SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas man after a chase and crash.

Just before 6p.m. on Jan. 2, an officer observed a stolen white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado traveling in the area of East Pawnee Avenue and Interstate 135 in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp;

 The officer initiated a traffic stop at West Kellogg and South Seneca, but the driver later identified as 46-year-old Heffelman refused to stop and led the officer on a vehicle pursuit.&nbsp; 

Heffelman lost control of the truck and crashed into a utility pole at Texas Avenue and Handley Street.&nbsp; Heffelman was not injured and was arrested without further incident.&nbsp; A 57-year-old female passenger was not injured and was released.

The stolen truck was reported stolen Friday from the 1400 block of South Main Street, according to Wheeler.

Heffelman is being held on requested charges of flee and elude, criminal deprivation of property, possession of paraphernalia, and a U.S. Marshal’s Service warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609777619129.png" alt="HEFFELMAN-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>HEFFELMAN-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas man after a chase and crash.Just before 6p.m. on Jan. 2, an officer observed a stolen white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado traveling in the area of East Pawnee Avenue and Interstate 135 in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp; The officer initiated a traffic stop at West Kellogg and South Seneca, but the driver later identified as 46-year-old Heffelman refused to stop and led the officer on a vehicle pursuit.&nbsp; Heffelman lost control of the truck and crashed into a utility pole at Texas Avenue and Handley Street.&nbsp; Heffelman was not injured and was arrested without further incident.&nbsp; A 57-year-old female passenger was not injured and was released.The stolen truck was reported stolen Friday from the 1400 block of South Main Street, according to Wheeler.Heffelman is being held on requested charges of flee and elude, criminal deprivation of property, possession of paraphernalia, and a U.S. Marshal’s Service warrant.

Wanted Kan. man jailed after crash in stolen pickup

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two women on drug charges for the second time in just over a month.

Just after 11a.m. Sunday, Deputies stopped a vehicle for an alleged vehicle registration violation&nbsp; near the Prairie  Band Casino, according to sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver identified as Melissa Reser-Young, 49, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp. The passenger, Shakeita Tocara Young, 31, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp.

Deputies arrested both of them on similar charges Nov. 30.

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two women in drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 4p.m. Nov 30, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a northbound 2007 Dodge Charge for a traffic violation near 262nd and U.S. Highway 75 north of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;During the investigation of the traffic stop, the deputy located illegal drugs and paraphernalia.  The driver and passenger of the vehicle were subsequently arrested.  A quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency was seized from the vehicle. 

 The driver, Shakeita Tocara Young, 31, of Topeka was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and transporting an open container. 

The passenger, Melissa Reser Young, 49, of Topeka was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607000418103.png" alt="Reser-Young-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Reser-Young-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two women on drug charges for the second time in just over a month.Just after 11a.m. Sunday, Deputies stopped a vehicle for an alleged vehicle registration violation&nbsp; near the Prairie Band Casino, according to sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607000440621.png" alt="Young-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Young-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver identified as Melissa Reser-Young, 49, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp. The passenger, Shakeita Tocara Young, 31, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp.Deputies arrested both of them on similar charges Nov. 30.---------JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two women in drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 4p.m. Nov 30, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a northbound 2007 Dodge Charge for a traffic violation near 262nd and U.S. Highway 75 north of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;During the investigation of the traffic stop, the deputy located illegal drugs and paraphernalia. The driver and passenger of the vehicle were subsequently arrested. A quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency was seized from the vehicle. The driver, Shakeita Tocara Young, 31, of Topeka was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and transporting an open container. The passenger, Melissa Reser Young, 49, of Topeka was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and transporting an open container.

Sheriff: 2 Kan. women accused of drug distribution again 

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on numerous charges after a Sunday traffic stop.

Shortly after midnight Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2007 Chrysler minivan for a traffic infraction near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Following an investigation, deputies arrested the driver, Danielle Lynn Haverkamp, 30 of Topeka for two outstanding Jackson County District Court no bond warrants and&nbsp;Alan Edward Panuco, 27, of Topeka, for an outstanding Jackson County District Court no bond warrant. 

Another passenger Raul Alejandro Jorge Munoz, 44, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609761522521.png" alt="Panuco-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Panuco-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on numerous charges after a Sunday traffic stop.Shortly after midnight Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2007 Chrysler minivan for a traffic infraction near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609761472710.png" alt="Haverkamp photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Haverkamp photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following an investigation, deputies arrested the driver, Danielle Lynn Haverkamp, 30 of Topeka for two outstanding Jackson County District Court no bond warrants and&nbsp;Alan Edward Panuco, 27, of Topeka, for an outstanding Jackson County District Court no bond warrant. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609765517748.png" alt="Munoz" />
 <figcaption>Munoz</figcaption>
 </figure>Another passenger Raul Alejandro Jorge Munoz, 44, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

Sheriff: 2 jailed in Kansas for no bond warrants

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of stolen vehicles found five of them in rural south central Kansas.

On December 27, 2020 an individual contacted deputies to report they discovered their stolen vehicle in rural Cowley county, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.

Deputies responded to the 20000 block of 151st Road and made contact with the reporting party who advised their vehicle had been stolen several months ago and they were told where to find it. 

After checking the VIN number, deputies confirmed the vehicle was stolen.

Deputies contacted the landowner who gave consent to law enforcement to check all other vehicles on the property.&nbsp; Deputies discovered four other vehicles stolen from Wichita, Winfield and Collinsville, Oklahoma. 

Deputies notified all the owners and the vehicles were removed from the property. 

Further investigation is being conducted but the sheriff has not reported an arrest.

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of stolen vehicles found five of them in rural south central Kansas.On December 27, 2020 an individual contacted deputies to report they discovered their stolen vehicle in rural Cowley county, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.Deputies responded to the 20000 block of 151st Road and made contact with the reporting party who advised their vehicle had been stolen several months ago and they were told where to find it. After checking the VIN number, deputies confirmed the vehicle was stolen.Deputies contacted the landowner who gave consent to law enforcement to check all other vehicles on the property.&nbsp; Deputies discovered four other vehicles stolen from Wichita, Winfield and Collinsville, Oklahoma. Deputies notified all the owners and the vehicles were removed from the property. Further investigation is being conducted but the sheriff has not reported an arrest.

Sheriff: Five stolen vehicles discovered in rural Kansas

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

Just after noon on New Year's Day, a sheriff's&nbsp;deputy stopped a 2007 gold Cadillac on Arizona Avenue near Banner in Holton for an alleged traffic infraction., according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver, Charles Ernest Wilson, 38, of Hiawatha, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Wilson also had an outstanding Brown County warrant and an outstanding City of Topeka warrant. Wilson remains in the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609554415290.png" alt="Wilson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after noon on New Year's Day, a sheriff's&nbsp;deputy stopped a 2007 gold Cadillac on Arizona Avenue near Banner in Holton for an alleged traffic infraction., according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver, Charles Ernest Wilson, 38, of Hiawatha, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Wilson also had an outstanding Brown County warrant and an outstanding City of Topeka warrant. Wilson remains in the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

Kan. man jailed on drug charge after New Year's Day traffic stop

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say a woman who was stabbed on New Year's Eve in Kansas City has died from her injuries.

Police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said that the woman was transported to a hospital in critical condition Thursday night and died Friday. Police are counting her killing as the first of 2021, even though the initial call was in 2020.

She was in in her 40s, but police didn't immediately release her name. No suspect information was immediately available.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say a woman who was stabbed on New Year's Eve in Kansas City has died from her injuries.Police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said that the woman was transported to a hospital in critical condition Thursday night and died Friday. Police are counting her killing as the first of 2021, even though the initial call was in 2020.She was in in her 40s, but police didn't immediately release her name. No suspect information was immediately available.Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

Woman stabbed on New Year's Eve in KC dies of her injuries

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects.&nbsp;

Just after 9a.m. New Year's Eve, a sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Ford Explorer north of 134th Road on U.S. 75 for allegedly displaying a license plate that wasn’t assigned to the vehicle, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver, Robert Motoyoski Thornbrough, 37, of Bakersfield, California, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and no insurance, according to Morse.

The passenger, Kimber Leigh Hunt, 32, of Topeka, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609554255698.png" alt="Thornbrough- photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Thornbrough- photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects.&nbsp;Just after 9a.m. New Year's Eve, a sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Ford Explorer north of 134th Road on U.S. 75 for allegedly displaying a license plate that wasn’t assigned to the vehicle, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver, Robert Motoyoski Thornbrough, 37, of Bakersfield, California, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and no insurance, according to Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609554189764.png" alt="Hunt-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hunt-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger, Kimber Leigh Hunt, 32, of Topeka, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Calif. driver jailed for meth possession in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made two arrests.

Just after 12:05 a.m. Friday, officers responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of South Ida in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson..&nbsp; A citizen called and reported hearing shots and a man lying on the sidewalk.

Upon officers arriving, they located 22-year-old Gabriel Campos-Torres, who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.

Through the investigation, an additional crime scene was located at a home in the 1200 block of South Laura, where Campos-Torres was shot.&nbsp; Investigators also learned that 18-year-old Noah Martin and a 16-year-old were involved in the shooting.&nbsp; They were located at the home on Laura and arrested.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a firearms inside of the home.

Martin of Wichita is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065752">held on a requested</a> charge of 2nd-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm.&nbsp; The 16-year-old boy is being held a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609538313369.png" alt="Martin-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Martin-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made two arrests.Just after 12:05 a.m. Friday, officers responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of South Ida in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson..&nbsp; A citizen called and reported hearing shots and a man lying on the sidewalk.Upon officers arriving, they located 22-year-old Gabriel Campos-Torres, who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.Through the investigation, an additional crime scene was located at a home in the 1200 block of South Laura, where Campos-Torres was shot.&nbsp; Investigators also learned that 18-year-old Noah Martin and a 16-year-old were involved in the shooting.&nbsp; They were located at the home on Laura and arrested.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a firearms inside of the home.Martin of Wichita is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065752">held on a requested</a> charge of 2nd-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm.&nbsp; The 16-year-old boy is being held a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police: Kan. teen jailed for New Year's Day murder

KANSAS CITY (AP) — When Andre Avery drives his commercial truck through Detroit, he keeps his pistol close.

Avery, 57, grew up in the Motor City and is aware that homicides and shootings are surging, even though before the pandemic they were dropping in Detroit and elsewhere. His gun is legal, and he carries it with him for protection.

“I remain extremely alert,” said Avery, who now lives in nearby Belleville. “I’m not in crowds. If something looks a little suspicious, I’m out of there.”

In Detroit, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and even smaller Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Milwaukee, 2020 has been deadly not only because of the pandemic, but because gun violence is spiking.

Authorities and some experts say there is no one clear-cut reason for the spike. They instead point to social and economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 virus, public sentiment toward police following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody and a historic shortage of jobs and resources in poorer communities as contributing factors. It’s happening in cities large and small, Democrat and Republican-led.

Two years ago, Detroit had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c43536132a0996ba53d763cae281c084">261 homicides</a>&nbsp;— the fewest in decades. The tally has hovered around there with about 786 shootings for a city of more than 672,000.

But with only a few days left in 2020, homicides already have topped 300, while non-fatal shootings are up more than 50% at more than 1,124 through the middle of December.

“I think the pandemic — COVID — has had a significant emotional impact on people across the country,” Detroit Police Chief James Craig said. “Individuals are not processing how they manage disputes. Whether domestics, arguments, disputes over drugs, there’s this quickness to use an illegally carried firearm.”

About 7,000 guns had been seized through mid-December in Detroit, with more than 5,500 arrests for illegal guns. There were 2,797 similar arrests last year.

“I’ve not seen a spike like this. But when it’s happening in other cities — some smaller — what do we all have in common?” Craig said of the slayings and shootings. “That’s when you start thinking about COVID.”

Washington, D.C., a city of about 700,000, has seen more than 187 homicides this year, eclipsing last year’s total by more than 20. Among the most horrible: A 15-month-old baby boy was shot to death during a drive-by shooting.

“We’re all sick of the heinous crimes in our city,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Crime in parts of the U.S. dropped during the early weeks of the pandemic when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bbb7adc88d3fa067c5c1b5c72a1a8aa6">stay-at-home orders closed businesses and forced many people to remain indoors.</a>

University of Pennsylvania economics professor David Abrams said crime began to spike in May and June when initial orders in some states were lifted.

Some people “may have been a little stir crazy,” Abrams said. “At the end of May, George Floyd’s killing led to protests and looting. That led to police reform movements. Any of that could have potentially affected individual behavior and also the police response to that.”

Calls for some cities to reduce funding for police departments may have led some officers to take a less aggressive approach to policing, he added.

What the COVID-19 virus did was exacerbate all of the frustration and anger that some in Black and brown communities already were dealing with, according to retired Michigan State University sociology professor Carl Taylor. The virus has killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-coronavirus-deaths-top-3-million-e2bc856b6ec45563b84ee2e87ae8d5e7">more than 300,000 people&nbsp;</a>across the country, with minority communities hardest hit.

“The COVID has been absolutely the trigger of an everlasting bomb that’s exploding in many parts of our community,”

Nowhere is that more true than inside people’s homes. “The COVID crisis and the economic shutdown is forcing people into their homes, creating conditions where people are more volatile,” said Kim Foxx, the top prosecutor in Cook County, which includes Chicago. And the most jarring statistic that illustrates that volatility is this: The number of domestic-related homicides in the nation’s third-largest city are up more than 60% compared with last year.

President Donald Trump claimed spiking crime was somehow related to massive protests over police brutality that swept the nation this year, but the majority of those protests were peaceful. Trump also claimed the crime was concentrated in Democratic-run cities, but there have been spikes in Republican-run cities as well. Federal agents and resources were poured into Detroit and a number of other cities this summer to help local authorities collar the rising crime rates.

By early October, more homicides — 363 — were recorded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-homicide-shootings-violence-philadelphia-ebe03dcb7e05777b7e73892e46b78b01">in Philadelphia&nbsp;</a>than the 356 committed in 2019. There were 354 killings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-new-york-violent-crime-new-york-city-violence-6d7e05e85b81d4281a14d3a03981d677">in New York</a>&nbsp;through Oct. 11 — 90 more than at the same time last year.

Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 5, 165 homicides were recorded in Milwaukee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-homicide-milwaukee-shootings-5179d42d4cc421ce1178e6834b55f66e">the most&nbsp;</a>since 1991. And in Chicago, after three years of falling homicide numbers, the totals skyrocketed to 739 in mid-December compared with 475 at the same point last year.

Even smaller cities like Grand Rapids are suffering. By mid-December there were 35 homicides compared with 16 through all of 2019 and nine the year before. From this January to October, non-fatal shootings topped 200 in the city, which is home to about 200,000 people. Over the same period last year there were 131 non-fatal shootings.

“This year, is it because of COVID? The political polarization we have seen?” asked Sgt. Dan Adams, spokesman for the Grand Rapids Police Department. “This year has been a year like no other. I don’t think you can point to any one ‘why.’”

It is the same for other mid-sized cities. Last year, there were 18 homicides in Rockford, a city of about 170,000 people in northern Illinois. More than 30 have been killed so far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockford-shootings-illinois-c0692de8b46ca5cc8f642855eb2eef15">including three Saturday&nbsp;</a>at a bowling alley.

“As we come to the end of this most difficult year and we look ahead at this New Year upon us, we know that this type of violence needs to stop,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — When Andre Avery drives his commercial truck through Detroit, he keeps his pistol close.Avery, 57, grew up in the Motor City and is aware that homicides and shootings are surging, even though before the pandemic they were dropping in Detroit and elsewhere. His gun is legal, and he carries it with him for protection.“I remain extremely alert,” said Avery, who now lives in nearby Belleville. “I’m not in crowds. If something looks a little suspicious, I’m out of there.”In Detroit, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and even smaller Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Milwaukee, 2020 has been deadly not only because of the pandemic, but because gun violence is spiking.Authorities and some experts say there is no one clear-cut reason for the spike. They instead point to social and economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 virus, public sentiment toward police following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody and a historic shortage of jobs and resources in poorer communities as contributing factors. It’s happening in cities large and small, Democrat and Republican-led.Two years ago, Detroit had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c43536132a0996ba53d763cae281c084">261 homicides</a>&nbsp;— the fewest in decades. The tally has hovered around there with about 786 shootings for a city of more than 672,000.But with only a few days left in 2020, homicides already have topped 300, while non-fatal shootings are up more than 50% at more than 1,124 through the middle of December.“I think the pandemic — COVID — has had a significant emotional impact on people across the country,” Detroit Police Chief James Craig said. “Individuals are not processing how they manage disputes. Whether domestics, arguments, disputes over drugs, there’s this quickness to use an illegally carried firearm.”About 7,000 guns had been seized through mid-December in Detroit, with more than 5,500 arrests for illegal guns. There were 2,797 similar arrests last year.“I’ve not seen a spike like this. But when it’s happening in other cities — some smaller — what do we all have in common?” Craig said of the slayings and shootings. “That’s when you start thinking about COVID.”Washington, D.C., a city of about 700,000, has seen more than 187 homicides this year, eclipsing last year’s total by more than 20. Among the most horrible: A 15-month-old baby boy was shot to death during a drive-by shooting.“We’re all sick of the heinous crimes in our city,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.Crime in parts of the U.S. dropped during the early weeks of the pandemic when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bbb7adc88d3fa067c5c1b5c72a1a8aa6">stay-at-home orders closed businesses and forced many people to remain indoors.</a>University of Pennsylvania economics professor David Abrams said crime began to spike in May and June when initial orders in some states were lifted.Some people “may have been a little stir crazy,” Abrams said. “At the end of May, George Floyd’s killing led to protests and looting. That led to police reform movements. Any of that could have potentially affected individual behavior and also the police response to that.”Calls for some cities to reduce funding for police departments may have led some officers to take a less aggressive approach to policing, he added.What the COVID-19 virus did was exacerbate all of the frustration and anger that some in Black and brown communities already were dealing with, according to retired Michigan State University sociology professor Carl Taylor. The virus has killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-coronavirus-deaths-top-3-million-e2bc856b6ec45563b84ee2e87ae8d5e7">more than 300,000 people&nbsp;</a>across the country, with minority communities hardest hit.“The COVID has been absolutely the trigger of an everlasting bomb that’s exploding in many parts of our community,”Nowhere is that more true than inside people’s homes. “The COVID crisis and the economic shutdown is forcing people into their homes, creating conditions where people are more volatile,” said Kim Foxx, the top prosecutor in Cook County, which includes Chicago. And the most jarring statistic that illustrates that volatility is this: The number of domestic-related homicides in the nation’s third-largest city are up more than 60% compared with last year.President Donald Trump claimed spiking crime was somehow related to massive protests over police brutality that swept the nation this year, but the majority of those protests were peaceful. Trump also claimed the crime was concentrated in Democratic-run cities, but there have been spikes in Republican-run cities as well. Federal agents and resources were poured into Detroit and a number of other cities this summer to help local authorities collar the rising crime rates.By early October, more homicides — 363 — were recorded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-homicide-shootings-violence-philadelphia-ebe03dcb7e05777b7e73892e46b78b01">in Philadelphia&nbsp;</a>than the 356 committed in 2019. There were 354 killings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-new-york-violent-crime-new-york-city-violence-6d7e05e85b81d4281a14d3a03981d677">in New York</a>&nbsp;through Oct. 11 — 90 more than at the same time last year.Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 5, 165 homicides were recorded in Milwaukee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-homicide-milwaukee-shootings-5179d42d4cc421ce1178e6834b55f66e">the most&nbsp;</a>since 1991. And in Chicago, after three years of falling homicide numbers, the totals skyrocketed to 739 in mid-December compared with 475 at the same point last year.Even smaller cities like Grand Rapids are suffering. By mid-December there were 35 homicides compared with 16 through all of 2019 and nine the year before. From this January to October, non-fatal shootings topped 200 in the city, which is home to about 200,000 people. Over the same period last year there were 131 non-fatal shootings.“This year, is it because of COVID? The political polarization we have seen?” asked Sgt. Dan Adams, spokesman for the Grand Rapids Police Department. “This year has been a year like no other. I don’t think you can point to any one ‘why.’”It is the same for other mid-sized cities. Last year, there were 18 homicides in Rockford, a city of about 170,000 people in northern Illinois. More than 30 have been killed so far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockford-shootings-illinois-c0692de8b46ca5cc8f642855eb2eef15">including three Saturday&nbsp;</a>at a bowling alley.“As we come to the end of this most difficult year and we look ahead at this New Year upon us, we know that this type of violence needs to stop,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said.___

As COVID-19 ravages US, shootings, killings also up

GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have dismissed a murder charge in the shooting death of a Garden City restaurant owner but said the charge could be refiled if new evidence emerges.

Marcus Roady, 31, was charged in the death of Charles Ernie Ortiz, 69, the owner of the El Conquistador Restaurant in Garden City.

The Finney County attorney’s office said Thursday that current circumstances dictate dismissal of the charge but did not elaborate. The office said the case remains an open investigation.

Officers found Ortiz&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/93d4d5083515448f8d4429441ca60f33">lying in the restaurant’s parking lot</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 23, 2019. He was suffering from several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a Garden City restaurant.

Police said at the time that the shooting could have been related to an attempted robbery.

No other arrests have been made in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609440279836.png" alt="Marcus Roady remains jailed in Finney County, according to online jail records" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Roady remains jailed in Finney County, according to online jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have dismissed a murder charge in the shooting death of a Garden City restaurant owner but said the charge could be refiled if new evidence emerges.Marcus Roady, 31, was charged in the death of Charles Ernie Ortiz, 69, the owner of the El Conquistador Restaurant in Garden City.The Finney County attorney’s office said Thursday that current circumstances dictate dismissal of the charge but did not elaborate. The office said the case remains an open investigation.Officers found Ortiz&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/93d4d5083515448f8d4429441ca60f33">lying in the restaurant’s parking lot</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 23, 2019. He was suffering from several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a Garden City restaurant.Police said at the time that the shooting could have been related to an attempted robbery.No other arrests have been made in the case.

Suspect remains in SW Kan. jail after murder charge dismissed

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal New Year's Eve shooting and have identified the victim as 25-year-old Jesus Noel Soto-Villareal of Topeka.&nbsp;

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, police were in the area of SE 6th and Leland in Topeka as gunshots were heard, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Officers later were notified of an adult male victim suffering from life-threatening injuries who arrived at a local hospital. The victim was later pronounced deceased by medical care personnel.

Officers and Detectives are continuing the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal New Year's Eve shooting.

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, police were in the area of SE 6th and Leland in Topeka as gunshots were heard, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. 

Officers later were notified of an adult male victim suffering from life-threatening injuries who arrived at a local hospital. The victim was later pronounced deceased by medical care personnel. 

The identity of the deceased individual is being withheld pending proper next of kin notification, according to Monasmith.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal New Year's Eve shooting and have identified the victim as 25-year-old Jesus Noel Soto-Villareal of Topeka.&nbsp;Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, police were in the area of SE 6th and Leland in Topeka as gunshots were heard, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.Officers later were notified of an adult male victim suffering from life-threatening injuries who arrived at a local hospital. The victim was later pronounced deceased by medical care personnel.Officers and Detectives are continuing the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.Police have not reported an arrest.-----SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal New Year's Eve shooting.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, police were in the area of SE 6th and Leland in Topeka as gunshots were heard, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. Officers later were notified of an adult male victim suffering from life-threatening injuries who arrived at a local hospital. The victim was later pronounced deceased by medical care personnel. Officers and Detectives are continuing the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.The identity of the deceased individual is being withheld pending proper next of kin notification, according to Monasmith.

Police ID Kan. man who died in New Year's Eve shooting 

JENNINGS, Mo. (AP) — A former church employee has been charged with threatening to “shoot up” the church after he was asked to wear a mask, according to St. Louis County authorities.

Timothy Percy Taylor, 29, was fired from Radiant Life in Christ Church in Jennings on Dec. 6 after he became upset when a co-worker asked him to wear a mask inside the building.

The co-worker told police Taylor threatened to “pop” the employee and “shoot up the whole church," according to court documents.

Taylor returned to sit in the church parking lot several times, according to the documents, and also sent texts threatening the co-worker's family.

When Taylor was arrested Dec. 20 across the street from the church, he had three loaded firearms in his possession, according to the charging documents.

Online court records do not name an attorney for Taylor. He was being held on $50,000 cash only bond. A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for Jan. 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609366575892.png" alt="Taylor photo St. Louis Co." />
 <figcaption>Taylor photo St. Louis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JENNINGS, Mo. (AP) — A former church employee has been charged with threatening to “shoot up” the church after he was asked to wear a mask, according to St. Louis County authorities.Timothy Percy Taylor, 29, was fired from Radiant Life in Christ Church in Jennings on Dec. 6 after he became upset when a co-worker asked him to wear a mask inside the building.The co-worker told police Taylor threatened to “pop” the employee and “shoot up the whole church," according to court documents.Taylor returned to sit in the church parking lot several times, according to the documents, and also sent texts threatening the co-worker's family.When Taylor was arrested Dec. 20 across the street from the church, he had three loaded firearms in his possession, according to the charging documents.Online court records do not name an attorney for Taylor. He was being held on $50,000 cash only bond. A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for Jan. 5.

Man threatens to 'shoot up' church after asked to wear mask

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Authorities arrested a suburban Milwaukee pharmacist Thursday suspected of deliberately ruining hundreds of doses of coronavirus vaccine by removing them from refrigeration for two nights.

The arrest marks another setback in what has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-seniors-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-e106ffb05881cd474be554dac055bff6">a slower, messier start&nbsp;</a>to vaccinate Americans than public health officials had expected. Leaders in Wisconsin and other states have been begging the Trump administration for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-gustave-perna-vaccine-shipments-6e61f8f1eb9bb0151669d1fe2d9b5646">more doses</a>&nbsp;as health care workers and senior citizens line up for the lifesaving vaccine.

Police in Grafton, about 20 miles&nbsp; north of Milwaukee, said the Advocate Aurora Health pharmacist Steven Brandenburg was arrested on suspicion of reckless endangerment, adulterating a prescription drug and criminal damage to property, all felonies. The pharmacist has been fired and police said in a news release that he was in jail. Police did not identify the pharmacist, saying he has not yet been formally charged.

His motive remains unclear. Police said that detectives believe he knew the spoiled doses would be useless and people who received them would mistakenly think they’d been vaccinated when they hadn’t.

Advocate Aurora Health Care Chief Medical Group Officer Jeff Bahr told reporters during a teleconference Thursday afternoon that the pharmacist deliberately removed 57 vials that held hundreds of doses of the Moderna vaccine from refrigeration at a Grafton medical center overnight on Dec. 24 into Dec. 25, returned them, then left them out again on the night of Dec. 25 into Saturday. The vials contained enough doses to inoculate 570 people.

A pharmacy technician discovered the vials outside the refrigerator on Saturday morning. Bahr said the pharmacist initially said that he had removed the vials to access other items in the refrigerator and had inadvertently failed to put them back.

The Moderna vaccine is viable for 12 hours outside refrigeration, so workers used the vaccine to inoculate 57 people before discarding the rest. Police said the discarded doses were worth between $8,000 and $11,000.

Bahr said health system officials grew more suspicious of the pharmacist as they reviewed the incident. After multiple interviews, the pharmacist acknowledged Wednesday that he removed the vaccine intentionally over the two nights, Bahr said.

That means that the doses people received Saturday are all but useless, he said. Moderna has told Aurora that there’s no safety concerns, but the hospital system is closely monitoring the people who received the spoiled doses, he said.

Bahr declined to comment on the pharmacist’s motive. He said the hospital system’s security protocols are sound.

“This was a situation involving a bad actor,” he said, “as opposed to a bad process.”

The number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin has been rising in recent days after dipping in early December. The state Department of Health Services reported 3,810 newly confirmed cases on Thursday, marking the third straight day of rising daily infections. The state has now seen 481,102 cases.

COVID-19 was a factor in 41 more deaths, pushing the state’s overall death toll to 4,859. The survival rate remained unchanged at 99%.

A little more than 47,150 people had been vaccinated in Wisconsin as of Monday morning, according to the latest data from the health agency. The state has been allocated 265,575 doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. As of Monday morning, only about 157,000 doses had arrived.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers wrote a letter to President Donald Trump earlier in December asking him to prioritize more doses for Wisconsin due to high case numbers, swamped hospitals and a lack of statewide mitigation mandates.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Authorities arrested a suburban Milwaukee pharmacist Thursday suspected of deliberately ruining hundreds of doses of coronavirus vaccine by removing it from refrigeration for two nights.

The Grafton Police Department said the former Advocate Aurora Health pharmacist was arrested on suspicion of reckless endangerment, adulterating a prescription drug and criminal damage to property. The department said in a news release that he was in jail. Police did not identify the pharmacist, saying he has not yet been formally charged.

A pharmacy technician discovered the vials outside the refrigerator on Saturday morning. Bahr said the pharmacist initially said that he had removed the vaccine to access other items in the refrigerator and had inadvertently failed to replace it.

The Moderna vaccine is still viable for 12 hours outside refrigeration, so workers used the vaccine to inoculate 57 people before discarding the rest. Police said the discarded doses were worth between $8,000 and $11,000.

Bahr said health system officials grew more suspicious of the pharmacist as they reviewed the incident. After multiple interviews the pharmacist acknowledged Wednesday that he removed the vaccine deliberately and left it out overnight Dec. 24 into Dec. 25, returned it to the refrigerator at some point and then removed it again overnight Dec. 25 to Dec. 26.

Bahr said that means that the doses people received Saturday are all but useless. Moderna has told Aurora that there’s no safety concerns but the system is monitoring them closely, he said.

Bahr declined to comment on the pharmacist’s motive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609679136628.png" alt="Steven Brandenburg photo Ozaukee Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Steven Brandenburg photo Ozaukee Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Authorities arrested a suburban Milwaukee pharmacist Thursday suspected of deliberately ruining hundreds of doses of coronavirus vaccine by removing them from refrigeration for two nights.The arrest marks another setback in what has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-seniors-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-e106ffb05881cd474be554dac055bff6">a slower, messier start&nbsp;</a>to vaccinate Americans than public health officials had expected. Leaders in Wisconsin and other states have been begging the Trump administration for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-gustave-perna-vaccine-shipments-6e61f8f1eb9bb0151669d1fe2d9b5646">more doses</a>&nbsp;as health care workers and senior citizens line up for the lifesaving vaccine.Police in Grafton, about 20 miles&nbsp; north of Milwaukee, said the Advocate Aurora Health pharmacist Steven Brandenburg was arrested on suspicion of reckless endangerment, adulterating a prescription drug and criminal damage to property, all felonies. The pharmacist has been fired and police said in a news release that he was in jail. Police did not identify the pharmacist, saying he has not yet been formally charged.His motive remains unclear. Police said that detectives believe he knew the spoiled doses would be useless and people who received them would mistakenly think they’d been vaccinated when they hadn’t.Advocate Aurora Health Care Chief Medical Group Officer Jeff Bahr told reporters during a teleconference Thursday afternoon that the pharmacist deliberately removed 57 vials that held hundreds of doses of the Moderna vaccine from refrigeration at a Grafton medical center overnight on Dec. 24 into Dec. 25, returned them, then left them out again on the night of Dec. 25 into Saturday. The vials contained enough doses to inoculate 570 people.A pharmacy technician discovered the vials outside the refrigerator on Saturday morning. Bahr said the pharmacist initially said that he had removed the vials to access other items in the refrigerator and had inadvertently failed to put them back.The Moderna vaccine is viable for 12 hours outside refrigeration, so workers used the vaccine to inoculate 57 people before discarding the rest. Police said the discarded doses were worth between $8,000 and $11,000.Bahr said health system officials grew more suspicious of the pharmacist as they reviewed the incident. After multiple interviews, the pharmacist acknowledged Wednesday that he removed the vaccine intentionally over the two nights, Bahr said.That means that the doses people received Saturday are all but useless, he said. Moderna has told Aurora that there’s no safety concerns, but the hospital system is closely monitoring the people who received the spoiled doses, he said.Bahr declined to comment on the pharmacist’s motive. He said the hospital system’s security protocols are sound.“This was a situation involving a bad actor,” he said, “as opposed to a bad process.”The number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin has been rising in recent days after dipping in early December. The state Department of Health Services reported 3,810 newly confirmed cases on Thursday, marking the third straight day of rising daily infections. The state has now seen 481,102 cases.COVID-19 was a factor in 41 more deaths, pushing the state’s overall death toll to 4,859. The survival rate remained unchanged at 99%.A little more than 47,150 people had been vaccinated in Wisconsin as of Monday morning, according to the latest data from the health agency. The state has been allocated 265,575 doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. As of Monday morning, only about 157,000 doses had arrived.Democratic Gov. Tony Evers wrote a letter to President Donald Trump earlier in December asking him to prioritize more doses for Wisconsin due to high case numbers, swamped hospitals and a lack of statewide mitigation mandates.___MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Authorities arrested a suburban Milwaukee pharmacist Thursday suspected of deliberately ruining hundreds of doses of coronavirus vaccine by removing it from refrigeration for two nights.The Grafton Police Department said the former Advocate Aurora Health pharmacist was arrested on suspicion of reckless endangerment, adulterating a prescription drug and criminal damage to property. The department said in a news release that he was in jail. Police did not identify the pharmacist, saying he has not yet been formally charged.His motive remains unclear. Police said that detectives believe he knew the spoiled doses would be useless and people who received them would mistakenly think they’d been vaccinated when they hadn’t.Advocate Aurora Health Care Chief Medical Group Officer Jeff Bahr told reporters during a teleconference Thursday afternoon that the pharmacist deliberately removed 57 vials that held hundreds of doses of the Moderna vaccine from refrigeration at a Grafton medical center overnight on Dec. 24 into Dec. 25, returned them, then left them out again on the night of Dec. 25 into Saturday. The vials contained enough doses to inoculate 570 people.A pharmacy technician discovered the vials outside the refrigerator on Saturday morning. Bahr said the pharmacist initially said that he had removed the vaccine to access other items in the refrigerator and had inadvertently failed to replace it.The Moderna vaccine is still viable for 12 hours outside refrigeration, so workers used the vaccine to inoculate 57 people before discarding the rest. Police said the discarded doses were worth between $8,000 and $11,000.Bahr said health system officials grew more suspicious of the pharmacist as they reviewed the incident. After multiple interviews the pharmacist acknowledged Wednesday that he removed the vaccine deliberately and left it out overnight Dec. 24 into Dec. 25, returned it to the refrigerator at some point and then removed it again overnight Dec. 25 to Dec. 26.Bahr said that means that the doses people received Saturday are all but useless. Moderna has told Aurora that there’s no safety concerns but the system is monitoring them closely, he said.Bahr declined to comment on the pharmacist’s motive.___

Pharmacist arrested for deliberately spoiling vaccine doses

TOPEKA — Authorities have made arrests for the fire Tuesday at the nearly abandoned shopping mall in south Topeka known as the White Lakes Mall, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

On Wednesday, Topeka Fire Department Investigators, following leads from a Crime Stoppers tip, arrested 18-year-old Joel A. Sink and two juveniles on requested charges of Arson, Criminal Damage to Property and Criminal Trespass. 

Investigators have classified the fire as intentionally set, according to Harrison.

Just after 6:30a.m., crews responded in freezing rain to the fire and found smoke coming from the roof of the building, according to Fire Marshall Todd Harrison.

Due to the condemned status of the building, firefighters focused efforts on keeping the fire contained and from spreading to Mainline Printing, the one business that remains in the building.

A primary search of the structure revealed no occupants. Mainline printing, located in the building, sustained minimal damage, according to Harrison.

The Estimated dollar loss – $100,000.00; all of which is associated with structural loss.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin.

TOPEKA — Authorities are working to determine the cause of Tuesday fire at the nearly abandoned shopping mall in south Topeka known as the White Lakes Mall.

A primary search of the structure revealed no occupants. Mainline printing sustained minimal damage, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609424069864.png" alt="Sink photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Sink photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Authorities have made arrests for the fire Tuesday at the nearly abandoned shopping mall in south Topeka known as the White Lakes Mall, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.On Wednesday, Topeka Fire Department Investigators, following leads from a Crime Stoppers tip, arrested 18-year-old Joel A. Sink and two juveniles on requested charges of Arson, Criminal Damage to Property and Criminal Trespass. Investigators have classified the fire as intentionally set, according to Harrison.Just after 6:30a.m., crews responded in freezing rain to the fire and found smoke coming from the roof of the building, according to Fire Marshall Todd Harrison.Due to the condemned status of the building, firefighters focused efforts on keeping the fire contained and from spreading to Mainline Printing, the one business that remains in the building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609258450755.png" alt="Mall fire-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Mall fire-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>A primary search of the structure revealed no occupants. Mainline printing, located in the building, sustained minimal damage, according to Harrison.The Estimated dollar loss – $100,000.00; all of which is associated with structural loss.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin.----------TOPEKA — Authorities are working to determine the cause of Tuesday fire at the nearly abandoned shopping mall in south Topeka known as the White Lakes Mall.Just after 6:30a.m., crews responded in freezing rain to the fire and found smoke coming from the roof of the building, according to Fire Marshall Todd Harrison.Due to the condemned status of the building, firefighters focused efforts on keeping the fire contained and from spreading to Mainline Printing, the one business that remains in the building.A primary search of the structure revealed no occupants. Mainline printing sustained minimal damage, according to Harrison.The Estimated dollar loss – $100,000.00; all of which is associated with structural loss.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin.----------

Tip leads to arrests in $100K fire at Kansas mall

AVA, Mo. (AP) — The human remains found last weekend in a rural area of southwestern Missouri have been identified as those of a man who was reported missing five years ago.

Relatives of Brandon Wood of Mountain Grove reported him missing in September 2015. The skeletal remains were found in Douglas County in an area that had been previously searched.

Authorities say recent home construction turned up new evidence. The remains were identified through dental records.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said it has identified three people of interest in Wood's death, but so far, no arrests have been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609423623202.png" alt="Brandon Wood was reported missing in 2015 -photo Douglas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Wood was reported missing in 2015 -photo Douglas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>AVA, Mo. (AP) — The human remains found last weekend in a rural area of southwestern Missouri have been identified as those of a man who was reported missing five years ago.Relatives of Brandon Wood of Mountain Grove reported him missing in September 2015. The skeletal remains were found in Douglas County in an area that had been previously searched.Authorities say recent home construction turned up new evidence. The remains were identified through dental records.The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said it has identified three people of interest in Wood's death, but so far, no arrests have been made.

Remains found in southwest Missouri identified

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities have located a vehicle that was sought in a fatal hit-and-run crash in which the victim was left lying on the side of a street for more than 48 hours before he was found.

Police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said Wednesday that the occupants of the vehicle also had been identified but that no one was immediately arrested.

Police said previously that 24-year-old Deyonta Tenner was on foot Dec. 18 when a speeding vehicle left the roadway and struck him. But it wasn’t until Dec. 20 that someone called authorities to report the body near the road.

Becchina said it usually takes several weeks before crash investigations are completed and a case file is submitted to prosecutors for consideration of charges

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608659142070.png" alt="The vehicle involved in the fatal-hit and run crash-photo KC Police" />
 <figcaption>The vehicle involved in the fatal-hit and run crash-photo KC Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities have located a vehicle that was sought in a fatal hit-and-run crash in which the victim was left lying on the side of a street for more than 48 hours before he was found.Police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said Wednesday that the occupants of the vehicle also had been identified but that no one was immediately arrested.Police said previously that 24-year-old Deyonta Tenner was on foot Dec. 18 when a speeding vehicle left the roadway and struck him. But it wasn’t until Dec. 20 that someone called authorities to report the body near the road.Becchina said it usually takes several weeks before crash investigations are completed and a case file is submitted to prosecutors for consideration of charges

Police locate vehicle in deadly Kansas City hit-and-run

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon after an arrest.

Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and Kansas Highway Patrol observed a suspect wanted on felony warrants through Shawnee County and the Kansas Department of Corrections in the 400 Block of SE Branner Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

 After a short pursuit, officers took 36-year-old David Jackson of Topeka&nbsp; into custody in 3200 Block of SE Adams Street without incident.&nbsp;

Jackson is being held in&nbsp;the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include the Felony Shawnee County warrant, and a Felony Kansas Department of Correction Parole Absconder warrant, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609328961584.png" alt="Jackson has previous convictions for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, forgery and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Jackson has previous convictions for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, forgery and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon after an arrest.Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and Kansas Highway Patrol observed a suspect wanted on felony warrants through Shawnee County and the Kansas Department of Corrections in the 400 Block of SE Branner Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. After a short pursuit, officers took 36-year-old David Jackson of Topeka&nbsp; into custody in 3200 Block of SE Adams Street without incident.&nbsp;Jackson is being held in&nbsp;the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include the Felony Shawnee County warrant, and a Felony Kansas Department of Correction Parole Absconder warrant, according to Monasmith.

Kansas fugitive task force, KHP track down wanted man

ELLIS COUNTY —A police pursuit ended in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Monday in Ellis County.

A police officer in Ellis observed a driver later identified as 29-year-old Kyle Williams of Abilene driving erratically, according to Police Chief Christopher Krom.

During the police pursuit, the 1998 Ford Taurus driven Williams, left the road&nbsp; in the 100 Block of Old Highway 40. The car entered the north ditch, struck a tree and rolled onto the driver's side, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

EMS transported Williams to Hays Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30 p.m. Monday during a police pursuit in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the Ellis Police Department was in pursuit of a 1998 Ford Taurus driven by&nbsp; Kyle L. Williams, 29, Abilene, in the 100 Block of Old Highway 40.

The Taurus left the roadway to the right, entered the north ditch, struck a tree and rolled onto the driver's side.

EMS transported Williams to Hays Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609277859589.png" alt="Williams has previous arrests in Dickinson, Saline, Ottawa and Mitchell County, according to online jail records. He has convictions for theft, aggravated failure to appear and contributing to a child's misconduct in Geary County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Williams has previous arrests in Dickinson, Saline, Ottawa and Mitchell County, according to online jail records. He has convictions for theft, aggravated failure to appear and contributing to a child's misconduct in Geary County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —A police pursuit ended in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Monday in Ellis County.A police officer in Ellis observed a driver later identified as 29-year-old Kyle Williams of Abilene driving erratically, according to Police Chief Christopher Krom.During the police pursuit, the 1998 Ford Taurus driven Williams, left the road&nbsp; in the 100 Block of Old Highway 40. The car entered the north ditch, struck a tree and rolled onto the driver's side, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.EMS transported Williams to Hays Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30 p.m. Monday during a police pursuit in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the Ellis Police Department was in pursuit of a 1998 Ford Taurus driven by&nbsp; Kyle L. Williams, 29, Abilene, in the 100 Block of Old Highway 40.The Taurus left the roadway to the right, entered the north ditch, struck a tree and rolled onto the driver's side.EMS transported Williams to Hays Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase.

Update: Abilene man hospitalized after police chase, crash

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a burglary in Salina.

Just after 5:30p.m. Monday,&nbsp; police were sent to the Ambassador Hotel, 1616 West Crawford Street in Salina, at 5:30 p.m. Monday for the report of a burglary in progress, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Officers located a gold 1999 GMC Sierra backed into a stall on the north side of the hotel and an approximate four-foot by five-foot shattered window.&nbsp; Officers also found Maranda Fields, 42, of Wichita, sleeping in the truck.&nbsp;

While the officers were speaking with Fields, Nicholas Coleman, 26, of Salina, appeared inside the hotel carrying items including two extension cords valued at $50, two dryer belts valued at $16, and three other miscellaneous cords valued at $30, according to Forrester.

Coleman failed to comply with officers commands and ran back into the hotel. He was found inside the hotel and taken into custody, at which time he allegedly spit on one of the officers, according to Forrester.

Police arrested Fields on a requested charges of trespassing and Coleman on requested charges of Burglary, Felony criminal damage to property, Felony interference with law enforcement, Three counts of theft of property and Battery of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;The pickup had been reported to officers in connection with two other theft cases in Salina, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609252148268.jpeg" alt="Coleman has previous convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Coleman has previous convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a burglary in Salina.Just after 5:30p.m. Monday,&nbsp; police were sent to the Ambassador Hotel, 1616 West Crawford Street in Salina, at 5:30 p.m. Monday for the report of a burglary in progress, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Officers located a gold 1999 GMC Sierra backed into a stall on the north side of the hotel and an approximate four-foot by five-foot shattered window.&nbsp; Officers also found Maranda Fields, 42, of Wichita, sleeping in the truck.&nbsp;While the officers were speaking with Fields, Nicholas Coleman, 26, of Salina, appeared inside the hotel carrying items including two extension cords valued at $50, two dryer belts valued at $16, and three other miscellaneous cords valued at $30, according to Forrester.Coleman failed to comply with officers commands and ran back into the hotel. He was found inside the hotel and taken into custody, at which time he allegedly spit on one of the officers, according to Forrester.Police arrested Fields on a requested charges of trespassing and Coleman on requested charges of Burglary, Felony criminal damage to property, Felony interference with law enforcement, Three counts of theft of property and Battery of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;The pickup had been reported to officers in connection with two other theft cases in Salina, according to Forrester.

Kan. man on parole for burglary arrested for motel burglary

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 4 suspects after multiple agencies combined resources and worked with timely information from vigilant citizens to make arrests.

Just after 8:30 a.m. Christmas morning, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was notified that two vehicles were stolen from a business in the 3000 block of SW 57th Street in the Topeka area, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies located one vehicle, a 2006 Ford F350, traveling northbound on SW Topeka Boulevard. The driver failed to stop and initiated a short pursuit. The Ford F350 was found abandoned in the 500 block of SW 14th Street.

The other vehicle, a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, was located in the 7000 block of SW Sixmile Creek Road. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Air Support Unit quickly responded to the area. With the assistance of multiple law enforcement officers, a Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit and helpful citizens, four suspects were located hiding nearby. 

The KHP Air Support Unit used a FLIR, thermal imaging camera, to locate all four suspects from above. Multiple vigilant citizens called in and reported descriptions and information. A Sheriff’s Office K9 unit tracked two suspects, one was hiding behind a shed within cedar trees. The K9 engaged and apprehended that suspect.

Deputies transported Jason C. Hokanson, 34, Topeka; Christopher G. Clark, 31, Andrea D. Green, 26, both of Maple Hill and Brooks R. Vonthaer 26, Topeka, to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning. 

Hokanson, Clark, Green and Vonthaer were booked into jail on requested charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and conspiracy.&nbsp; Green also had two warrants for her arrest, according to Christian.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both stolen vehicles were returned to their owner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080461604.png" alt="Hokanson-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hokanson-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 4 suspects after multiple agencies combined resources and worked with timely information from vigilant citizens to make arrests.Just after 8:30 a.m. Christmas morning, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was notified that two vehicles were stolen from a business in the 3000 block of SW 57th Street in the Topeka area, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies located one vehicle, a 2006 Ford F350, traveling northbound on SW Topeka Boulevard. The driver failed to stop and initiated a short pursuit. The Ford F350 was found abandoned in the 500 block of SW 14th Street.The other vehicle, a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, was located in the 7000 block of SW Sixmile Creek Road. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Air Support Unit quickly responded to the area. With the assistance of multiple law enforcement officers, a Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit and helpful citizens, four suspects were located hiding nearby. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080609892.png" alt=" Vonthaer-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption> Vonthaer-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The KHP Air Support Unit used a FLIR, thermal imaging camera, to locate all four suspects from above. Multiple vigilant citizens called in and reported descriptions and information. A Sheriff’s Office K9 unit tracked two suspects, one was hiding behind a shed within cedar trees. The K9 engaged and apprehended that suspect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080522196.png" alt="Clark-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Clark-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies transported Jason C. Hokanson, 34, Topeka; Christopher G. Clark, 31, Andrea D. Green, 26, both of Maple Hill and Brooks R. Vonthaer 26, Topeka, to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080362145.png" alt="Green photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Green photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hokanson, Clark, Green and Vonthaer were booked into jail on requested charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and conspiracy.&nbsp; Green also had two warrants for her arrest, according to Christian.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both stolen vehicles were returned to their owner.

4 jailed in Kansas for Christmas Day vehicle thefts

BENTON COUNTY, MO — The parents of a 4-year-old Missouri girl allegedly killed by neighbors to remove a “demon” now face charges. 

Just after 7p.m. Thursday, deputies arrested Mary S. Mast and James A. Mast, both of Lincoln, Missouri, on requested charges of felony child endangerment resulting in death.&nbsp; Mary is also facing a charge of domestic assault.

They're jailed without bond, according to online jail records. The couple’s other children, a 2-year-old son and an infant, were placed in protective custody. 

The 4-year-old girl was found dead at the family home on Dec. 20. Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox says she had been severely beaten and dunked in an icy pond as part of what appeared to be a “religious-type episode.” Two neighbors are charged with second-degree murder.

On the sheriff's office social media page, Knox wrote, "I have received many letters, calls and emails of concern regarding this child’s death and the surrounding circumstances to be the actions of a cult. During interviews with investigators and the media, there have been some references to God and demons. Additional interviews have been held with family members, both local and out of state, as well as others who know the parties involved. None of the actions contained in this case are condoned by the church they attended. The investigation done so far indicates that this is an isolated incident and not the actions of a cult. "

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609172829377.png" alt="James Mast photo Benton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>James Mast photo Benton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BENTON COUNTY, MO — The parents of a 4-year-old Missouri girl allegedly killed by neighbors to remove a “demon” now face charges. Just after 7p.m. Thursday, deputies arrested Mary S. Mast and James A. Mast, both of Lincoln, Missouri, on requested charges of felony child endangerment resulting in death.&nbsp; Mary is also facing a charge of domestic assault.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609172809681.png" alt="Mary Mast photo Benton. Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Mary Mast photo Benton. Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>They're jailed without bond, according to online jail records. The couple’s other children, a 2-year-old son and an infant, were placed in protective custody. The 4-year-old girl was found dead at the family home on Dec. 20. Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox says she had been severely beaten and dunked in an icy pond as part of what appeared to be a “religious-type episode.” Two neighbors are charged with second-degree murder.On the sheriff's office social media page, Knox wrote, "I have received many letters, calls and emails of concern regarding this child’s death and the surrounding circumstances to be the actions of a cult. During interviews with investigators and the media, there have been some references to God and demons. Additional interviews have been held with family members, both local and out of state, as well as others who know the parties involved. None of the actions contained in this case are condoned by the church they attended. The investigation done so far indicates that this is an isolated incident and not the actions of a cult. "

Parents jailed for role in Missouri girl's violent death

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities arrested two brothers and are searching for another after a Saturday fight on north Old Highway 81 in Saline County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609173331999.png" alt="Carlito Morales -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Carlito Morales -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities arrested two brothers and are searching for another after a Saturday fight on north Old Highway 81 in Saline County.Just before 4:30p.m., deputies responded to the&nbsp; 4700 block of North Old Highway 81 for the report of a fight, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080136800.jpeg" alt="Cordell Vazquez - Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Cordell Vazquez - Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure> Two brothers, Carlito Morales, 30, of Solomon, and Anthony Morales, 29, of Salina, began arguing as the vehicle was traveling on North Old Highway 40, Soldan said. At some point, the vehicle stopped and the brothers got out and began fighting.A third brother who was not involved in the fight, Cordell Vazquez, 25, of Minneapolis, decided to leave and got into the driver's seat. As he was starting to pull away, Carlito Morales tried to get into the vehicle and was run over, causing scrapes and injury to his arm, according to Soldan. A woman and a young child in a car seat also were in the vehicle.Deputies stopped the vehicle on Old Highway 81 on its way to Salina. Anthony Morales left the scene of the reported fight and has yet to be found, according to Soldan.EMS transported Carlito Morales to Salina Regional Health Center, where he was treated and released. Carlito Morales was then booked into the Saline County Jail on the requested charge of domestic battery for the reported fight, he noted.During the investigation, it was determined that Vazquez had four active warrants. Vazquez was arrested on the warrants as well as the following requested charges of Aggravated battery (for allegedly striking his brother with the vehicle), Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Driving while suspended, Child endangerment and Violation of a protection order (because of the woman in the vehicle)