went to a home in Kansas City to buy narcotics on Oct. 17, 2019.Officers who were responding to reports of gunshots saw her walking near the home with a weapon in her hands. She was arrested and a man who was with her, Victor Sykes, 45, was arrested after a short foot chase.Officers found the bodies of Larona T. Jones, Brady Jones and Larry T. Barnes Jr. inside and outside of the home.When police asked Jones why she shot the three victims, she replied “because I'm a bad person," according to a police affidavit.Sykes is scheduled for trial on Nov. 29 on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action.

KC woman to police: I killed 3 people because I'm a bad  person

RENO COUNTY — The Reno County Drug Enforcement Unit made a pair of significant arrests this week.

Just after 9p.m. Nov. 3, the drug enforcement unit stopped a car for a traffic violation in the 11000 block of east Arlington Road, just east of Haven, according to the Reno Co. Sheriff's Department.

Deputies found methamphetamine that was stored in a quart-sized plastic baggie, which later weighed in at 1 lb. Underneath one of the seats, there was a loaded M-11 9mm firearm. There were several other items of drug paraphernalia found throughout the vehicle. Both occupants were arrested on suspicion of numerous drug charges.

Bradley Kuker, 47, Dodge City, is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended.

Anthony Thomas, 39, also of Dodge City, is being held on requested charges&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (100g-&lt;1kg), possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and illegal transportation of alcohol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636196066934.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — The Reno County Drug Enforcement Unit made a pair of significant arrests this week.Just after 9p.m. Nov. 3, the drug enforcement unit stopped a car for a traffic violation in the 11000 block of east Arlington Road, just east of Haven, according to the Reno Co. Sheriff's Department.Deputies found methamphetamine that was stored in a quart-sized plastic baggie, which later weighed in at 1 lb. Underneath one of the seats, there was a loaded M-11 9mm firearm. There were several other items of drug paraphernalia found throughout the vehicle. Both occupants were arrested on suspicion of numerous drug charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636205299221.png" alt="Kuker has previous convictions for burglary, theft, aggravated robbery and aggravated assault, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Kuker has previous convictions for burglary, theft, aggravated robbery and aggravated assault, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Bradley Kuker, 47, Dodge City, is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636205454803.png" alt="Thomas has previous convictions for identity theft, criminal threat, aggravated battery, theft, forgery and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Thomas has previous convictions for identity theft, criminal threat, aggravated battery, theft, forgery and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Anthony Thomas, 39, also of Dodge City, is being held on requested charges&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (100g-&lt;1kg), possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and illegal transportation of alcohol.

Deputies find pound of meth, firearm, arrest 2 Kan. felons

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Six people have been arrested after a brawl outside of South High School in Wichita — the second big fight there in nine days. KAKE-TV reports that four juveniles and two adults were arrested Friday. 

In the latest incident, a school district spokeswoman says two students were in a fight that was broken up, but relatives of the students went to the school and began fighting in the parking lot, and their students joined in. Police say those arrested are accused of disorderly conduct, battery of a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Six people have been arrested after a brawl outside of South High School in Wichita — the second big fight there in nine days. KAKE-TV reports that four juveniles and two adults were arrested Friday. In the latest incident, a school district spokeswoman says two students were in a fight that was broken up, but relatives of the students went to the school and began fighting in the parking lot, and their students joined in. Police say those arrested are accused of disorderly conduct, battery of a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.

Six arrested after fight breaks out at Kansas high school

HOUSTON (AP) — At least eight people died and numerous others were injured in what officials described as a surge of the crowd at the Astroworld music festival in Houston while rapper Travis Scott was performing.

Officials declared a “mass casualty incident” just after 9 p.m. Friday during the festival where an estimated 50,000 people were in attendance, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña told reporters at a news conference.

“The crowd began to compress towards the front of the stage, and that caused some panic, and it started causing some injuries,” the fire chief said. “People began to fall out, become unconscious, and it created additional panic.”

The show was called off shortly thereafter. The fire chief said “scores of individuals” were injured.

Officials transported 17 people to hospitals, including 11 who were in cardiac arrest, Peña said. It wasn’t clear whether all eight who died were among the 17 that had been transported to hospitals. Many people were also treated at the scene at NRG Park, where a field hospital had been set up. About 300 people were examined at that site throughout the day, he said.

Astroworld is a two-day music festival that was scheduled to take place Friday and Saturday in Houston. The event was sold out, according to the Astroworld website. Saturday’s performances have been canceled.

The deaths called to mind a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8f4b34167ea84746a542a2fd19df55d0">1979 concert for The Who</a>&nbsp;where 11 people died and about two dozen were injured as thousands of fans tried to get into Cincinnati’s riverfront coliseum.

Scott, one of music’s biggest young stars, released two new songs earlier Friday, “Mafia” and “Escape Plan.” The 29-year-old Houston native has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards. He has a 3-year-old daughter, Stormi, with Kylie Jenner, who announced in September that she’s pregnant with their second child.

Drake joined Scott on-stage at the concert — which was livestreamed by Apple Music — and posted photos to Instagram after the performance.

Event promoters had arranged for medical units to be on scene at the festival, however once the crowd surge began, those units were “quickly overwhelmed,” Peña said.

In a video posted to social media, Scott could be seen stopping the concert at one point and asking for aid for someone in the audience: “Security, somebody help real quick.”

Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite was near the front of the crowd and said it seemed the surge “happened all at once.”

“Suddenly we had several people down on the ground, experiencing some type of cardiac arrest or some type of medical episode,” Satterwhite said. “And so we immediately started doing CPR, and moving people right then, and that’s when I went and met with the promoters, and Live Nation, and they agreed to end early in the interest of public safety.”

Peña said officials did not immediately know the causes of death for the eight people who died. A medical examiner would investigate. The deceased had not been identified as of early Saturday.

Officials set up a reunification center at a hotel for family members who had not been able to reach relatives who had been in attendance at the event. Authorities were looking to connect families with festivalgoers who were transported to the hospital, “some as young as 10” years old, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner called for calm and urged people not to jump to conclusions as to what caused the surge.

“I think it’s very important that none of us speculate. Nobody has all the answers tonight,” Finner said. He added that there have been several rumors surrounding the event that authorities would look into.

“We’re going to do an investigation and find out because it’s not fair to the producers, to anybody else involved, until we determine what happened, what caused the surge,” he said. “We don’t know, but we will find out.”

The Associated Press reached out to a representative for Scott but did not immediately hear back.

Finner told reporters that Scott and the event promoters cooperated with police.

Scott founded Astroworld Festival in 2018 and it has taken place at the former site of Six Flags AstroWorld each year since, except for in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Other music events where there have been multiple fatalities in recent years include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-shootings-las-vegas-tennessee-6ad8d49e6a99bc2e3bd75994b1234a51">Las Vegas massacre in 2017</a>&nbsp;when 58 people were killed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, the so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-oakland-san-francisco-coronavirus-pandemic-bc08427a00668b593d4c2dd536f4bfed">Ghost Ship fire in 2016</a>&nbsp;that killed 36 people in California and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/566480ddd2ae4d0ab8ced0ea40d06fcc">2003 Station nightclub fire</a>&nbsp;that killed 100 people in Rhode Island.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636206921494.png" alt="The fire chief said “scores of individuals” were injured. -photo courtesy KPRC-TV" />
 <figcaption>The fire chief said “scores of individuals” were injured. -photo courtesy KPRC-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — At least eight people died and numerous others were injured in what officials described as a surge of the crowd at the Astroworld music festival in Houston while rapper Travis Scott was performing.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=316&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHoustonpolice%2Fvideos%2F293461855969202%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="316" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Officials declared a “mass casualty incident” just after 9 p.m. Friday during the festival where an estimated 50,000 people were in attendance, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña told reporters at a news conference.“The crowd began to compress towards the front of the stage, and that caused some panic, and it started causing some injuries,” the fire chief said. “People began to fall out, become unconscious, and it created additional panic.”The show was called off shortly thereafter. The fire chief said “scores of individuals” were injured.Officials transported 17 people to hospitals, including 11 who were in cardiac arrest, Peña said. It wasn’t clear whether all eight who died were among the 17 that had been transported to hospitals. Many people were also treated at the scene at NRG Park, where a field hospital had been set up. About 300 people were examined at that site throughout the day, he said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE AS OF 0745 am: If you have not been able to contact your loved one who attended <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASTROWORLDFest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASTROWORLDFest</a> please call 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 or go to the reunification center at 8686 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77054.&mdash; Houston OEM (@HoustonOEM) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonOEM/status/1456976711766077442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Astroworld is a two-day music festival that was scheduled to take place Friday and Saturday in Houston. The event was sold out, according to the Astroworld website. Saturday’s performances have been canceled.The deaths called to mind a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8f4b34167ea84746a542a2fd19df55d0">1979 concert for The Who</a>&nbsp;where 11 people died and about two dozen were injured as thousands of fans tried to get into Cincinnati’s riverfront coliseum.Scott, one of music’s biggest young stars, released two new songs earlier Friday, “Mafia” and “Escape Plan.” The 29-year-old Houston native has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards. He has a 3-year-old daughter, Stormi, with Kylie Jenner, who announced in September that she’s pregnant with their second child.Drake joined Scott on-stage at the concert — which was livestreamed by Apple Music — and posted photos to Instagram after the performance.Event promoters had arranged for medical units to be on scene at the festival, however once the crowd surge began, those units were “quickly overwhelmed,” Peña said.In a video posted to social media, Scott could be seen stopping the concert at one point and asking for aid for someone in the audience: “Security, somebody help real quick.”Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite was near the front of the crowd and said it seemed the surge “happened all at once.”“Suddenly we had several people down on the ground, experiencing some type of cardiac arrest or some type of medical episode,” Satterwhite said. “And so we immediately started doing CPR, and moving people right then, and that’s when I went and met with the promoters, and Live Nation, and they agreed to end early in the interest of public safety.”Peña said officials did not immediately know the causes of death for the eight people who died. A medical examiner would investigate. The deceased had not been identified as of early Saturday.Officials set up a reunification center at a hotel for family members who had not been able to reach relatives who had been in attendance at the event. Authorities were looking to connect families with festivalgoers who were transported to the hospital, “some as young as 10” years old, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said.Houston Police Chief Troy Finner called for calm and urged people not to jump to conclusions as to what caused the surge.“I think it’s very important that none of us speculate. Nobody has all the answers tonight,” Finner said. He added that there have been several rumors surrounding the event that authorities would look into.“We’re going to do an investigation and find out because it’s not fair to the producers, to anybody else involved, until we determine what happened, what caused the surge,” he said. “We don’t know, but we will find out.”The Associated Press reached out to a representative for Scott but did not immediately hear back.Finner told reporters that Scott and the event promoters cooperated with police.Scott founded Astroworld Festival in 2018 and it has taken place at the former site of Six Flags AstroWorld each year since, except for in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.Other music events where there have been multiple fatalities in recent years include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-shootings-las-vegas-tennessee-6ad8d49e6a99bc2e3bd75994b1234a51">Las Vegas massacre in 2017</a>&nbsp;when 58 people were killed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, the so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-oakland-san-francisco-coronavirus-pandemic-bc08427a00668b593d4c2dd536f4bfed">Ghost Ship fire in 2016</a>&nbsp;that killed 36 people in California and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/566480ddd2ae4d0ab8ced0ea40d06fcc">2003 Station nightclub fire</a>&nbsp;that killed 100 people in Rhode Island.

Fire chief: Mass casualty incident at music festival in Houston 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a suspect for alleged porch theft from a home.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, a woman reported an unknown suspect taking a package from the front porch of her home, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Through the examination of video, Flock Safety License Plate Readers, and police records investigators learned of 35-year-old Adam Quick’s involvement in the theft.&nbsp; Police located Quick on Friday and arrested him without incident.&nbsp;

Police will present the case to the City of Wichita prosecutor’s office.&nbsp; Additionally, Quick has been arrested and convicted on previous felony charges that include burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

An increase in package thefts is generally seen during this time of year.&nbsp; Here are some tips you can do to help keep your property safe:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Have packages delivered to your home only during hours that you are there;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are not home or out of town, have packages delivered to a trusted neighbor or have that neighbor pick up the package for you;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Have packages delivered to a store you’ve ordered from, or you can have that package delivered to the carrier facility for pick-up;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check with your employer and have packages delivered to your place of work during the day;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consider purchasing surveillance cameras and motion sensor lights; and If you are a victim of a theft, call 911 or (316) 268-4221 file a police report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636146736916.png" alt="Quick has previous convictions for burglary, theft and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept of Corrections -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Quick has previous convictions for burglary, theft and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept of Corrections -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a suspect for alleged porch theft from a home.Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, a woman reported an unknown suspect taking a package from the front porch of her home, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Through the examination of video, Flock Safety License Plate Readers, and police records investigators learned of 35-year-old Adam Quick’s involvement in the theft.&nbsp; Police located Quick on Friday and arrested him without incident.&nbsp;Police will present the case to the City of Wichita prosecutor’s office.&nbsp; Additionally, Quick has been arrested and convicted on previous felony charges that include burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.An increase in package thefts is generally seen during this time of year.&nbsp; Here are some tips you can do to help keep your property safe:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Have packages delivered to your home only during hours that you are there;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are not home or out of town, have packages delivered to a trusted neighbor or have that neighbor pick up the package for you;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Have packages delivered to a store you’ve ordered from, or you can have that package delivered to the carrier facility for pick-up;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check with your employer and have packages delivered to your place of work during the day;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consider purchasing surveillance cameras and motion sensor lights; and If you are a victim of a theft, call 911 or (316) 268-4221 file a police report.

Kan. man out of prison caught taking package from woman's porch

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on new charges.

On Wednesday, police arrested 39-year-old Brett A. Johnson, 39, Lansing, on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Johnson has three previous convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. In addition, Johnson has eight previous convictions for theft and burglary and has convictions for aggravated battery, criminal restraint and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636036816185.png" alt="Johnson-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on new charges.On Wednesday, police arrested 39-year-old Brett A. Johnson, 39, Lansing, on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Johnson has three previous convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. In addition, Johnson has eight previous convictions for theft and burglary and has convictions for aggravated battery, criminal restraint and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender with history of violent crime jailed for parole violation

COLUMBUS – A Kansas man has pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree premeditated murder for the deaths of two men in southeast Kansas in 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Mark Hopkins II, 30, of Columbus, Kan. entered a guilty plea Wednesday in Cherokee County District Court. 

Senior Judge Robert Fleming accepted the plea on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and set sentencing for December 27.

The crime occurred in June 2020, resulting in the deaths of Blaze Shank and Kylan Shook in Cherokee County. The case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Related charges against another defendant remains pending. Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Authorities arrested 26-year-old Tasha Young, of Weir, for her alleged role in Hopkins escape.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden and Assistant Attorney General Shannon Rush of Schmidt’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622299174237.png" alt="Authorities captured Hopkins in Oklahoma -Photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Authorities captured Hopkins in Oklahoma -Photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBUS – A Kansas man has pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree premeditated murder for the deaths of two men in southeast Kansas in 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.&nbsp; &nbsp; Mark Hopkins II, 30, of Columbus, Kan. entered a guilty plea Wednesday in Cherokee County District Court. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621960469451.png" alt="Hopkins photo Cherokee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hopkins photo Cherokee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Judge Robert Fleming accepted the plea on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and set sentencing for December 27. The crime occurred in June 2020, resulting in the deaths of Blaze Shank and Kylan Shook in Cherokee County. The case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Related charges against another defendant remains pending. Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622212658690.png" alt="Tasha Taylor Young" />
 <figcaption>Tasha Taylor Young</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities arrested 26-year-old Tasha Young, of Weir, for her alleged role in Hopkins escape.The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden and Assistant Attorney General Shannon Rush of Schmidt’s office.-----------------

Man who escaped from Kansas jail convicted in double killing

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

Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, police responded to 2147 SW Westport Drive on a burglary to the animal clinic, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

While officers were in route to the clinic, citizens saw an individual acting suspicious near AAA self-Storage and began to follow him as they called police. The individual pulled out a firearm and fired it at the citizen. The citizen, who was not struck, provided a good description of the individual, which was broadcast to officers.

Two detectives in the area saw the individual later identified as 42-year-old , Benjamin D. Hardesty run into the McDonalds located at 17th and SW Wanamaker.

Officers located him in the men’s bathroom and&nbsp; he was taken into custody without incident.

Hardesty is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on&nbsp; requested charges of Aggravated Assault and Burglary charges. Officer were later able to locate the firearm near a business where Hardesty was seen disposing of it. Officers also located a business that had been burglarized. No injuries were reported at the scene, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635972065735.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, police responded to 2147 SW Westport Drive on a burglary to the animal clinic, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.While officers were in route to the clinic, citizens saw an individual acting suspicious near AAA self-Storage and began to follow him as they called police. The individual pulled out a firearm and fired it at the citizen. The citizen, who was not struck, provided a good description of the individual, which was broadcast to officers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636022858956.png" alt="Hardesty-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hardesty-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Two detectives in the area saw the individual later identified as 42-year-old , Benjamin D. Hardesty run into the McDonalds located at 17th and SW Wanamaker.Officers located him in the men’s bathroom and&nbsp; he was taken into custody without incident.Hardesty is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on&nbsp; requested charges of Aggravated Assault and Burglary charges. Officer were later able to locate the firearm near a business where Hardesty was seen disposing of it. Officers also located a business that had been burglarized. No injuries were reported at the scene, according to Munoz.

Kansas burglary suspect hid in bathroom at McDonalds

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A prosecutor says that a Wichita police officer who fatally shot a fleeing bank robbery suspect last year is immune from prosecution under Kansas law.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett released his findings Thursday into the Dec. 21 death of Paul Peraza following a robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union in Wichita and the subsequent police chase. 

He concluded no criminal charges would be filed against the officer. Bennett says the officer’s explanation that he believed Peraza posed a danger to the other officer and the public is supported by the facts.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigating and the FBI are investigating a bank robbery resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

Just after 3:40 p.m. Monday, police responded to a bank robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union, 9555 East Corporate Hills Drive in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

 The suspect, 50-year-old Paul Peraza, entered the bank, walked behind the counter, and demanded money. Employees did not see a weapon, but they were in fear of their safety. Peraza took cash and then fled in a Toyota Tundra that was reported stolen on December 14, according to Cruz.

A police officer observed the Toyota traveling north on Webb Road and attempted to stop Peraza. 

He refused to stop and drove at excessive speeds into oncoming traffic to evade the officer. Peraza turned east on 13th&nbsp;street and struck a 2001 silver Chevy Suburban that was stopped at a red light. The driver received minor injuries. 

Peraza then put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza. 

Peraza then drove forward and struck a Honda Accord, which was also stopped at the intersection.

EMS responded to render aid, but Peraza was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators recovered money from the robbery in the bed of the pick-up truck.

After the incident, police learned that in 1996, Peraza was convicted of a bank robbery in California. He was also convicted of an armed bank robbery in 2006 in Oklahoma and was placed on Federal Probation.

A federal probation violation warrant had been issued for Peraza on December 14, according to Cruz.

The involved WPD officer is a nine-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Patrol East Bureau. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636056372231.png" alt="The suspect put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza." />
 <figcaption>The suspect put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A prosecutor says that a Wichita police officer who fatally shot a fleeing bank robbery suspect last year is immune from prosecution under Kansas law.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQ3o9-ImW0I?start=13" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett released his findings Thursday into the Dec. 21 death of Paul Peraza following a robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union in Wichita and the subsequent police chase. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608669653480.png" alt="Peraza from an earlier stay in the Butler Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Peraza from an earlier stay in the Butler Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>He concluded no criminal charges would be filed against the officer. Bennett says the officer’s explanation that he believed Peraza posed a danger to the other officer and the public is supported by the facts.--------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigating and the FBI are investigating a bank robbery resulting in an officer-involved shooting.Just after 3:40 p.m. Monday, police responded to a bank robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union, 9555 East Corporate Hills Drive in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz. The suspect, 50-year-old Paul Peraza, entered the bank, walked behind the counter, and demanded money. Employees did not see a weapon, but they were in fear of their safety. Peraza took cash and then fled in a Toyota Tundra that was reported stolen on December 14, according to Cruz.A police officer observed the Toyota traveling north on Webb Road and attempted to stop Peraza. He refused to stop and drove at excessive speeds into oncoming traffic to evade the officer. Peraza turned east on 13th&nbsp;street and struck a 2001 silver Chevy Suburban that was stopped at a red light. The driver received minor injuries. Peraza then put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza. Peraza then drove forward and struck a Honda Accord, which was also stopped at the intersection.EMS responded to render aid, but Peraza was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators recovered money from the robbery in the bed of the pick-up truck.After the incident, police learned that in 1996, Peraza was convicted of a bank robbery in California. He was also convicted of an armed bank robbery in 2006 in Oklahoma and was placed on Federal Probation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608669937205.png" alt="On December 10, Wichita police arrested Peraza for felon in possession of firearm, possession of illegal weapons, possession of methamphetamine, auto theft, possession of narcotics, and possession of a narcotic instrument-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>On December 10, Wichita police arrested Peraza for felon in possession of firearm, possession of illegal weapons, possession of methamphetamine, auto theft, possession of narcotics, and possession of a narcotic instrument-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>A federal probation violation warrant had been issued for Peraza on December 14, according to Cruz.The involved WPD officer is a nine-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Patrol East Bureau. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

🎥Prosecutor declines to file charges in fatal Kansas police shooting

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; the January murder of a man in Georgia have made an arrest in Kansas.

After months of searching,&nbsp;the US Marshals Service and the Chanute Police Department arrested 41-year-old Adrian Weston Wednesday in Chanute, Kansas, according to the Chanute Police Department.

Weston is being held on requested charges in connection with the murder of Alex Tolbert.

Weston is currently being held in the Neosho County, Kansas jail awaiting extradition back to Georgia by Morgan Co. Sheriff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636057527380.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; the January murder of a man in Georgia have made an arrest in Kansas.After months of searching,&nbsp;the US Marshals Service and the Chanute Police Department arrested 41-year-old Adrian Weston Wednesday in Chanute, Kansas, according to the Chanute Police Department.Weston is being held on requested charges in connection with the murder of Alex Tolbert.Weston is currently being held in the Neosho County, Kansas jail awaiting extradition back to Georgia by Morgan Co. Sheriff.

Police: Suspect in Georgia killing captured in Kansas

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the October 27, shooting death of 22-year-old Chase Anderson in Hoisington.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Hoisington Police arrested&nbsp; 32-year-old Adam M. Sullivan of Hoisington, on requested charges of involuntary manslaughter connected to the shooting, according to a media release from the KBI.

Sullivan was already in custody at the Barton County Jail when he was arrested for the new charge.

Just after 3a.m. Oct. 27, the Hoisington Police Department received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 405 E. 2nd&nbsp;St. in Hoisington.

When officers arrived they located Anderson suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; EMS arrived and attempted life-saving measures. A short time later Anderson was pronounced dead.

Preliminary information revealed that Anderson was shot in the chest with a handgun. His acquaintance, 32-year-old Adam Sullivan, of Hoisington, was also in the residence at the time of the shooting. Officers arrested him for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Barton County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636039970228.png" alt="Sullivan-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Sullivan-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the October 27, shooting death of 22-year-old Chase Anderson in Hoisington.Just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Hoisington Police arrested&nbsp; 32-year-old Adam M. Sullivan of Hoisington, on requested charges of involuntary manslaughter connected to the shooting, according to a media release from the KBI.Sullivan was already in custody at the Barton County Jail when he was arrested for the new charge.Just after 3a.m. Oct. 27, the Hoisington Police Department received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 405 E. 2nd&nbsp;St. in Hoisington.When officers arrived they located Anderson suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; EMS arrived and attempted life-saving measures. A short time later Anderson was pronounced dead.Preliminary information revealed that Anderson was shot in the chest with a handgun. His acquaintance, 32-year-old Adam Sullivan, of Hoisington, was also in the residence at the time of the shooting. Officers arrested him for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Barton County Jail.

Kan. man accused of involuntary manslaughter in fatal shooting

PAWNEE COUNTY—Sheriffs from across Kansas sent a letter to Governor Laura Kelly this week saying "the operations and management at Larned State Hospital have reached a crisis level," after sexual predator John Colt escaped in June. 

Colt was being held in the sexual predator program when he escaped by posing as a doctor and walking out of the hospital. He was arrested in Utah in September. Three hospital employees have been charged in connection to Colt's escape.

Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir provided the letter sent to the governor:

I am writing on behalf of myself and several other duly elected and sworn Sheriffs who have signed this letter. It is our experience that the operations and management at Larned State Hospital have reached a crisis level.    Over the last several years, the leadership has created a culture that has become a quagmire of red tape and bureaucracy.  This places the public at risk and obstructs law enforcement.  We have three main areas of concern.

We wish to call to your attention the escape of John Colt and at least two other individuals. Mr. Colt was considered a violent and dangerous sexual predator. He escaped from the “Sexual Predator Treatment Program” located on the Larned campus.  The administrators of this program failed to contact law enforcement for more than five hours after it was evident there was a problem.  Colt was later arrested in Utah in September. 

Furthermore, when Sheriff King of Pawnee County attempted to investigate the escape, the administrative staff refused to assist, compelling Sheriff King to obtain and execute several search warrants simply to obtain video and documents relating to the escape. At one point, KDADS's legal department suggested getting a protective order against the Sheriff! During Sheriff King’s investigation, three employees were arrested for aiding John Colt in his escape.  It is now clear why the administration did not want Sheriff King investigating the incident. 

After Mr. Colt’s escape, there were two subsequent escapes, one occurring in Hutchinson the other occurring in the City of Larned. Both individuals were captured by local law enforcement in a very short period of time. Three escapes in a matter of months are unacceptable.

Recently, an individual was taken into protective custody in Barton County. The person was obviously in a mental crisis. He was hallucinating, standing in the middle of a rural highway yelling at nonexistent people. The subject was taken into protective custody and evaluated as well as medically screened. It was unclear if the individual was living in his car. 

However, his driver’s license showed an address in a city in northeastern Kansas. Because he was outside of the Larned “catchment area,” my office was advised we must transport him to the Osawatomie facility because Larned was “almost full”. Osawatomie is more than 200 miles from Barton County, Larned State Hospital is 30 miles. This is absurd. Only after repeated calls to the superintendent at Larned did they accepted the patient.  I was advised by the superintendent the patient would most likely be transported Osawatomie by LSH staff. It was pointed out if this person was in my custody because of criminal charges Larned would have accepted them.  This is just one more example of red tape and bureaucracy.

There are a couple of other incidents you should be aware of. Recently, I had an inmate charged with a very serious crime who became extremely violent and self-abusive to the point of smashing their face into cement walls in a holding cell. The inmate was removed, restrained, and evaluated. Mental health professionals completed the proper paperwork to admit the individual to the state hospital at Larned. This was on a Friday afternoon. Due to “no available beds” the inmate was not transported to Larned State Hospital until late Sunday morning. During the waiting period before admission, the inmate had to be restrained. Any time this individual was released from the restraints (restroom, eating, etc.) she became violent, and several officers were required to once again prevent harm to the inmate.

Sheriff Bill Carr from Ford County experienced a situation in which a patient was medically cleared for admission to the state hospital at Larned three times.  He still met resistance from the staff at the state hospital at Larned. An inmate had become very violent and was in a mental crisis. He had also claimed to have eaten some foreign objects. The inmate was medically screened before leaving Dodge City. The inmate then stated he had eaten more foreign objects while in the transport van. The inmate was again examined at the hospital in Larned and sent on the Great Bend to be scoped. No foreign objects were found at any of the medical care facilities. During transportation, the inmate managed to kick out a rear window in one patrol car and damage the headliner, radar, and emergency lighting in another. Upon arrival at the state hospital, the inmate told a security guard he had eaten glass. The security officer opted to refuse the inmate even though Sheriff King and Sheriff Carr were both present explaining that this had not happened. After a prolonged conversation, Sheriff King contemplated arresting the security guards for obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Once again, the superintendent was called, and the patient was accepted by Larned.  At a later date, the patient was transported to the hospital in Larned by one LSH staff member.  The patient was one of the above-mentioned escapees.

There are numerous incidents in which law enforcement agencies have had to sit with citizens who are in a mental health crisis in lobbies or briefing rooms at sheriff’s offices and police departments for hours or days.  This is a dis-service to Kansans in need of help.

The anecdotal evidence could fill volumes. Almost every law enforcement agency in Western Kansas continues to have problems with services at the state hospital. As Sheriffs, we understand issues concerning staffing and Covid 19 related problems. We are faced with the same issues every day in our county jails. That said, we will continue to do our job. Larned State Hospital must also.

Interpretation of policies and procedure begins at the top. There appears to be a culture at the state hospital that resists the admission of patients. Further, we have found these issues are exasperated on weekends. Leadership and accountability are key to the culture of any organization. Under the current regime at the Larned State Hospital, it is our opinion that the public is in danger and there is a continued disservice to those who are mentally ill. Therefore, we must firmly insist on a change of leadership at the administrative level at Larned State Hospital.  Your prompt attention in this matter would be greatly appreciated. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625086515798.png" alt="John Colt as seen in security camera images during his escape in June." />
 <figcaption>John Colt as seen in security camera images during his escape in June.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—Sheriffs from across Kansas sent a letter to Governor Laura Kelly this week saying "the operations and management at Larned State Hospital have reached a crisis level," after sexual predator John Colt escaped in June. Colt was being held in the sexual predator program when he escaped by posing as a doctor and walking out of the hospital. He was arrested in Utah in September. Three hospital employees have been charged in connection to Colt's escape.Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir provided the letter sent to the governor:I am writing on behalf of myself and several other duly elected and sworn Sheriffs who have signed this letter. It is our experience that the operations and management at Larned State Hospital have reached a crisis level. Over the last several years, the leadership has created a culture that has become a quagmire of red tape and bureaucracy. This places the public at risk and obstructs law enforcement. We have three main areas of concern.EscapesWe wish to call to your attention the escape of John Colt and at least two other individuals. Mr. Colt was considered a violent and dangerous sexual predator. He escaped from the “Sexual Predator Treatment Program” located on the Larned campus. The administrators of this program failed to contact law enforcement for more than five hours after it was evident there was a problem. Colt was later arrested in Utah in September. Furthermore, when Sheriff King of Pawnee County attempted to investigate the escape, the administrative staff refused to assist, compelling Sheriff King to obtain and execute several search warrants simply to obtain video and documents relating to the escape. At one point, KDADS's legal department suggested getting a protective order against the Sheriff! During Sheriff King’s investigation, three employees were arrested for aiding John Colt in his escape. It is now clear why the administration did not want Sheriff King investigating the incident. After Mr. Colt’s escape, there were two subsequent escapes, one occurring in Hutchinson the other occurring in the City of Larned. Both individuals were captured by local law enforcement in a very short period of time. Three escapes in a matter of months are unacceptable.KDADS “Catchment Area”Recently, an individual was taken into protective custody in Barton County. The person was obviously in a mental crisis. He was hallucinating, standing in the middle of a rural highway yelling at nonexistent people. The subject was taken into protective custody and evaluated as well as medically screened. It was unclear if the individual was living in his car. However, his driver’s license showed an address in a city in northeastern Kansas. Because he was outside of the Larned “catchment area,” my office was advised we must transport him to the Osawatomie facility because Larned was “almost full”. Osawatomie is more than 200 miles from Barton County, Larned State Hospital is 30 miles. This is absurd. Only after repeated calls to the superintendent at Larned did they accepted the patient. I was advised by the superintendent the patient would most likely be transported Osawatomie by LSH staff. It was pointed out if this person was in my custody because of criminal charges Larned would have accepted them. This is just one more example of red tape and bureaucracy.Refusal of patientsThere are a couple of other incidents you should be aware of. Recently, I had an inmate charged with a very serious crime who became extremely violent and self-abusive to the point of smashing their face into cement walls in a holding cell. The inmate was removed, restrained, and evaluated. Mental health professionals completed the proper paperwork to admit the individual to the state hospital at Larned. This was on a Friday afternoon. Due to “no available beds” the inmate was not transported to Larned State Hospital until late Sunday morning. During the waiting period before admission, the inmate had to be restrained. Any time this individual was released from the restraints (restroom, eating, etc.) she became violent, and several officers were required to once again prevent harm to the inmate.Sheriff Bill Carr from Ford County experienced a situation in which a patient was medically cleared for admission to the state hospital at Larned three times. He still met resistance from the staff at the state hospital at Larned. An inmate had become very violent and was in a mental crisis. He had also claimed to have eaten some foreign objects. The inmate was medically screened before leaving Dodge City. The inmate then stated he had eaten more foreign objects while in the transport van. The inmate was again examined at the hospital in Larned and sent on the Great Bend to be scoped. No foreign objects were found at any of the medical care facilities. During transportation, the inmate managed to kick out a rear window in one patrol car and damage the headliner, radar, and emergency lighting in another. Upon arrival at the state hospital, the inmate told a security guard he had eaten glass. The security officer opted to refuse the inmate even though Sheriff King and Sheriff Carr were both present explaining that this had not happened. After a prolonged conversation, Sheriff King contemplated arresting the security guards for obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Once again, the superintendent was called, and the patient was accepted by Larned. At a later date, the patient was transported to the hospital in Larned by one LSH staff member. The patient was one of the above-mentioned escapees.There are numerous incidents in which law enforcement agencies have had to sit with citizens who are in a mental health crisis in lobbies or briefing rooms at sheriff’s offices and police departments for hours or days. This is a dis-service to Kansans in need of help.The anecdotal evidence could fill volumes. Almost every law enforcement agency in Western Kansas continues to have problems with services at the state hospital. As Sheriffs, we understand issues concerning staffing and Covid 19 related problems. We are faced with the same issues every day in our county jails. That said, we will continue to do our job. Larned State Hospital must also.Interpretation of policies and procedure begins at the top. There appears to be a culture at the state hospital that resists the admission of patients. Further, we have found these issues are exasperated on weekends. Leadership and accountability are key to the culture of any organization. Under the current regime at the Larned State Hospital, it is our opinion that the public is in danger and there is a continued disservice to those who are mentally ill. Therefore, we must firmly insist on a change of leadership at the administrative level at Larned State Hospital. Your prompt attention in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Sheriffs ask Gov. for changes at Kan. state hospital following escape

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

On October 2, police were dispatched to a disturbance with shots fired near 8th and Fillmore in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

 Officers arrived and met with several people in the area and located one subject with an obvious gunshot wound. Through the investigation, a suspect was identified as Quaton Grover, 43 of Topeka.

Just after 3:00 p.m, Tuesday, with the assistance of the United State's Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Grover was located and eventually taken into custody in the 2600 block of SE Adams. 

&nbsp;Grover was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm stemming from the October 2nd shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635940058125.png" alt="Grover photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Grover photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.On October 2, police were dispatched to a disturbance with shots fired near 8th and Fillmore in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson. Officers arrived and met with several people in the area and located one subject with an obvious gunshot wound. Through the investigation, a suspect was identified as Quaton Grover, 43 of Topeka.Just after 3:00 p.m, Tuesday, with the assistance of the United State's Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Grover was located and eventually taken into custody in the 2600 block of SE Adams. &nbsp;Grover was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm stemming from the October 2nd shooting.

U.S. Marshals help capture Kansas shooting suspect

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection with an alleged assault on a 79-year-old victim.

Just before 9a.m. Monday, police responded to a disturbance at a home in the 700 Block of North 2nd Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police&nbsp; determined that during the disturbance property was damaged and a 79-year-old was a victim of battery by a family member.

Police located the 24-year-old family member suspect identified as Alexander Kelley outside the residence. When officers confronted Kelley, he was holding a pipe which he swung at officers as he was being arrested.

Police booked him into jail on requested charges of&nbsp; domestic battery, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635865943930.png" alt="Kelley photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Kelley photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection with an alleged assault on a 79-year-old victim.Just before 9a.m. Monday, police responded to a disturbance at a home in the 700 Block of North 2nd Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police&nbsp; determined that during the disturbance property was damaged and a 79-year-old was a victim of battery by a family member.Police located the 24-year-old family member suspect identified as Alexander Kelley outside the residence. When officers confronted Kelley, he was holding a pipe which he swung at officers as he was being arrested.Police booked him into jail on requested charges of&nbsp; domestic battery, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Police: Kansas man swung pipe at officer during arrest

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Halloween accident arrested 23-year-old Caleb Leivian of Wichita.

Just after 9p.m. Sunday, police working in the area of Douglas and Broadview were alerted by a citizen that someone had been hit by a car, according to Officer Trevor Macey.

Police located a &nbsp;4-year-old boy who had been struck by a westbound vehicle on Douglas.&nbsp;EMS and Fire Department personnel responded to treat the child, who was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released.

Officers learned that the child was trick-or-treating in the area and had gone into the street where he was struck by the vehicle. 

The driver, identified as Leivian, was arrested on scene after an investigation revealed signs of impairment. He was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery; DUI Causing great bodily harm, DUI; 2nd&nbsp;conviction, No proof of insurance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

A family member established a<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-and-healing-for-kimanis-family?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer"> GoFundMe page</a> to assist with the expenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635799076053.png" alt="Leivian-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Leivian-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Halloween accident arrested 23-year-old Caleb Leivian of Wichita.Just after 9p.m. Sunday, police working in the area of Douglas and Broadview were alerted by a citizen that someone had been hit by a car, according to Officer Trevor Macey.Police located a &nbsp;4-year-old boy who had been struck by a westbound vehicle on Douglas.&nbsp;EMS and Fire Department personnel responded to treat the child, who was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635863352628.png" alt="Photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers learned that the child was trick-or-treating in the area and had gone into the street where he was struck by the vehicle. The driver, identified as Leivian, was arrested on scene after an investigation revealed signs of impairment. He was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery; DUI Causing great bodily harm, DUI; 2nd&nbsp;conviction, No proof of insurance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;A family member established a<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-and-healing-for-kimanis-family?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer"> GoFundMe page</a> to assist with the expenses.

Kan. boy hit by alleged drunk driver while trick-or-treating is home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the  improper release of an inmate from the Sedgwick County Jail that occurred just before 9a.m. on Monday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Jamarcius Quayshaun Fisher, 30, was incarcerated as a pre-trail detainee on charges of Aggravated Burglary, Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage to Property.&nbsp; Authorities issued a warrant for Fisher’s arrest and took him into custody again just after 5p.m. Tuesday, according to Blick.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the&nbsp; improper release of an inmate from the Sedgwick County Jail that occurred just before 9a.m. on Monday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Jamarcius Quayshaun Fisher, 30, was incarcerated as a pre-trail detainee on charges of Aggravated Burglary, Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage to Property. A warrant for Fisher’s arrest has been issued.

Fisher was last known to live in the Wichita area. He is 5-foot-7 and weighs approximately 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

If you know of Fisher’s whereabouts please call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635890630290.png" alt="Fisher has previous convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick Count" />
 <figcaption>Fisher has previous convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick Count</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the improper release of an inmate from the Sedgwick County Jail that occurred just before 9a.m. on Monday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.Jamarcius Quayshaun Fisher, 30, was incarcerated as a pre-trail detainee on charges of Aggravated Burglary, Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage to Property.&nbsp; Authorities issued a warrant for Fisher’s arrest and took him into custody again just after 5p.m. Tuesday, according to Blick.------------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the&nbsp; improper release of an inmate from the Sedgwick County Jail that occurred just before 9a.m. on Monday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.Jamarcius Quayshaun Fisher, 30, was incarcerated as a pre-trail detainee on charges of Aggravated Burglary, Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage to Property. A warrant for Fisher’s arrest has been issued.Fisher was last known to live in the Wichita area. He is 5-foot-7 and weighs approximately 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.If you know of Fisher’s whereabouts please call 911.

Kan. burglary suspect mistakenly released from jail, captured

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused of leaving the scene of a fatal crash and fire will make a court appearance Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp; An arraignment hearing is scheduled for 43-year-old Russell W. Polk, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 11:30p.m. on March 31, 2020, 911 dispatch was notified about a vehicle on fire, at approximately 7500 W. 101st&nbsp;Street North, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;

Sheriff's deputies arrived along with the Sedgwick County Fire Department and observed a Dodge truck on its side fully engulfed in flames.&nbsp; After the fire was extinguished, first responders located the body of a woman in the pickup. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

The preliminary investigation into the accident indicated the truck was originally southbound on Ridge Road. It entered the field on the west side of Ridge, struck the ditch on 101st&nbsp;Street North and the driver lost control. The truck rolled into the south ditch.&nbsp;

The following day, deputies arrested Polk and booked him in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility for 2nd Degree Murder, according to Easter. Authorities believe Polk was driving at the time of the crash and that the victim was still alive when Polk fled the scene.&nbsp;

Polk remains jailed on a bond of $100,000, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=37055">according to online jail records.</a>&nbsp; He has numerous DUI and related driving convictions along with a conviction for criminal threat, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585864808889.png" alt="Polk&nbsp; has numerous DUI and related driving convictions along with a conviction for criminal threat, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Polk&nbsp; has numerous DUI and related driving convictions along with a conviction for criminal threat, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused of leaving the scene of a fatal crash and fire will make a court appearance Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp; An arraignment hearing is scheduled for 43-year-old Russell W. Polk, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 11:30p.m. on March 31, 2020, 911 dispatch was notified about a vehicle on fire, at approximately 7500 W. 101st&nbsp;Street North, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;Sheriff's deputies arrived along with the Sedgwick County Fire Department and observed a Dodge truck on its side fully engulfed in flames.&nbsp; After the fire was extinguished, first responders located the body of a woman in the pickup. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;The preliminary investigation into the accident indicated the truck was originally southbound on Ridge Road. It entered the field on the west side of Ridge, struck the ditch on 101st&nbsp;Street North and the driver lost control. The truck rolled into the south ditch.&nbsp;The following day, deputies arrested Polk and booked him in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility for 2nd Degree Murder, according to Easter. Authorities believe Polk was driving at the time of the crash and that the victim was still alive when Polk fled the scene.&nbsp;Polk remains jailed on a bond of $100,000, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=37055">according to online jail records.</a>&nbsp; He has numerous DUI and related driving convictions along with a conviction for criminal threat, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. man who fled fatal crash, fire set for arraignment hearing

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas lawmaker who has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation Monday after he was charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother at his grandfather’s home.

Magistrate Judge James Phelan said Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City could be freed on a personal recognizance bond, without putting up a deposit or collateral. The hearing was held via Zoom and Coleman didn’t appear because he is receiving medical care. No information was provided about his health status and Coleman’s attorney, David Bell, didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking details.

Overland Park police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">arrested the 21-year-old Saturday evening</a>.

Bell entered a plea of not guilty. He said the allegations involved two family members at the home of Coleman’s grandfather, Ronald Tomberlin.

Tomberlin and Coleman’s brother, both spoke on the call and said they weren’t afraid of the lawmaker.

“Judge, I have spoken to his mother and we are going to seek help for Mr. Coleman to help him with some of the issues that he is facing,” Bell said.

Phelan set his next court appearance for Dec. 22 and gave Coleman 21 days to undergo a mental health evaluation and follow the recommendations of a mental health specialist.

Coleman’s grandmother, Marsha Tomberlin, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/crime/2021/11/01/kansas-rep-aaron-coleman-arrest-misdemeanor-domestic-battery-charge-argument-family-member/6234078001/" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;</a>that the dispute was over “religious beliefs.” She said Coleman also accused his brother of stealing his phone to call the police. No further details were provided.

The Associated Press filed records requests for the probable cause affidavit, but it wasn’t immediately available. The police incident report provided no details about what the dispute was over and the grandmother’s phone number wasn’t listed.

It wasn’t immediately clear what consequences Coleman might face in the House.

“Given what little we know about the situation, I am concerned for everyone involved,” Speaker of the House, Ron Ryckman said in a weekend statement. “I know that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate and assess the situation so that we can take appropriate action.”

House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer issued a statement urging Coleman to resign and calling his arrest “extremely disturbing.”

After he was elected last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">Coleman received a written reprimand&nbsp;</a>from a legislative committee about his conduct before taking office. The House committee’s investigation of Coleman followed accusations of abusive behavior toward girls and young women. He acknowledged some of the behavior on social media and said he had been a troubled teenager.

Earlier this month, Coleman was also banned from the Kansas Department of Labor’s offices because the agency’s director said Coleman had tried to improperly gain entry to the department’s main office through a secured employee entry and berated a security officer.

At that time, Coleman said he was trying to help constituents deal with the state’s unemployment system.

Coleman&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1454440954153160704" target="_blank">tweeted&nbsp;</a>before his arrest Saturday that he had been isolated from other students while in grade schools, leaving him “traumatized as well as several years behind in my social skills.”

“This deficiency,” he wrote, “makes it difficult to express to the world the love that I hold in my tender heart. It makes it even harder to form and maintain meaningful relationships, including romantic relationships.”

He didn’t immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A first-year Kansas lawmaker, who was reprimanded by his colleagues for abusive conduct before taking office, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. 

Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City was arrested Saturday evening and Johnson County Jail records show he remains in custody Sunday afternoon.

The 21-year-old's arrest comes eight months after he received a written warning from a legislative committee about conduct before taking office that included abusive behavior toward young woman and girls.

 House Democratic leader Tom Sawyer says Coleman's constituents and the State of Kansas would be better served if he were to resign and get the help he badly needs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Aaron Coleman in his Saturday night booking photo from Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Coleman in his Saturday night booking photo from Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas lawmaker who has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation Monday after he was charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother at his grandfather’s home.Magistrate Judge James Phelan said Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City could be freed on a personal recognizance bond, without putting up a deposit or collateral. The hearing was held via Zoom and Coleman didn’t appear because he is receiving medical care. No information was provided about his health status and Coleman’s attorney, David Bell, didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking details.Overland Park police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">arrested the 21-year-old Saturday evening</a>.Bell entered a plea of not guilty. He said the allegations involved two family members at the home of Coleman’s grandfather, Ronald Tomberlin.Tomberlin and Coleman’s brother, both spoke on the call and said they weren’t afraid of the lawmaker.“Judge, I have spoken to his mother and we are going to seek help for Mr. Coleman to help him with some of the issues that he is facing,” Bell said.Phelan set his next court appearance for Dec. 22 and gave Coleman 21 days to undergo a mental health evaluation and follow the recommendations of a mental health specialist.Coleman’s grandmother, Marsha Tomberlin, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/crime/2021/11/01/kansas-rep-aaron-coleman-arrest-misdemeanor-domestic-battery-charge-argument-family-member/6234078001/" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;</a>that the dispute was over “religious beliefs.” She said Coleman also accused his brother of stealing his phone to call the police. No further details were provided.The Associated Press filed records requests for the probable cause affidavit, but it wasn’t immediately available. The police incident report provided no details about what the dispute was over and the grandmother’s phone number wasn’t listed.It wasn’t immediately clear what consequences Coleman might face in the House.“Given what little we know about the situation, I am concerned for everyone involved,” Speaker of the House, Ron Ryckman said in a weekend statement. “I know that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate and assess the situation so that we can take appropriate action.”House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer issued a statement urging Coleman to resign and calling his arrest “extremely disturbing.”After he was elected last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">Coleman received a written reprimand&nbsp;</a>from a legislative committee about his conduct before taking office. The House committee’s investigation of Coleman followed accusations of abusive behavior toward girls and young women. He acknowledged some of the behavior on social media and said he had been a troubled teenager.Earlier this month, Coleman was also banned from the Kansas Department of Labor’s offices because the agency’s director said Coleman had tried to improperly gain entry to the department’s main office through a secured employee entry and berated a security officer.At that time, Coleman said he was trying to help constituents deal with the state’s unemployment system.Coleman&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1454440954153160704" target="_blank">tweeted&nbsp;</a>before his arrest Saturday that he had been isolated from other students while in grade schools, leaving him “traumatized as well as several years behind in my social skills.”“This deficiency,” he wrote, “makes it difficult to express to the world the love that I hold in my tender heart. It makes it even harder to form and maintain meaningful relationships, including romantic relationships.”He didn’t immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment.___OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A first-year Kansas lawmaker, who was reprimanded by his colleagues for abusive conduct before taking office, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City was arrested Saturday evening and Johnson County Jail records show he remains in custody Sunday afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635710410061.png" alt="Image courtesy Johnson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Johnson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The 21-year-old's arrest comes eight months after he received a written warning from a legislative committee about conduct before taking office that included abusive behavior toward young woman and girls.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RELEASE: House Democratic Leader Responds to Representative’s Arrest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/p340E5QDAU">pic.twitter.com/p340E5QDAU</a>&mdash; Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSHouseDems/status/1454872735516086272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> House Democratic leader Tom Sawyer says Coleman's constituents and the State of Kansas would be better served if he were to resign and get the help he badly needs.

Judge orders mental exam for Kan. lawmaker after battery charge 

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged computer crime and have made an arrest.

On Friday, police arrested 32-year-0ld&nbsp;Tyler D. Chalfant of Atchison. 

He is being held on requested charges of unlawful use of a financial card, computer crimes and theft in connection to the fraudulent use of a financial card at two businesses on October 21, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635784623624.png" alt="Chalfant photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Chalfant photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged computer crime and have made an arrest.On Friday, police arrested 32-year-0ld&nbsp;Tyler D. Chalfant of Atchison. He is being held on requested charges of unlawful use of a financial card, computer crimes and theft in connection to the fraudulent use of a financial card at two businesses on October 21, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Chalfant also charged with criminal trespass at 314 Santa Fe in Atchison. He remains in custody. Chafant has has been jailed in Atchison County ten times since 2013, according to online jail records.