SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two men and continue to search for a woman following a pursuit Tuesday morning in central Salina.

Just after 1:30 a.m., an officer observed a black 1997 Audi A4 traveling northbound in the 600 block of Sheridan Street with a license plate that belonged to a 2003 Ford Escape, according Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. 

The officer attempted to stop the car at the intersection of W. Crawford Street and Sheridan Street. The driver later identified as&nbsp;s Joseph Case, 27, of Minneapolis, turned the car east on West Crawford Street and accelerated.

&nbsp;The pursuit lasted for several minutes and eventually the back seat passenger rolled out of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle jumped out with the vehicle while the car was still rolling in the 500 block of S. 12th Street.&nbsp; The front seat passenger then jumped out as well. All three occupants fled on foot.

The driver, identified as Joseph Case, 27, of Minneapolis, was located a short time later. The front seat passenger, identified as Timothy Collins, 23, of Salina, was also located shortly after. Police are still searching for a female passenger who police have identified.

Speeds during the pursuit reached approximately 50 mph.

Police arrested Case on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, Reckless driving, Multiple traffic infractions, Violation of a protection order and Collins on requested charges of Interference with law enforcement Possession of marijuana Possession of drug paraphernalia

&nbsp;Requested charges on the female passenger are pending, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618320409150.jpeg" alt="Case photo Saline County." />
 <figcaption>Case photo Saline County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two men and continue to search for a woman following a pursuit Tuesday morning in central Salina.Just after 1:30 a.m., an officer observed a black 1997 Audi A4 traveling northbound in the 600 block of Sheridan Street with a license plate that belonged to a 2003 Ford Escape, according Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer attempted to stop the car at the intersection of W. Crawford Street and Sheridan Street. The driver later identified as&nbsp;s Joseph Case, 27, of Minneapolis, turned the car east on West Crawford Street and accelerated.&nbsp;The pursuit lasted for several minutes and eventually the back seat passenger rolled out of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle jumped out with the vehicle while the car was still rolling in the 500 block of S. 12th Street.&nbsp; The front seat passenger then jumped out as well. All three occupants fled on foot.The driver, identified as Joseph Case, 27, of Minneapolis, was located a short time later. The front seat passenger, identified as Timothy Collins, 23, of Salina, was also located shortly after. Police are still searching for a female passenger who police have identified.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618320563169.jpeg" alt="Collins photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Collins photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Speeds during the pursuit reached approximately 50 mph.Police arrested Case on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, Reckless driving, Multiple traffic infractions, Violation of a protection order and Collins on requested charges of Interference with law enforcement Possession of marijuana Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;Requested charges on the female passenger are pending, according to Forrester.

3 Kan. suspects jump from moving vehicle during chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — The casket of slain U.S. Capitol Police Officer William “Billy” Evans arrived at the Capitol on Tuesday as President Joe Biden and congressional leaders prepared to pay their respects to an officer struck by a car and killed while he manned a barricade near the Senate side of the building.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?510593-1/memorial-service-capitol-police-officer-billy-evans&amp;live">CLICK here</a> to watch a replay of the service

Evans’ casket was placed in the Capitol Rotunda for the second such memorial ceremony this year for a force that has edged close to crisis in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Members of the National Guard lined the street and saluted as the hearse carrying Evans’ flag-draped casket entered the Capitol complex. His former colleagues gathered on the Capitol’s East Plaza Front while church bells rang in the distance. His family, including his two children, gathered to watch as his casket was carried up the Capitol steps.

Evans, 41, and another officer were struck on April 2 by a car driven by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-politics-451c5c5154045d404d0db76270f78aac">Noah Green</a>, 25, who came out of the car with a knife and was shot to death by police. Investigators believe Green had been delusional and increasingly having suicidal thoughts.

Evans’ death came just three months after a violent mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters blew past security barricades and attacked the Capitol, injuring dozens of Capitol Police officers. Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-sicknick-honored-at-capitol-d8804f70438d1a731a7b5b0f96061d0a">Brian Sicknick</a>&nbsp;died after engaging with the rioters, though officials do not yet know exactly what caused his death.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-tanios-julian-khater-charged-capitol-riot-f28484b486155d911cab41c90a8bed8d">Two men have been arrested</a>&nbsp;and charged with assaulting him with bear spray.

Sicknick and Evans are two of only six Capitol Police officers who have been killed in the line of duty in the force’s nearly 200-year history, according to the department. Another officer, Howard Liebengood, died by suicide in the days after Jan. 6.

The three deaths in as many months have taken an unbearable toll on the force, which has been overworked and understaffed as leaders try to figure out how to move forward after the mistakes of Jan. 6. The Capitol Police were massively unprepared for the hundreds of violent Trump supporters who pushed past them that day, injuring them as they broke into the building. In the weeks and months since, top leaders have resigned and many have considered leaving the department. Officials have brought in trauma therapists, and lawmakers are considering what more they can do.

“This is a group of men and women who’ve been through an overwhelming amount of trauma over the last few months,” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, who heads a spending committee that oversees the Capitol Police and has been investigating the response to the insurrection. “The loss of Officer Evans is yet another stark reminder of what our brothers and sisters in uniform risk every day to protect us. The honor of lying in state under the Capitol dome is befitting of this American hero.”

Lawmakers, family and members of the police force will be invited to pay their respects to Evans after the ceremony with Biden and congressional leaders. He will be only the sixth person to lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda, a designation for those who are not elected officials, judges or military leaders.

Evans, who had two young children, was an 18-year veteran of the force. He was remembered by colleagues and friends as a man with a sense of humor who loved baseball and golf.

Members of his family said in a statement through the police earlier this month that most important in his life were his two children, Logan and Abigail.

“His most cherished moments were those spent with them — building with Lego, having lightsaber duels, playing board games, doing arts and crafts, and recently finishing the Harry Potter series,” the family said. “He was always so eager to show how proud he was of everything they did.”

The family said Evans was proud of his job and his friendship with colleagues near the “North Barricade” of the Capitol complex was one of the best parts of it.

“We hold them in our hearts, as we know they acutely share our grief,” they said.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said on the Senate floor Monday evening that Evans was a “familiar and friendly face” at that barricade where he died, a gate that is frequently used by senators and staff. Durbin said the three deaths this year are an “incredible hardship” for the department and Congress owes them a debt that can never be repaid.

“Every day it is incumbent on those of us who work in this building to remember this officer, and to thank him, and the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police who have given so much to keep us safe,” Durbin said.

Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., who represented Liebengood and has gotten to know his family since his suicide, has worked to find more mental health resources for the Capitol Police as they have worked extra shifts and dealt with the trauma of losing their colleagues. She said the current pace for the force is unsustainable.

“We’ve lost officers to this level of stress and as we approach the second laying in honor of a Capitol police officer this year, I fear an exodus is approaching if we don’t prioritize the mental and physical health of our Capitol police officers,” Wexton said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618327771250.png" alt="Evans’ casket was placed in the Capitol Rotunda for the second such memorial ceremony this year -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Evans’ casket was placed in the Capitol Rotunda for the second such memorial ceremony this year -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The casket of slain U.S. Capitol Police Officer William “Billy” Evans arrived at the Capitol on Tuesday as President Joe Biden and congressional leaders prepared to pay their respects to an officer struck by a car and killed while he manned a barricade near the Senate side of the building.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?510593-1/memorial-service-capitol-police-officer-billy-evans&amp;live">CLICK here</a> to watch a replay of the serviceEvans’ casket was placed in the Capitol Rotunda for the second such memorial ceremony this year for a force that has edged close to crisis in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection.Members of the National Guard lined the street and saluted as the hearse carrying Evans’ flag-draped casket entered the Capitol complex. His former colleagues gathered on the Capitol’s East Plaza Front while church bells rang in the distance. His family, including his two children, gathered to watch as his casket was carried up the Capitol steps.Evans, 41, and another officer were struck on April 2 by a car driven by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-politics-451c5c5154045d404d0db76270f78aac">Noah Green</a>, 25, who came out of the car with a knife and was shot to death by police. Investigators believe Green had been delusional and increasingly having suicidal thoughts.Evans’ death came just three months after a violent mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters blew past security barricades and attacked the Capitol, injuring dozens of Capitol Police officers. Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-sicknick-honored-at-capitol-d8804f70438d1a731a7b5b0f96061d0a">Brian Sicknick</a>&nbsp;died after engaging with the rioters, though officials do not yet know exactly what caused his death.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-tanios-julian-khater-charged-capitol-riot-f28484b486155d911cab41c90a8bed8d">Two men have been arrested</a>&nbsp;and charged with assaulting him with bear spray.Sicknick and Evans are two of only six Capitol Police officers who have been killed in the line of duty in the force’s nearly 200-year history, according to the department. Another officer, Howard Liebengood, died by suicide in the days after Jan. 6.The three deaths in as many months have taken an unbearable toll on the force, which has been overworked and understaffed as leaders try to figure out how to move forward after the mistakes of Jan. 6. The Capitol Police were massively unprepared for the hundreds of violent Trump supporters who pushed past them that day, injuring them as they broke into the building. In the weeks and months since, top leaders have resigned and many have considered leaving the department. Officials have brought in trauma therapists, and lawmakers are considering what more they can do.“This is a group of men and women who’ve been through an overwhelming amount of trauma over the last few months,” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, who heads a spending committee that oversees the Capitol Police and has been investigating the response to the insurrection. “The loss of Officer Evans is yet another stark reminder of what our brothers and sisters in uniform risk every day to protect us. The honor of lying in state under the Capitol dome is befitting of this American hero.”Lawmakers, family and members of the police force will be invited to pay their respects to Evans after the ceremony with Biden and congressional leaders. He will be only the sixth person to lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda, a designation for those who are not elected officials, judges or military leaders.Evans, who had two young children, was an 18-year veteran of the force. He was remembered by colleagues and friends as a man with a sense of humor who loved baseball and golf.Members of his family said in a statement through the police earlier this month that most important in his life were his two children, Logan and Abigail.“His most cherished moments were those spent with them — building with Lego, having lightsaber duels, playing board games, doing arts and crafts, and recently finishing the Harry Potter series,” the family said. “He was always so eager to show how proud he was of everything they did.”The family said Evans was proud of his job and his friendship with colleagues near the “North Barricade” of the Capitol complex was one of the best parts of it.“We hold them in our hearts, as we know they acutely share our grief,” they said.Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said on the Senate floor Monday evening that Evans was a “familiar and friendly face” at that barricade where he died, a gate that is frequently used by senators and staff. Durbin said the three deaths this year are an “incredible hardship” for the department and Congress owes them a debt that can never be repaid.“Every day it is incumbent on those of us who work in this building to remember this officer, and to thank him, and the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police who have given so much to keep us safe,” Durbin said.Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., who represented Liebengood and has gotten to know his family since his suicide, has worked to find more mental health resources for the Capitol Police as they have worked extra shifts and dealt with the trauma of losing their colleagues. She said the current pace for the force is unsustainable.“We’ve lost officers to this level of stress and as we approach the second laying in honor of a Capitol police officer this year, I fear an exodus is approaching if we don’t prioritize the mental and physical health of our Capitol police officers,” Wexton said.

Biden, lawmakers pay tribute to slain Capitol Police officer

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the driver of a vehicle&nbsp; forced off the roadway into a field during a high-speed pursuit on Saturday in Shawnee County.

Just after 9p.m. On Saturday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a blue passenger car in the 8000 block of SE Berryton Road traveling northbound erratically and at high speeds, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 A deputy arrived in the 5500 block of SE Berryton Road and observed a blue 2010 Toyota Corolla traveling north at approximately 95 miles per hour. The driver refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. 

During the pursuit, the driver left the roadway and crossed the center line multiple times. Deputies pinned the vehicle to end the pursuit in the roundabout at SE 45th Street and California Avenue.

Deputies arrested the driver, Brian C. Weixelman Jr., 19, of Topeka, and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, reckless driving, driving under the influence, failure to stop at an accident, minor in consumption, failure to stop at a stop sign, improper driving on a laned roadway and speeding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618253033013.png" alt="Weixelman photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Weixelman photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the driver of a vehicle&nbsp; forced off the roadway into a field during a high-speed pursuit on Saturday in Shawnee County.Just after 9p.m. On Saturday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a blue passenger car in the 8000 block of SE Berryton Road traveling northbound erratically and at high speeds, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A deputy arrived in the 5500 block of SE Berryton Road and observed a blue 2010 Toyota Corolla traveling north at approximately 95 miles per hour. The driver refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, the driver left the roadway and crossed the center line multiple times. Deputies pinned the vehicle to end the pursuit in the roundabout at SE 45th Street and California Avenue.Deputies arrested the driver, Brian C. Weixelman Jr., 19, of Topeka, and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, reckless driving, driving under the influence, failure to stop at an accident, minor in consumption, failure to stop at a stop sign, improper driving on a laned roadway and speeding.

Sheriff: Kansas teen jailed after chase at 95mph

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have two suspects in custody.

Just after 1:3o a.m. Sunday police officers were on routine patrol in the area of 5th and Hendricks in Hutchinson when they heard a series of gunshots north of their location, according to a media release.

 While investigating, a 911 call came into dispatch advising of a shooting.    Officers arrived in the 1500 block W 12th Street where they contacted a 42 year old black male laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. 

EMS transported the victim to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. He was reported in stable condition just after 1p.m.&nbsp;

 Officers located a second victim, a 46-year-old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46-year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was pronounced deceased, according to the release.&nbsp;

Just before noon Monday, detectives and members of the Special Operations division of the Hutchinson Police Department conducted a search warrant on a residence within the city limits of Hutchinson and located Sandral Wade, a person of interest in the homicide. Through the investigation of the homicide, detectives also arrested Wade and 71-year-old Robert Louis Lagrange on requested charges of first degree murder and attempted first degree murder.

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help to locate a suspect

 Officers located a second victim, a 46 year old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46-year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was pronounced deceased, according to the release.&nbsp;

Police are asking for help to locate a person of interest in this case Identified as 64-year-old Sandral Lee Wade.&nbsp; He is described as 6-foot--4,&nbsp; 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. . Anyone with information on Wade’s whereabouts or additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Reno county, 1-800-222-TIPS or Lt Loepp at the Hutchinson Police Department 620-694-2829.    

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618271578571.jpeg" alt="Robert LaGrange photo Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>Robert LaGrange photo Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have two suspects in custody.Just after 1:3o a.m. Sunday police officers were on routine patrol in the area of 5th and Hendricks in Hutchinson when they heard a series of gunshots north of their location, according to a media release. While investigating, a 911 call came into dispatch advising of a shooting. Officers arrived in the 1500 block W 12th Street where they contacted a 42 year old black male laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. EMS transported the victim to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. He was reported in stable condition just after 1p.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618162821449.jpeg" alt="SANDRAL WADE has previous convictions for indecent liberties with a child, criminal threat, aggravated assault, four times for DUI, failure to report an injury accident and for drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections. -photo Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>SANDRAL WADE has previous convictions for indecent liberties with a child, criminal threat, aggravated assault, four times for DUI, failure to report an injury accident and for drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections. -photo Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure> Officers located a second victim, a 46-year-old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46-year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was pronounced deceased, according to the release.&nbsp;Just before noon Monday, detectives and members of the Special Operations division of the Hutchinson Police Department conducted a search warrant on a residence within the city limits of Hutchinson and located Sandral Wade, a person of interest in the homicide. Through the investigation of the homicide, detectives also arrested Wade and 71-year-old Robert Louis Lagrange on requested charges of first degree murder and attempted first degree murder.----------RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help to locate a suspectJust after 1:3o a.m. Sunday police officers were on routine patrol in the area of 5th and Hendricks in Hutchinson when they heard a series of gunshots north of their location, according to a media release. While investigating, a 911 call came into dispatch advising of a shooting. Officers arrived in the 1500 block W 12th Street where they contacted a 42 year old black male laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. EMS transported the victim to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. He was reported in stable condition just after 1p.m.&nbsp; Officers located a second victim, a 46 year old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46-year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was pronounced deceased, according to the release.&nbsp;Police are asking for help to locate a person of interest in this case Identified as 64-year-old Sandral Lee Wade.&nbsp; He is described as 6-foot--4,&nbsp; 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. . Anyone with information on Wade’s whereabouts or additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Reno county, 1-800-222-TIPS or Lt Loepp at the Hutchinson Police Department 620-694-2829.

Police arrest 2 Kansas men for weekend murder

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged vehicle theft.

At noon Sunday, police were sent to Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street in Salina for the report of a disorderly subject, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. 

When they arrived, the mortuary employees told police that the suspect had left in one of the mortuary's Lincoln hearses. The hearse is valued at $80,000.

Officers then located the hearse parked on the north side of the police department in the driveway of the parking lot on W. Elm Street, according to Forrester.

Police arrested 52-year-old Craig Gilbert of Salina on requested charges that include Felony theft, Criminal trespassing and Driving on an expired driver's license.

The hearse was not damaged and returned to the mortuary, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618233316273.jpeg" alt="Gilbert&nbsp; has previous convictions for theft, burglary and forgery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Gilbert&nbsp; has previous convictions for theft, burglary and forgery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged vehicle theft.At noon Sunday, police were sent to Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street in Salina for the report of a disorderly subject, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. When they arrived, the mortuary employees told police that the suspect had left in one of the mortuary's Lincoln hearses. The hearse is valued at $80,000.Officers then located the hearse parked on the north side of the police department in the driveway of the parking lot on W. Elm Street, according to Forrester.Police arrested 52-year-old Craig Gilbert of Salina on requested charges that include Felony theft, Criminal trespassing and Driving on an expired driver's license.The hearse was not damaged and returned to the mortuary, according to Forrester.

Man arrested after hearse stolen from Kan. mortuary 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman was was killed inside a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment over the weekend, and a person suspected of killing her later arrested, police said.

Officers were called around 5 p.m. Sunday to the complex located in the city’s Riverview neighborhood, where they found a woman dead inside an apartment, according to a news release from police.

Investigators said a suspect had fled the area on foot and was found and arrested a short time later. Police had not identified the victim or the suspect by Monday morning, and had not given other details about how the woman died.

The woman’s death marked marked the city’s eighth homicide this year.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman was was killed inside a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment over the weekend, and a person suspected of killing her later arrested, police said.Officers were called around 5 p.m. Sunday to the complex located in the city’s Riverview neighborhood, where they found a woman dead inside an apartment, according to a news release from police.Investigators said a suspect had fled the area on foot and was found and arrested a short time later. Police had not identified the victim or the suspect by Monday morning, and had not given other details about how the woman died.The woman’s death marked marked the city’s eighth homicide this year.

Police: Kansas woman found dead in her apartment 

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating aggravated burglary and theft in Great Bend and have made an arrest. 

On April 8, police detained Dominque Hoch, age 23, in the 2400 block
of 11th Street, according to a media release. He was in possession of
methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to police. Officers arrested him on requested charges of aggravated burglary, possession of methamphetamine,
possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp; He is being held in the Barton County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618201677102.png" alt="Dominque Hoch has previous convictions for marijuana possession, criminal threat and for possession of opiates, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Dominque Hoch has previous convictions for marijuana possession, criminal threat and for possession of opiates, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating aggravated burglary and theft in Great Bend and have made an arrest. On April 8, police detained Dominque Hoch, age 23, in the 2400 block
of 11th Street, according to a media release. He was in possession of
methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to police. Officers arrested him on requested charges of aggravated burglary, possession of methamphetamine,
possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp; He is being held in the Barton County Jail.

Police: Kansas man arrested for alleged burglary, theft 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government picked up nearly 19,000 children traveling alone across the Mexican border in March, authorities said Thursday, the largest monthly number ever recorded and a major test for President Joe Biden as he reverses many of his predecessor’s hardline immigration tactics.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-mexico-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-6a412f3edf07715509e3181b8bc63ca7">complex mix of factors</a>&nbsp;in the United States and Central America drove the increase. It has coincided with the Biden administration’s decision to exempt unaccompanied children from pandemic-related powers to immediately expel most people from the country without giving them an opportunity to seek asylum. Children are instead released to “sponsors” in the U.S., usually parents or close relatives, while being allowed to pursue their cases in heavily backlogged immigration courts.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters" target="_blank">Border Patrol encountered</a>&nbsp;18,663 unaccompanied children in March, well above previous highs of 11,475 in May 2019 and 10,620 in June 2014. The agency started publishing the numbers in 2009. Before then, adults made up the vast majority of those crossing the border.

March’s count was roughly double the number of unaccompanied children encountered by the Border Patrol in February and more than five times the number in March 2020.

The huge increase in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-us-news-texas-e1cd317d83c3a2c2fe829b1d2e03cd4e">children traveling alone</a>&nbsp;— some as young as 3 — and families has severely strained border holding facilities, which aren’t allowed to hold people for more than three days but often do. It’s left the government scrambling to find space and hire staff to care for children longer term until they can be placed with sponsors.

For many, a hurricane that hit Central America in November added urgency to endemic poverty and violence that have led people to flee for decades.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mexico-health-immigration-immigration-policy-1fb007e86452849d8e373908a3d81e94">Changes in U.S. policy under Biden</a>&nbsp;also have guided their decisions, whether real or rumored.

Hermelindo Ak, a Guatemalan corn grower who barely makes enough to feed his family, was expelled to Mexico from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-crossing-rio-grande-valley-texas-b47bbbb5846c8528a016f1bb9bbc3db0">Texas’ Rio Grande Valley</a>&nbsp;with his 17-year-old son. Ak decided to send his son alone for a second attempt after learning unaccompanied children can stay in the U.S. Ak, 40, said he would return to family in Guatemala after selling his house to pay smugglers. The plan was for his oldest son to live with relatives in the U.S.

“I didn’t want to leave him alone,” Ak said last week in the Mexican border city of Reynosa. “Necessity obligates us.”

Amid the growing numbers, more than 4,000 people at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection holding facility have been jammed into a space designed for 250 at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-59d0eafb23d135f901dfc50ff326cfcd">tent complex in Donna, Texas</a>. They lay inches apart on mats on the floor with foil blankets.

CBP must transfer unaccompanied children within 72 hours to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, whose facilities are more suited to longer-term care while arrangements are made to release them. More than 2,000 children were held longer than that at the Donna facility one day last week, with 39 there at least 15 days.

HHS opened its first temporary holding facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, on Feb. 22, and has since struck a slew of agreements to occupy large venues near the border, including convention centers in Dallas and San Diego, a stadium in San Antonio and Fort Bliss army base in El Paso, Texas. The department also has been paying for flights for children and sponsors to limit time in government custody.

In this March 19 photo, migrants are seen in custody at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing area under the Anzalduas International Bridge, in Mission, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Overall, the Border Patrol had 168,195 encounters with migrants on the southern border in March, its busiest month since March 2001, when it counted 170,580 arrests. The numbers aren’t entirely comparable because more than half of last month’s encounters resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-border-guatemala-4d6e258b4b23c4f068b008af83c1151e">expulsions under pandemic-related authority</a>&nbsp;instituted by former President Donald Trump and kept in place by Biden.

People who are expelled are far more likely to try again because they face no legal consequences.

Unlike expulsions, people arrested under immigration laws can face jail time, felony prosecution for repeat offenses and bans on entering the country legally through marriage or other means. Biden administration officials said 28% of expulsions in March were people who had been expelled before, compared with a 7% pre-pandemic recidivism rate for the 12-month period that ended in September 2019.

The Border Patrol had 52,904 encounters with people arriving as families, with only about one in three being expelled and the rest allowed to stay in the U.S. to pursue asylum.

Mexico’s refusal to accept Central American families with children 6 and under because of a new law against detaining migrant families has limited the effectiveness of expulsions, administration officials said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mexico-immigration-guatemala-central-america-cbb61c31526c988451c305855c8f8486">Mexico</a>&nbsp;is especially reluctant to accept families with young children in Tamaulipas state bordering the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings.

The means hundreds of migrants go to bus stations in Texas border towns like McAllen and Brownsville on their way to their final destinations in the U.S. To save time, the Border Patrol last month began releasing migrant families — about 9,600 people as of Tuesday, according to U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migants-freed-without-court-notice-paperwork-9ace3e41e0acadac7cece17c83a8f7ff">without notices to appear in court</a>, instead directing them to report to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in 60 days.

Numbers grew sharply during Trump’s final year in office but further accelerated under Biden, who quickly ended many of his predecessor’s policies, including one that made asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for court hearings in the U.S.

Mexicans represented the largest proportion of people encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol, and nearly all were single adults. Arrivals of people from Honduras and Guatemala were second and third, respectively, and more than half of the people from those countries were families or children traveling alone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617909066947.png" alt="Migrants near the U.S. Texas border last month -image courtesy Sen. Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Migrants near the U.S. Texas border last month -image courtesy Sen. Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government picked up nearly 19,000 children traveling alone across the Mexican border in March, authorities said Thursday, the largest monthly number ever recorded and a major test for President Joe Biden as he reverses many of his predecessor’s hardline immigration tactics.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-mexico-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-6a412f3edf07715509e3181b8bc63ca7">complex mix of factors</a>&nbsp;in the United States and Central America drove the increase. It has coincided with the Biden administration’s decision to exempt unaccompanied children from pandemic-related powers to immediately expel most people from the country without giving them an opportunity to seek asylum. Children are instead released to “sponsors” in the U.S., usually parents or close relatives, while being allowed to pursue their cases in heavily backlogged immigration courts.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters" target="_blank">Border Patrol encountered</a>&nbsp;18,663 unaccompanied children in March, well above previous highs of 11,475 in May 2019 and 10,620 in June 2014. The agency started publishing the numbers in 2009. Before then, adults made up the vast majority of those crossing the border.March’s count was roughly double the number of unaccompanied children encountered by the Border Patrol in February and more than five times the number in March 2020.The huge increase in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-us-news-texas-e1cd317d83c3a2c2fe829b1d2e03cd4e">children traveling alone</a>&nbsp;— some as young as 3 — and families has severely strained border holding facilities, which aren’t allowed to hold people for more than three days but often do. It’s left the government scrambling to find space and hire staff to care for children longer term until they can be placed with sponsors.For many, a hurricane that hit Central America in November added urgency to endemic poverty and violence that have led people to flee for decades.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mexico-health-immigration-immigration-policy-1fb007e86452849d8e373908a3d81e94">Changes in U.S. policy under Biden</a>&nbsp;also have guided their decisions, whether real or rumored.Hermelindo Ak, a Guatemalan corn grower who barely makes enough to feed his family, was expelled to Mexico from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-crossing-rio-grande-valley-texas-b47bbbb5846c8528a016f1bb9bbc3db0">Texas’ Rio Grande Valley</a>&nbsp;with his 17-year-old son. Ak decided to send his son alone for a second attempt after learning unaccompanied children can stay in the U.S. Ak, 40, said he would return to family in Guatemala after selling his house to pay smugglers. The plan was for his oldest son to live with relatives in the U.S.“I didn’t want to leave him alone,” Ak said last week in the Mexican border city of Reynosa. “Necessity obligates us.”Amid the growing numbers, more than 4,000 people at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection holding facility have been jammed into a space designed for 250 at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-59d0eafb23d135f901dfc50ff326cfcd">tent complex in Donna, Texas</a>. They lay inches apart on mats on the floor with foil blankets.CBP must transfer unaccompanied children within 72 hours to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, whose facilities are more suited to longer-term care while arrangements are made to release them. More than 2,000 children were held longer than that at the Donna facility one day last week, with 39 there at least 15 days.HHS opened its first temporary holding facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, on Feb. 22, and has since struck a slew of agreements to occupy large venues near the border, including convention centers in Dallas and San Diego, a stadium in San Antonio and Fort Bliss army base in El Paso, Texas. The department also has been paying for flights for children and sponsors to limit time in government custody.In this March 19 photo, migrants are seen in custody at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing area under the Anzalduas International Bridge, in Mission, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Overall, the Border Patrol had 168,195 encounters with migrants on the southern border in March, its busiest month since March 2001, when it counted 170,580 arrests. The numbers aren’t entirely comparable because more than half of last month’s encounters resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-coronavirus-pandemic-immigration-border-guatemala-4d6e258b4b23c4f068b008af83c1151e">expulsions under pandemic-related authority</a>&nbsp;instituted by former President Donald Trump and kept in place by Biden.People who are expelled are far more likely to try again because they face no legal consequences.Unlike expulsions, people arrested under immigration laws can face jail time, felony prosecution for repeat offenses and bans on entering the country legally through marriage or other means. Biden administration officials said 28% of expulsions in March were people who had been expelled before, compared with a 7% pre-pandemic recidivism rate for the 12-month period that ended in September 2019.The Border Patrol had 52,904 encounters with people arriving as families, with only about one in three being expelled and the rest allowed to stay in the U.S. to pursue asylum.Mexico’s refusal to accept Central American families with children 6 and under because of a new law against detaining migrant families has limited the effectiveness of expulsions, administration officials said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mexico-immigration-guatemala-central-america-cbb61c31526c988451c305855c8f8486">Mexico</a>&nbsp;is especially reluctant to accept families with young children in Tamaulipas state bordering the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings.The means hundreds of migrants go to bus stations in Texas border towns like McAllen and Brownsville on their way to their final destinations in the U.S. To save time, the Border Patrol last month began releasing migrant families — about 9,600 people as of Tuesday, according to U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migants-freed-without-court-notice-paperwork-9ace3e41e0acadac7cece17c83a8f7ff">without notices to appear in court</a>, instead directing them to report to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in 60 days.Numbers grew sharply during Trump’s final year in office but further accelerated under Biden, who quickly ended many of his predecessor’s policies, including one that made asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for court hearings in the U.S.Mexicans represented the largest proportion of people encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol, and nearly all were single adults. Arrivals of people from Honduras and Guatemala were second and third, respectively, and more than half of the people from those countries were families or children traveling alone.

Number of kids alone at U.S. border hits all-time high

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

On April 6, sheriff's deputies stopped a vehicle for an alleged registration violation east of U.S. Highway 75 on 126th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Further investigation in the traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected illicit items in the vehicle. 

Deputies arrested the driver, Kevin Lamont Hayes, 33, of Topeka and booked him into the Jackson County Jail on on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal carrying of weapons, driving with no license and no insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617878769556.png" alt="Hayes photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hayes photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.On April 6, sheriff's deputies stopped a vehicle for an alleged registration violation east of U.S. Highway 75 on 126th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Further investigation in the traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected illicit items in the vehicle. Deputies arrested the driver, Kevin Lamont Hayes, 33, of Topeka and booked him into the Jackson County Jail on on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal carrying of weapons, driving with no license and no insurance.

Sheriff: Kan. felon was driving with weapons and meth

KOSHKONONG, Mo. (AP) — One person was killed and three others were critically injured Saturday morning in a shooting at a convenience store in southern Missouri, authorities said.

The shooting occurred at a Snappy Mart convenience store in Koshkonong, a town of about 200 people on the Missouri-Arkansas border.

Officers were alerted when a clerk inside the store called 911. The suspect walked into the store and started firing with a handgun. Several witnesses inside the store were not injured, Oregon County Sheriff Eric King said.

A 28-year-old suspect from Thayer, Missouri, was arrested about four hours later in neighboring Howell County, King said. Authorities do not believe any other suspects are involved.

The suspect and at least one of the victims knew each other, the sheriff said. Three of the victims, including the person who died, were from out of state. No other details were immediately released. Koshkonong is about 145 miles southeast of Springfield, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618080788145.png" alt="Sheriff's deputies have arrested a suspect -photo courtesy KYTV" />
 <figcaption>Sheriff's deputies have arrested a suspect -photo courtesy KYTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KOSHKONONG, Mo. (AP) — One person was killed and three others were critically injured Saturday morning in a shooting at a convenience store in southern Missouri, authorities said.The shooting occurred at a Snappy Mart convenience store in Koshkonong, a town of about 200 people on the Missouri-Arkansas border.Officers were alerted when a clerk inside the store called 911. The suspect walked into the store and started firing with a handgun. Several witnesses inside the store were not injured, Oregon County Sheriff Eric King said.A 28-year-old suspect from Thayer, Missouri, was arrested about four hours later in neighboring Howell County, King said. Authorities do not believe any other suspects are involved.The suspect and at least one of the victims knew each other, the sheriff said. Three of the victims, including the person who died, were from out of state. No other details were immediately released. Koshkonong is about 145 miles southeast of Springfield, Missouri.

1 dead, 3 injured in shooting at Missouri convenience store

Editor's note: The Dickinson County Sheriff's office released additional details on the chase and arrest on Friday.&nbsp; The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the suspect is from Abilene.

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman was arrested after a pursuit in Dickinson County on Friday.

Just after 1p.m., a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a Volkswagen Jetta traveling north on K-43 Highway near Hope for speeding, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

The driver, later identified as Shierra K. Gray, 32, of Salina, refused to stop and the Deputy pursued her to the 1500 Block of K-15 Highway, where the Sheriff and Undersheriff assisted with bringing the fleeing vehicle to a stop.&nbsp; 

Dickinson County EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol were dispatched to the scene.&nbsp; Gray was taken into custody and transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital and later to Salina Regional Health Center by ambulance due to an apparent medical issue not related to the vehicle pursuit.&nbsp; The incident remains under investigation.

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident during a law enforcement pursuit just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Dickinson County Sheriff's Deputies were northbound on Kansas 15 chasing a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Shierra Kukya Gray, 32, Abilene.

&nbsp;The Volkswagen suddenly slowed on the highway and came to a stop at 1500 Avenue.

A 2016 Ford Explorer driven by Christopher Lea Cease, Jr, 25, Abilene, braked and swerved left to try to avoid striking the Volkswagen. 

As the Explorer was braking, the driver of the Volkswagen turned in front of the Explorer.&nbsp; The Explorer struck the Volkswagen. The Volkswagen also struck a stopped 2018 Ford Explorer when the driver attempted to back up.

EMS transported Gray to Salina Regional Health Center. Cease was not injured.&nbsp; Gray was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. Authorities have not reported what prompted the chase.

Editor's note: The Dickinson County Sheriff's office released additional details on the chase and arrest on Friday.&nbsp; The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the suspect is from Abilene.DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman was arrested after a pursuit in Dickinson County on Friday.Just after 1p.m., a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a Volkswagen Jetta traveling north on K-43 Highway near Hope for speeding, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.The driver, later identified as Shierra K. Gray, 32, of Salina, refused to stop and the Deputy pursued her to the 1500 Block of K-15 Highway, where the Sheriff and Undersheriff assisted with bringing the fleeing vehicle to a stop.&nbsp; Dickinson County EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol were dispatched to the scene.&nbsp; Gray was taken into custody and transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital and later to Salina Regional Health Center by ambulance due to an apparent medical issue not related to the vehicle pursuit.&nbsp; The incident remains under investigation. ---------DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident during a law enforcement pursuit just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Dickinson County Sheriff's Deputies were northbound on Kansas 15 chasing a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Shierra Kukya Gray, 32, Abilene.&nbsp;The Volkswagen suddenly slowed on the highway and came to a stop at 1500 Avenue.A 2016 Ford Explorer driven by Christopher Lea Cease, Jr, 25, Abilene, braked and swerved left to try to avoid striking the Volkswagen. As the Explorer was braking, the driver of the Volkswagen turned in front of the Explorer.&nbsp; The Explorer struck the Volkswagen. The Volkswagen also struck a stopped 2018 Ford Explorer when the driver attempted to back up.EMS transported Gray to Salina Regional Health Center. Cease was not injured.&nbsp; Gray was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. Authorities have not reported what prompted the chase.

Update: Abilene woman hospitalized after crash during chase

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Friday ousted a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of a document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.”

Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop’s removal was the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader’s colleagues pushed someone out before the end of his or her term. Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, had been set to be majority leader through 2024.

Republican senators voted 22-4 to remove Suellentrop during a 50-minute meeting that was closed to reporters and the public. Senate President Ty Masterson disclosed the vote afterward, saying Republican senators would have an acting majority leader until late May, when they will elect a new majority leader.

“These are just heavy issues,” Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican, told reporters after the meeting. “We build relationships in this chamber, so it’s kind of a sad day.”

Suellentrop will remain in the seat for his Wichita district. Masterson said whether Suellentrop retains the seat is up to his constituents.

Kansas law limits the grounds for a recall to a felony conviction, misconduct in office or “failure to perform duties prescribed by law.” Constituents seeking to recall Suellentrop would have to file petitions signed by more than 3,900 registered voters in his district.

Suellentrop stepped away from most of his duties as majority leader following his March 16 arrest in Topeka after he was stopped on Interstate 70 for driving the wrong way. He was the Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day.

Asked about his relationship with Suellentrop, Masterson said, “Yes, we’re still friends.”

“I’ve made mistakes myself, maybe not to that level,” he said. “Think about it: Take your most shameful decision and put it on the news every night.”

Suellentrop was not available to reporters Friday and did not attend the meeting of fellow senators. He did not answer his cellphone, and it didn’t allow for a voicemail message seeking comment.

Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts,</a>&nbsp;including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-581109d7e604aeb739bb5b896823132d">An affidavit&nbsp;</a>from the Highway Patrol officer who arrested him was released Thursday, and it said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level after his arrest was .17, more than twice the legal limit of .08.

The call for a vote to remove Suellentrop came first from Republican Sen. Rick Kloos, of Topeka, who said he “had numerous conversations” with colleagues and the release of the affidavit was a deciding factor. He was joined by two other Topeka-area senator, Republicans Kristen O’Shea and Brenda Dietrich.

“We came to the decision today that we put this off long enough, as difficult as it is. We have more information now,” Dietrich said.

GOP senators kept the doors to their normal meeting room closed. Reporters who waited outside could see through glass in the doors legislative staffers distributing and then collecting slips of paper serving as ballots.

Asked earlier in the day about having the discussions in public, Masterson said: “We’ve had plenty of discussion in public.”

Assistant Majority Leader Larry Alley, who represents a district south of Wichita, will serve as acting majority leader, as he has since mid-March. Republicans will pick a new majority leader on the last day of this year’s legislative session, Masterson said.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley said in his affidavit that Suellentrop refused to take a breathalyzer test and was taken to a Topeka hospital for a blood test after a judge issued a warrant. At one point, he called Shepley “donut boy,” according to the affidavit, and said the events were “all for going the wrong way.”

“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616963919848.png" alt="Republican senators voted 22-4 to remove Suellentrop during a 50-minute meeting that was closed to reporters and the public. He did not attend the meeting of fellow senators. -file photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Republican senators voted 22-4 to remove Suellentrop during a 50-minute meeting that was closed to reporters and the public. He did not attend the meeting of fellow senators. -file photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Friday ousted a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of a document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.”Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop’s removal was the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader’s colleagues pushed someone out before the end of his or her term. Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, had been set to be majority leader through 2024.Republican senators voted 22-4 to remove Suellentrop during a 50-minute meeting that was closed to reporters and the public. Senate President Ty Masterson disclosed the vote afterward, saying Republican senators would have an acting majority leader until late May, when they will elect a new majority leader.“These are just heavy issues,” Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican, told reporters after the meeting. “We build relationships in this chamber, so it’s kind of a sad day.”Suellentrop will remain in the seat for his Wichita district. Masterson said whether Suellentrop retains the seat is up to his constituents.Kansas law limits the grounds for a recall to a felony conviction, misconduct in office or “failure to perform duties prescribed by law.” Constituents seeking to recall Suellentrop would have to file petitions signed by more than 3,900 registered voters in his district.Suellentrop stepped away from most of his duties as majority leader following his March 16 arrest in Topeka after he was stopped on Interstate 70 for driving the wrong way. He was the Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day.Asked about his relationship with Suellentrop, Masterson said, “Yes, we’re still friends.”“I’ve made mistakes myself, maybe not to that level,” he said. “Think about it: Take your most shameful decision and put it on the news every night.”Suellentrop was not available to reporters Friday and did not attend the meeting of fellow senators. He did not answer his cellphone, and it didn’t allow for a voicemail message seeking comment.Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts,</a>&nbsp;including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-581109d7e604aeb739bb5b896823132d">An affidavit&nbsp;</a>from the Highway Patrol officer who arrested him was released Thursday, and it said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level after his arrest was .17, more than twice the legal limit of .08.The call for a vote to remove Suellentrop came first from Republican Sen. Rick Kloos, of Topeka, who said he “had numerous conversations” with colleagues and the release of the affidavit was a deciding factor. He was joined by two other Topeka-area senator, Republicans Kristen O’Shea and Brenda Dietrich.“We came to the decision today that we put this off long enough, as difficult as it is. We have more information now,” Dietrich said.GOP senators kept the doors to their normal meeting room closed. Reporters who waited outside could see through glass in the doors legislative staffers distributing and then collecting slips of paper serving as ballots.Asked earlier in the day about having the discussions in public, Masterson said: “We’ve had plenty of discussion in public.”Assistant Majority Leader Larry Alley, who represents a district south of Wichita, will serve as acting majority leader, as he has since mid-March. Republicans will pick a new majority leader on the last day of this year’s legislative session, Masterson said.Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley said in his affidavit that Suellentrop refused to take a breathalyzer test and was taken to a Topeka hospital for a blood test after a judge issued a warrant. At one point, he called Shepley “donut boy,” according to the affidavit, and said the events were “all for going the wrong way.”“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’”

GOP ousts Kan. Senate leader from post after DUI charges

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sheriff's sergeant on multiple charges after an arrest.

On Thursday, police arrested 45-year-old Sergeant Justin Maxfield on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Domestic Violence Battery, Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and Stalking, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The charges stem from incidents involving an intimate partner.

The Sergeant, Justin Maxfield, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. Coinciding with the arrest, Sergeant Maxfield was relieved of duty without pay. He remains in custody,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070249"> according to online jail records.</a>

In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617981475188.png" alt="Maxfield photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Maxfield photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sheriff's sergeant on multiple charges after an arrest.On Thursday, police arrested 45-year-old Sergeant Justin Maxfield on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Domestic Violence Battery, Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and Stalking, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.The charges stem from incidents involving an intimate partner.The Sergeant, Justin Maxfield, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. Coinciding with the arrest, Sergeant Maxfield was relieved of duty without pay. He remains in custody,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070249"> according to online jail records.</a>In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Kan. sheriff's sergeant accused of stalking, domestic violence

MCPHERSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the McPherson County Jail.

Just after 2p.m. Thursday 55-year-old&nbsp; Kevin Brittingham of Newton was arrested for domestic battery and booked into the jail, according to a media release. During the booking process, he was placed in a holding cell.

At approximately 3:35 p.m. Thursday, a McPherson County Correctional Officer discovered Brittingham unresponsive in his booking cell. Life-saving measures were attempted, including CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator.

McPherson Fire and McPherson EMS responded to the jail and continued attempts to resuscitate Brittingham. Brittingham was pronounced dead at approximately 4:05 p.m.

The McPherson County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigate, as is required by state statute. The KBI investigates all deaths of individuals in the custody of a Kansas jail or prison, unless the inmate is being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;

Brittingham's injuries appear to have been self-inflicted. An autopsy will be conducted. The investigation continues.

MCPHERSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the McPherson County Jail.Just after 2p.m. Thursday 55-year-old&nbsp; Kevin Brittingham of Newton was arrested for domestic battery and booked into the jail, according to a media release. During the booking process, he was placed in a holding cell.At approximately 3:35 p.m. Thursday, a McPherson County Correctional Officer discovered Brittingham unresponsive in his booking cell. Life-saving measures were attempted, including CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator.McPherson Fire and McPherson EMS responded to the jail and continued attempts to resuscitate Brittingham. Brittingham was pronounced dead at approximately 4:05 p.m.The McPherson County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigate, as is required by state statute. The KBI investigates all deaths of individuals in the custody of a Kansas jail or prison, unless the inmate is being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;Brittingham's injuries appear to have been self-inflicted. An autopsy will be conducted. The investigation continues.

KBI investigating death of inmate in county jail

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans will vote on removing a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.”

The move against Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop would be the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader faced an ouster vote before the end of his or her term. Senate President Ty Masterson committed Friday to an as-yet-unscheduled vote after a freshman GOP senator called for it during a morning caucus.

“Obviously, the consequences need to come,” Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, told reporters after the caucus. “It’s a matter of time.”

Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, stepped away from most of his duties as majority leader after his March 16 arrest in Topeka after he was stopped on Interstate 70 for driving the wrong way. But as of Friday morning, he had given no signal that he was contemplating resigning, either as majority leader or from the Legislature.

The 69-year-old Suellentrop holds the state Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day. He was set to hold the job through 2024.

He was not at the Statehouse on Friday or on Thursday, when a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-topeka-wichita-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3" target="_blank">released an affidavit</a>&nbsp;from the officer who arrested him. He did not answer his cellphone and it did not allow for a message seeking comment.

Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts,</a>&nbsp;including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge. The Highway Patrol officer’s affidavit said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level after his arrest was .17, more than twice the legal limit in Kansas of .08.

The call for a vote to remove Suellentrop came from Republican Sen. Rick Kloos, of Topeka, who said he’s “had numerous conversations” with colleagues and wants a vote “so we can all rest.”

“It’s just done,” he said after the caucus. “We’ve all been patient, and with the new revelations yesterday, I just felt it was time.”

Suellentrop’s absence Thursday helped to keep fellow Republicans from passing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-topeka-wichita-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3" target="_blank">a proposal from GOP conservatives</a>&nbsp;to allow parents of academically struggling public school students to use state dollars to pay for private schooling. GOP leaders were forced to set another vote for Friday.

Kloos said he would like to have the vote on Suellentrop’s future Friday, but Masterson said the first step would be a closed meeting to establish the rules. The Senate president said he is not sure he will set the vote for Friday because emotions are running high.

“I do think that when emotions are high, you don’t always make your best decisions, but I think it’s clear that the majority leader need to vacate the leadership office,” Masterson told reporters.

Masterson said the results of a vote on Suellentrop’s future would be counted in public.

But, asked about having the discussions among senators in public, he said: “We’ve had plenty of discussion in public.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616963978358.jpeg" alt="Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop - photo Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop - photo Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans will vote on removing a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.”The move against Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop would be the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader faced an ouster vote before the end of his or her term. Senate President Ty Masterson committed Friday to an as-yet-unscheduled vote after a freshman GOP senator called for it during a morning caucus.“Obviously, the consequences need to come,” Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, told reporters after the caucus. “It’s a matter of time.”Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, stepped away from most of his duties as majority leader after his March 16 arrest in Topeka after he was stopped on Interstate 70 for driving the wrong way. But as of Friday morning, he had given no signal that he was contemplating resigning, either as majority leader or from the Legislature.The 69-year-old Suellentrop holds the state Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day. He was set to hold the job through 2024.He was not at the Statehouse on Friday or on Thursday, when a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-topeka-wichita-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3" target="_blank">released an affidavit</a>&nbsp;from the officer who arrested him. He did not answer his cellphone and it did not allow for a message seeking comment.Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts,</a>&nbsp;including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge. The Highway Patrol officer’s affidavit said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level after his arrest was .17, more than twice the legal limit in Kansas of .08.The call for a vote to remove Suellentrop came from Republican Sen. Rick Kloos, of Topeka, who said he’s “had numerous conversations” with colleagues and wants a vote “so we can all rest.”“It’s just done,” he said after the caucus. “We’ve all been patient, and with the new revelations yesterday, I just felt it was time.”Suellentrop’s absence Thursday helped to keep fellow Republicans from passing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-topeka-wichita-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3" target="_blank">a proposal from GOP conservatives</a>&nbsp;to allow parents of academically struggling public school students to use state dollars to pay for private schooling. GOP leaders were forced to set another vote for Friday.Kloos said he would like to have the vote on Suellentrop’s future Friday, but Masterson said the first step would be a closed meeting to establish the rules. The Senate president said he is not sure he will set the vote for Friday because emotions are running high.“I do think that when emotions are high, you don’t always make your best decisions, but I think it’s clear that the majority leader need to vacate the leadership office,” Masterson told reporters.Masterson said the results of a vote on Suellentrop’s future would be counted in public.But, asked about having the discussions among senators in public, he said: “We’ve had plenty of discussion in public.”Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley said in his affidavit that Suellentrop refused to take a breathalyzer test and was taken to a Topeka hospital for a blood test after a judge issued a warrant. At one point, he called Shepley “donut boy,” according to the affidavit, and said the events were “all for going the wrong way.”“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’”___

Kansas Senate GOP leader charged with DUI faces ouster vote

NORTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Northwest Kansas are investigating two suspects after a significant drug bust.

On Tuesday, Norton Police along with the Phillips County Sheriff's Department furthered their investigation into an illegal narcotics ring, according to a media release. The combined effort resulted in the seizure of 4 and one half pounds of meth, 50 Fentanyl tablets, a quantity of marijuana, $700 cash and the vehicle used to transported the illegal drugs.

They also made to arrests. The estimated street value of all the drugs is approximately $80-$90,000, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617965203496.png" alt="The estimated street value of all the drugs is approximately $80-$90,000- photo Norton Police" />
 <figcaption>The estimated street value of all the drugs is approximately $80-$90,000- photo Norton Police</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Northwest Kansas are investigating two suspects after a significant drug bust.On Tuesday, Norton Police along with the Phillips County Sheriff's Department furthered their investigation into an illegal narcotics ring, according to a media release. The combined effort resulted in the seizure of 4 and one half pounds of meth, 50 Fentanyl tablets, a quantity of marijuana, $700 cash and the vehicle used to transported the illegal drugs.They also made to arrests. The estimated street value of all the drugs is approximately $80-$90,000, according to police.

Authorities seize Fentanyl, meth and cash in NW Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for multiple charges following a traffic stop.

Just before 4p.m. April 6, a K9 unit conducted a traffic stop on a white 2003 Hyundai Tiburon near mile post 370 on NE U.S. 24 Highway for failure to wear seat belts, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The passenger, Christopher L. Allen, 38, of Topeka, had a civil warrant for his arrest. During the investigation, the K9 was deployed and illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia were located.

Allen was arrested for his warrant and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to wear a seat belt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617831603651.png" alt="Allen photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for multiple charges following a traffic stop.Just before 4p.m. April 6, a K9 unit conducted a traffic stop on a white 2003 Hyundai Tiburon near mile post 370 on NE U.S. 24 Highway for failure to wear seat belts, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The passenger, Christopher L. Allen, 38, of Topeka, had a civil warrant for his arrest. During the investigation, the K9 was deployed and illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia were located.Allen was arrested for his warrant and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to wear a seat belt.

Wanted Kan. man jailed after stop for seat belt violation

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A powerful Kansas lawmaker accused of drunken driving had a blood alcohol level that was twice the legal limit and taunted the Highway Patrol officer who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-7380a7e3e4fbe335536f78e0a5bf719d">arrested</a>&nbsp;him last month for allegedly speeding the wrong way on an interstate, according to documents released Thursday.

Kansas GOP Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts</a>, including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge stemming from his March 16 arrest on Interstate 70 in Topeka.

An affidavit submitted by Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley said tests indicated Suellentrop’s blood alcohol level was .17. The legal limit is .08.

After Suellentrop, 69, refused to take a breathalyzer test, he was taken to a Topeka hospital. At one point, he called Shepley “donut boy,” according to the affidavit, and said the events were “all for going the wrong way.”

“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’ ”

Suellentrop’s office said he would issue a statement later Thursday. His attorney, Tom Lemon, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

Suellentrop holds the state Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day. He has stepped away from most of his legislative duties until the criminal case is resolved.

Suellentrop was not at the Statehouse on Thursday afternoon and will be absent Friday, according to GOP staffers.

In the affidavit, Shepley said he initially saw Suellentrop driving west in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 470 and witnessed him narrowly miss another car. The trooper said he, too, had to swerve to avoid Suellentrop’s car. The ensuing chase reached speeds up to 90 mph in the 65 mph zone.

Shepley, with help from Topeka police officers, eventually used a tactical maneuver to force Suellentrop to stop on Interstate 70.

Shepley said when he approached the car, Suellentrop looked at him with a “confused, frightened, blank” stare and did not respond to commands to get out of the car. The patrolman said he smelled alcohol inside Suellentrop’s vehicle.

A Topeka police officer and Shepley removed Suellentrop from the car and placed him in handcuffs. The trooper could not understand what Suellentrop was saying because he was mumbling with slurred speech, according to the affidavit.

Because the car was stopped in a dangerous location, Suellentrop was taken to a state building for further testing, and the senator had trouble walking while he was there, according to the affidavit. Suellentrop refused to take a breathalyzer test, so Shepley obtained a search warrant and took him to the hospital for the blood test.

The Wichita Republican was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-7380a7e3e4fbe335536f78e0a5bf719d">released</a>&nbsp;later that day after a Shawnee County District Court judge found during a first hearing that “pertinent information” wasn’t included in the arrest report, meaning there was no probable cause to support his arrest.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay refiled the charges against him last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616963978358.jpeg" alt="Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County Jail and released after posting $5,000 bond. -photo-Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County Jail and released after posting $5,000 bond. -photo-Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A powerful Kansas lawmaker accused of drunken driving had a blood alcohol level that was twice the legal limit and taunted the Highway Patrol officer who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-7380a7e3e4fbe335536f78e0a5bf719d">arrested</a>&nbsp;him last month for allegedly speeding the wrong way on an interstate, according to documents released Thursday.Kansas GOP Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882">faces five counts</a>, including a felony fleeing to avoid arrest and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge stemming from his March 16 arrest on Interstate 70 in Topeka.An affidavit submitted by Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley said tests indicated Suellentrop’s blood alcohol level was .17. The legal limit is .08.After Suellentrop, 69, refused to take a breathalyzer test, he was taken to a Topeka hospital. At one point, he called Shepley “donut boy,” according to the affidavit, and said the events were “all for going the wrong way.”“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’ ”Suellentrop’s office said he would issue a statement later Thursday. His attorney, Tom Lemon, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.Suellentrop holds the state Senate’s second-highest leadership job, and the majority leader decides which proposals are debated each day. He has stepped away from most of his legislative duties until the criminal case is resolved.Suellentrop was not at the Statehouse on Thursday afternoon and will be absent Friday, according to GOP staffers.In the affidavit, Shepley said he initially saw Suellentrop driving west in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 470 and witnessed him narrowly miss another car. The trooper said he, too, had to swerve to avoid Suellentrop’s car. The ensuing chase reached speeds up to 90 mph in the 65 mph zone.Shepley, with help from Topeka police officers, eventually used a tactical maneuver to force Suellentrop to stop on Interstate 70.Shepley said when he approached the car, Suellentrop looked at him with a “confused, frightened, blank” stare and did not respond to commands to get out of the car. The patrolman said he smelled alcohol inside Suellentrop’s vehicle.A Topeka police officer and Shepley removed Suellentrop from the car and placed him in handcuffs. The trooper could not understand what Suellentrop was saying because he was mumbling with slurred speech, according to the affidavit.Because the car was stopped in a dangerous location, Suellentrop was taken to a state building for further testing, and the senator had trouble walking while he was there, according to the affidavit. Suellentrop refused to take a breathalyzer test, so Shepley obtained a search warrant and took him to the hospital for the blood test.The Wichita Republican was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-7380a7e3e4fbe335536f78e0a5bf719d">released</a>&nbsp;later that day after a Shawnee County District Court judge found during a first hearing that “pertinent information” wasn’t included in the arrest report, meaning there was no probable cause to support his arrest.Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay refiled the charges against him last week.

More bizarre details on DUI arrest of Kansas lawmaker

WAKEENEY, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has made an arrest in a child pornography case.

Just after 8pm. Wednesday, April 7, KBI agents served an arrest warrant at 209 N. 4th&nbsp;St. in Wakeeney and arrested Blaine D. Dryden, 62, of Wakeeney, on requested charges of aggravated internet trading of child pornography, and multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to a media release from the agency. The arrest occurred without incident.

The alleged crimes are suspected to have occurred between November 2019 and June 2020. Dryden was employed as a lieutenant with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office until July 2020. When made aware of the allegations, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office cooperated fully in the investigation, and immediately placed Dryden on administrative leave.

After his arrest, Dryden was booked into to the Graham County Jail. Bond was set at $750,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617849662382.png" alt="Dryden-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Dryden-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>WAKEENEY, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has made an arrest in a child pornography case.Just after 8pm. Wednesday, April 7, KBI agents served an arrest warrant at 209 N. 4th&nbsp;St. in Wakeeney and arrested Blaine D. Dryden, 62, of Wakeeney, on requested charges of aggravated internet trading of child pornography, and multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to a media release from the agency. The arrest occurred without incident.The alleged crimes are suspected to have occurred between November 2019 and June 2020. Dryden was employed as a lieutenant with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office until July 2020. When made aware of the allegations, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office cooperated fully in the investigation, and immediately placed Dryden on administrative leave.After his arrest, Dryden was booked into to the Graham County Jail. Bond was set at $750,000.

Former Kan. sheriff's Lt. accused of trading child porn

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after finding explosives in a vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617828375770.png" alt="Mendoza photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mendoza photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after finding explosives in a vehicle.Just before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, police officers recognized a white Nissan Rogue at 21st and Woodlawn in&nbsp; Wichita, according Officer Charley Davidson. The suspect vehicle had reportedly been involved in multiple drive-by shootings. The officers stopped the vehicle at an apartment complex in the 5400 block of East 21st Street North. They arrested the occupants of the vehicle identified as 25-year-old Eri Mendoza and 29-year-old Jessica Valdovinos.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617810586624.png" alt="Valdovinos photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Valdovinos photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Inside the vehicle, officers also located an improvised explosive device that looked like a grenade. The Wichita Police bomb unit responded to assist with the safe disposal of the device.In addition, police located a firearm, a firearm magazine and methamphetamine.Mendoza is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, criminal possession of an explosive device, criminal use of an explosive device and driving with a suspended license, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Valdovinos is being held on charges of possession of methamphetamine, criminal use of an explosive device, and outstanding warrants.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mendoza has previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.