SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged arson fire and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday crews responded to the fire at Wichita Chicken, in the 1300 Block of North Hillside in Wichita, according to Captain Kelly Zane with the fire investigation's unit of the Wichita Fire Department..

Crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the building. They quickly abandoned efforts at an interior attack on the fire and transitioned to a defensive attack before finally bringing the blaze under control.

Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and with the help of witnesses identified two suspects.

Authorities arrested Ali Hadi, 21, and Tareo Hadi, 25, on requested charges of arson, according to the Sedgwick County Jail booking report.&nbsp;

The fire caused about $200,000 in damage. No one was hurt, according to Zane.&nbsp; The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589374190869.png" alt="Tareo Hadi photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Tareo Hadi photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged arson fire and have two suspects in custody.Just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday crews responded to the fire at Wichita Chicken, in the 1300 Block of North Hillside in Wichita, according to Captain Kelly Zane with the fire investigation's unit of the Wichita Fire Department..Crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the building. They quickly abandoned efforts at an interior attack on the fire and transitioned to a defensive attack before finally bringing the blaze under control.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589374271305.png" alt="Ali Hadi -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ali Hadi -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and with the help of witnesses identified two suspects.Authorities arrested Ali Hadi, 21, and Tareo Hadi, 25, on requested charges of arson, according to the Sedgwick County Jail booking report.&nbsp;The fire caused about $200,000 in damage. No one was hurt, according to Zane.&nbsp; The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

2 jailed for allegedly starting $200K Kan. restaurant fire

JACKSON COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; three suspects following an ongoing drug investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine. 

On Tuesday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at 714 Idaho, Apt. 11 in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Deputies seized methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of U.S. currency from the residence. 

They also arrested Nicole Lee Robbins, 37, of Holton, Garnet Marie Williams, 32, of Holton, and Joey Lee Howard, 37, of Topeka. The three were booked into the Jackson County Jail on the following charges:

Robbins is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribute Methamphetamine,&nbsp;Distribute Methamphetamine Marijuana, No drug tax stamp,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful to acquire Proceeds from a drug transaction and possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

&nbsp;Williams is being held for&nbsp;Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, No drug tax stamp and&nbsp;&nbsp;possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

&nbsp;Howard is being held for Possession of Marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589418214967.png" alt="Robbins photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Robbins photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; three suspects following an ongoing drug investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine. On Tuesday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at 714 Idaho, Apt. 11 in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Deputies seized methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of U.S. currency from the residence. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589418179055.png" alt="Williams photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They also arrested Nicole Lee Robbins, 37, of Holton, Garnet Marie Williams, 32, of Holton, and Joey Lee Howard, 37, of Topeka. The three were booked into the Jackson County Jail on the following charges:Robbins is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribute Methamphetamine,&nbsp;Distribute Methamphetamine Marijuana, No drug tax stamp,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful to acquire Proceeds from a drug transaction and possession of Drug Paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589418267941.png" alt="Howard photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Howard photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Williams is being held for&nbsp;Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, No drug tax stamp and&nbsp;&nbsp;possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;Howard is being held for Possession of Marijuana.

Three arrested for alleged meth distribution in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;18-year-old Joheem Meredith of Topeka. He was a senior at Topeka West High School.

Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Meredith&nbsp;arrived at a Topeka hospital suffering from a gunshot wound believed to be life-threatening, according to Lt. Ron Ekis. Meredith was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police believe the shooting occurred in the parking lot of White Lakes Plaza Apartments in the 3700 block of SW Plaza Drive in Topeka, according to Ekis.&nbsp; 

No arrests had been reported late Wednesday afternoon and police said detectives were still developing leads on a suspect.&nbsp;

His death was Topeka’s ninth homicide this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589369178637.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation late Tuesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation late Tuesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;18-year-old Joheem Meredith of Topeka. He was a senior at Topeka West High School.Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Meredith&nbsp;arrived at a Topeka hospital suffering from a gunshot wound believed to be life-threatening, according to Lt. Ron Ekis. Meredith was pronounced dead a short time later.Police believe the shooting occurred in the parking lot of White Lakes Plaza Apartments in the 3700 block of SW Plaza Drive in Topeka, according to Ekis.&nbsp; No arrests had been reported late Wednesday afternoon and police said detectives were still developing leads on a suspect.&nbsp;His death was Topeka’s ninth homicide this year.

Update: Kan. teen died after arriving at hospital with gunshot wound 

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

Just after 9:30a.m. Sunday, police responded to call at a home in the 4900 block of East Murdock in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the home, police located 36-year-old Sarah Phillips of Wichita unresponsive with trauma to her head.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;

On Sunday, investigators contacted 27-year-old&nbsp; Isaac Pankratz at a home in the 2500 block of West Wildwood regarding the investigation.&nbsp; He was arrested after being found in possession of a sawed-off shotgun.&nbsp; The gun was recovered.

Through further investigation, it was learned the incident was a criminal homicide and that Pankratz and Phillips were both at the home on Murdock when he fired the shotgun, striking her and causing fatal injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Pankratz then fled the scene.&nbsp;

This was not a random incident as Pankratz and Phillips are known to each other. Pankratz is being held on a charge of 1st-degree murder, according to Davidson.

He has been arrested and convicted of charges that include robbery, aggravated assault, theft, and burglary.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589311342492.png" alt="Pankratz was released from prison in April, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for robbery, aggravated assault, theft, and burglary." />
 <figcaption>Pankratz was released from prison in April, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for robbery, aggravated assault, theft, and burglary.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just after 9:30a.m. Sunday, police responded to call at a home in the 4900 block of East Murdock in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.At the home, police located 36-year-old Sarah Phillips of Wichita unresponsive with trauma to her head.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;On Sunday, investigators contacted 27-year-old&nbsp; Isaac Pankratz at a home in the 2500 block of West Wildwood regarding the investigation.&nbsp; He was arrested after being found in possession of a sawed-off shotgun.&nbsp; The gun was recovered.Through further investigation, it was learned the incident was a criminal homicide and that Pankratz and Phillips were both at the home on Murdock when he fired the shotgun, striking her and causing fatal injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Pankratz then fled the scene.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589311083072.png" alt="Pankratz booking photo from Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Pankratz booking photo from Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>This was not a random incident as Pankratz and Phillips are known to each other. Pankratz is being held on a charge of 1st-degree murder, according to Davidson.He has been arrested and convicted of charges that include robbery, aggravated assault, theft, and burglary.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Man released from Kan. prison last month arrested for woman's murder

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a trooper suffered minor injuries when he was hit by a vehicle trying to flee in northern Kansas City. The patrol says the incident began early Tuesdaywhen the trooper began chasing the suspect on Interstate 29. 

At one point, the trooper got out of his vehicle and the suspect turned around. The patrol says the trooper was trying to get out of the way and fired at the suspect before he was hit by the vehicle. 

The trooper was treated at a hospital for minor injuries. The suspect, a 29-year-old Gardner man, was later arrested in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589310663987.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene of the arrest early Tuesday photo <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/missouri-trooper-hit-by-vehicle-shots-fired-during-chase/article_11d8e162-9474-11ea-a81c-43c307ac1ec5.html">courtesy KCTV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene of the arrest early Tuesday photo <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/missouri-trooper-hit-by-vehicle-shots-fired-during-chase/article_11d8e162-9474-11ea-a81c-43c307ac1ec5.html">courtesy KCTV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a trooper suffered minor injuries when he was hit by a vehicle trying to flee in northern Kansas City. The patrol says the incident began early Tuesdaywhen the trooper began chasing the suspect on Interstate 29. At one point, the trooper got out of his vehicle and the suspect turned around. The patrol says the trooper was trying to get out of the way and fired at the suspect before he was hit by the vehicle. The trooper was treated at a hospital for minor injuries. The suspect, a 29-year-old Gardner man, was later arrested in Kansas.

Trooper hit by vehicle, suspect arrested in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State and local orders still in place for checking the spread of the novel coronavirus in Kansas are facing legal challenges from the state’s attorney general and business owners.

Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Monday that he is reviewing whether it’s constitutional for people who violate Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s orders restricting business activities to face criminal charges. His office said the GOP district attorney in Reno County in south-central Kansas asked him for a legal opinion.

Schmidt’s announcement came a day after two business owners in Linn County in eastern Kansas filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apdocs.inside.ap.org/documents/150932-linn-county-lawsuit-05-11-20.html" target="_blank">a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the county, its county commission and its health director. They are challenging&nbsp;<a href="https://apdocs.inside.ap.org/documents/150933-linn-county-order-05-01-20.html" target="_blank">a May 1 order</a>&nbsp;from the health director requiring businesses to compile information on who visits their premises so the local health department can use it to trace the contacts of infected people.

(Advance to player to the 24:00 minute mark)

“It’s just as important now, perhaps more so, to follow the rule of law and respect our constitutional rights,” said Sam MacRoberts, litigation director for the Kansas Justice Institute, which is representing the Linn County business owners. “The government does not get a free pass, even during a pandemic.”

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9892bd95f6f6179dc01c4769adbab428">lifted a statewide stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;May 4 but plans to keep some restrictions in place at least until June 15, and she is allowing local officials to impose tougher rules. She’s faced criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature for not reopening the economy quickly enough, and some GOP lawmaker want to curb the governor’s power in emergencies.

“It’s partly pent-up frustration,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference Monday. “Everybody is getting some coronavirus fatigue here.”

The state health department reported that confirmed and probable coronavirus cases increased Monday to 7,116, up 9.5% or 615 since Friday. The department reported an additional six COVID-19-related deaths, up 4% since Friday, for a total of 158 since early March.

The number of coronavirus cases it thought to be higher because of limited testing, particularly early in the state’s outbreak, and because people can be infected without feeling ill. Also, Johns Hopkins University on Monday reported 175 deaths for the state.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

Kelly has left it to local law enforcement officials to determine whether people violating her executive orders face fines, citations or arrest.

Schmidt said Monday that the Legislature determines what constitutes a crime, not the governor, and the Kansas Supreme Court has never ruled on whether that power can be delegated to the governor in an emergency.

Kelly responded: “Executive orders without teeth are useless, so I think there has to be some mechanism for enforcement.”

The federal lawsuit against Linn County alleges that its order, issued May 1, violates the business owners’ right to be protected from unreasonable searches of their property, guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The lawsuit alleges that the directive to businesses, including doctor’s and lawyer’s offices, to compile information about customers and turn it over to the health department represents a warrant-less search of their records, without giving them a way to appeal the department’s actions.

Filing the lawsuit were Jackie Taylor, owner and publisher of the Linn County News in Pleasanton, and Linda Jo Hisel, owner of Nana Jo’s restaurant in La Cygne. The Kansas Justice Institute, which represents them, is an arm of the Kansas Policy Institute, a small-government, free-market think tank.

The county has about 9,800 residents and has had six coronavirus cases, or 0.62 cases per 1,000 residents compared to the state’s 2.44 cases per 1,000 residents.

“The people coming to my restaurant are practically family, and I shouldn’t be expected to keep tabs on them for the government,” Hisel said.

The Linn County Commission’s chairman and its health director did not immediately return telephone messages seeking comment.

Dr. Lee Norman, the state health department’s director, said collecting such information would be “terrifically helpful” in contact tracing but raises privacy concerns. Kelly said it would not be “my first choice” as a coronavirus response.

“I think that’s going a little bit too far,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589280011411.png" alt="During her Monday new conference, Governor Laura Kelly said, “Everybody is getting some coronavirus fatigue here."&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>During her Monday new conference, Governor Laura Kelly said, “Everybody is getting some coronavirus fatigue here."&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State and local orders still in place for checking the spread of the novel coronavirus in Kansas are facing legal challenges from the state’s attorney general and business owners.Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Monday that he is reviewing whether it’s constitutional for people who violate Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s orders restricting business activities to face criminal charges. His office said the GOP district attorney in Reno County in south-central Kansas asked him for a legal opinion.Schmidt’s announcement came a day after two business owners in Linn County in eastern Kansas filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apdocs.inside.ap.org/documents/150932-linn-county-lawsuit-05-11-20.html" target="_blank">a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the county, its county commission and its health director. They are challenging&nbsp;<a href="https://apdocs.inside.ap.org/documents/150933-linn-county-order-05-01-20.html" target="_blank">a May 1 order</a>&nbsp;from the health director requiring businesses to compile information on who visits their premises so the local health department can use it to trace the contacts of infected people.(Advance to player to the 24:00 minute mark)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F904749063357797%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“It’s just as important now, perhaps more so, to follow the rule of law and respect our constitutional rights,” said Sam MacRoberts, litigation director for the Kansas Justice Institute, which is representing the Linn County business owners. “The government does not get a free pass, even during a pandemic.”Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9892bd95f6f6179dc01c4769adbab428">lifted a statewide stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;May 4 but plans to keep some restrictions in place at least until June 15, and she is allowing local officials to impose tougher rules. She’s faced criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature for not reopening the economy quickly enough, and some GOP lawmaker want to curb the governor’s power in emergencies.“It’s partly pent-up frustration,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference Monday. “Everybody is getting some coronavirus fatigue here.”The state health department reported that confirmed and probable coronavirus cases increased Monday to 7,116, up 9.5% or 615 since Friday. The department reported an additional six COVID-19-related deaths, up 4% since Friday, for a total of 158 since early March.The number of coronavirus cases it thought to be higher because of limited testing, particularly early in the state’s outbreak, and because people can be infected without feeling ill. Also, Johns Hopkins University on Monday reported 175 deaths for the state.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.Kelly has left it to local law enforcement officials to determine whether people violating her executive orders face fines, citations or arrest.Schmidt said Monday that the Legislature determines what constitutes a crime, not the governor, and the Kansas Supreme Court has never ruled on whether that power can be delegated to the governor in an emergency.Kelly responded: “Executive orders without teeth are useless, so I think there has to be some mechanism for enforcement.”The federal lawsuit against Linn County alleges that its order, issued May 1, violates the business owners’ right to be protected from unreasonable searches of their property, guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.The lawsuit alleges that the directive to businesses, including doctor’s and lawyer’s offices, to compile information about customers and turn it over to the health department represents a warrant-less search of their records, without giving them a way to appeal the department’s actions.Filing the lawsuit were Jackie Taylor, owner and publisher of the Linn County News in Pleasanton, and Linda Jo Hisel, owner of Nana Jo’s restaurant in La Cygne. The Kansas Justice Institute, which represents them, is an arm of the Kansas Policy Institute, a small-government, free-market think tank.The county has about 9,800 residents and has had six coronavirus cases, or 0.62 cases per 1,000 residents compared to the state’s 2.44 cases per 1,000 residents.“The people coming to my restaurant are practically family, and I shouldn’t be expected to keep tabs on them for the government,” Hisel said.The Linn County Commission’s chairman and its health director did not immediately return telephone messages seeking comment.Dr. Lee Norman, the state health department’s director, said collecting such information would be “terrifically helpful” in contact tracing but raises privacy concerns. Kelly said it would not be “my first choice” as a coronavirus response.“I think that’s going a little bit too far,” she said.

🎥 Governor responds to challenges of coronavirus orders 

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The family of a Kansas inmate who hanged herself at a rural county jail has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit that alleges incompetence by law enforcement officials, citing video surveillance that showed her repeated suicide attempts.

No one was monitoring the surveillance station, which showed the minute-by-minute efforts by Olivia Rennaker in April 2018 to hang herself in her cell at the Barber County Jail about 25 miles north of the Oklahoma border. It was more than an hour later before her body was finally discovered hanging from the bars.

The lawsuit against the unaccredited jail cites its failure to screen for suicide risk the 29-year-old Medicine Lodge woman after her arrest for unlawful possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. It also alleges officials failed to do adequate periodic cell checks and properly train employees.

The complaint notes that it has long been known that suicide is the leading cause of death in U.S. jails, and that many of those suicides occur due to staff shortages and inadequate training. According to the lawsuit, suicides in local jails are about 3.5 times more frequent than in the general population and 2.5 times more than suicides in state prisons.

The federal civil rights lawsuit was filed in March by Overland Park attorneys Michael Kuckelman and Michael Crabb on behalf of the dead inmate’s former husband, Robert Rennaker, as administrator of her estate. It names as its defendants Barber County Sheriff Lonnie Small and his undersheriff, Virgil Brewer.

The sheriff did not respond to phone and email messages left for him at his office and the civil attorney who represented him in an unrelated wrongful death lawsuit said he no longer represents him. Brewer did not respond to phone and email messages, and his civil attorney in that other lawsuit also did not return phone and email messages.

Brewer went on unpaid leave after he was charged in 2018 with reckless involuntary manslaughter in the October 2017 shooting death of Steven Myers with a homemade beanbag round. Myers, who was unarmed, was killed after deputies responded to a call about a man threatening people with a gun outside a bar in Sun City.

Brewer is free on bond awaiting his criminal trail. A separate wrongful death lawsuit filed against him on behalf of Myer’s widow, also handled by the same Overland Park law firm, was settled in March.

Kuckelman told The Associated Press that he has written to the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training requesting that they revoke Brewer’s law enforcement certification. They have refused and are waiting for his criminal trial, he said.

He said he had also written letters to Barber County officials demanding that they fire Brewer before someone else died, and he blamed the incompetence of Brewer and Small for Olivia Rennaker’s death.

“How many more people need to die in Barber County before taxpayers and voters will have had enough? They ignored Olivia Rennaker when she was in distress,” Kuckelman said Friday in a news release announcing his second wrongful death lawsuit against Barber County law enforcement officials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589279746547.png" alt="Olivia Rennaker photo courtesy Larrison Mortuary" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Rennaker photo courtesy Larrison Mortuary</figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The family of a Kansas inmate who hanged herself at a rural county jail has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit that alleges incompetence by law enforcement officials, citing video surveillance that showed her repeated suicide attempts.No one was monitoring the surveillance station, which showed the minute-by-minute efforts by Olivia Rennaker in April 2018 to hang herself in her cell at the Barber County Jail about 25 miles north of the Oklahoma border. It was more than an hour later before her body was finally discovered hanging from the bars.The lawsuit against the unaccredited jail cites its failure to screen for suicide risk the 29-year-old Medicine Lodge woman after her arrest for unlawful possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. It also alleges officials failed to do adequate periodic cell checks and properly train employees.The complaint notes that it has long been known that suicide is the leading cause of death in U.S. jails, and that many of those suicides occur due to staff shortages and inadequate training. According to the lawsuit, suicides in local jails are about 3.5 times more frequent than in the general population and 2.5 times more than suicides in state prisons.The federal civil rights lawsuit was filed in March by Overland Park attorneys Michael Kuckelman and Michael Crabb on behalf of the dead inmate’s former husband, Robert Rennaker, as administrator of her estate. It names as its defendants Barber County Sheriff Lonnie Small and his undersheriff, Virgil Brewer.The sheriff did not respond to phone and email messages left for him at his office and the civil attorney who represented him in an unrelated wrongful death lawsuit said he no longer represents him. Brewer did not respond to phone and email messages, and his civil attorney in that other lawsuit also did not return phone and email messages.Brewer went on unpaid leave after he was charged in 2018 with reckless involuntary manslaughter in the October 2017 shooting death of Steven Myers with a homemade beanbag round. Myers, who was unarmed, was killed after deputies responded to a call about a man threatening people with a gun outside a bar in Sun City.Brewer is free on bond awaiting his criminal trail. A separate wrongful death lawsuit filed against him on behalf of Myer’s widow, also handled by the same Overland Park law firm, was settled in March.Kuckelman told The Associated Press that he has written to the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training requesting that they revoke Brewer’s law enforcement certification. They have refused and are waiting for his criminal trial, he said.He said he had also written letters to Barber County officials demanding that they fire Brewer before someone else died, and he blamed the incompetence of Brewer and Small for Olivia Rennaker’s death.“How many more people need to die in Barber County before taxpayers and voters will have had enough? They ignored Olivia Rennaker when she was in distress,” Kuckelman said Friday in a news release announcing his second wrongful death lawsuit against Barber County law enforcement officials.

Kansas inmate's family sues over failure to prevent her death

TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pair of armed robberies at a Sonic location in Topeka and have made two arrests.

At approximately 7:30 pm Saturday, police were called to the Sonic, 1221 SW Gage in Topeka reference an armed robbery to a car hop, according to Lt. Matt Danielson. The suspects were gone upon police arrival. Officers were able to get suspect and vehicle descriptions.

At approximately 9:00 pm, police were notified of a second similar armed robbery at the Sonic located at 2053 SW Western in Topeka, according to Danielson. Officers were able to determine that the suspect and vehicle descriptions matched those of the initial armed robbery.

Shortly after 10:00 pm, police on patrol noticed a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle in both of these previous armed robberies. The vehicle was stopped in the 2700 block of SE California and two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.

Following interviews, police arrested 28-year-old Cameron McBee, and 24-year-old Terrinika Smith on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589193848643.png" alt="McBee photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>McBee photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pair of armed robberies at a Sonic location in Topeka and have made two arrests.At approximately 7:30 pm Saturday, police were called to the Sonic, 1221 SW Gage in Topeka reference an armed robbery to a car hop, according to Lt. Matt Danielson. The suspects were gone upon police arrival. Officers were able to get suspect and vehicle descriptions.At approximately 9:00 pm, police were notified of a second similar armed robbery at the Sonic located at 2053 SW Western in Topeka, according to Danielson. Officers were able to determine that the suspect and vehicle descriptions matched those of the initial armed robbery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589193904459.png" alt="Smith photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Shortly after 10:00 pm, police on patrol noticed a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle in both of these previous armed robberies. The vehicle was stopped in the 2700 block of SE California and two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.Following interviews, police arrested 28-year-old Cameron McBee, and 24-year-old Terrinika Smith on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery.

2 Kan. men jailed after car hop robberies at Sonic

TOPEKA – Congress should investigate the communist Chinese government’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic to help understand how the pandemic began, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has told the leadership of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

According to a statement from his office, Schmidt, along with 17 other state attorneys general, on Friday sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leadership, including the chairmen and ranking members of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, asking for a Congressional investigation.

“Recent reports suggest that the communist Chinese government willfully and knowingly concealed information about the severity of the virus while simultaneously stockpiling personal protective equipment,” the attorneys general wrote in the letter. “Congressional hearings are critical to our nation’s understanding of the origins of COVID-19 and efforts by the communist Chinese government to deceive the international community.”

The current U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has exceeded 80,000 and the pandemic’s economic devastation has caused the national unemployment rate to skyrocket to 14.7 percent from 3.5 percent lows in February. Many businesses are expected to close permanently after lockdowns ordered to slow the spread of the virus. In Kansas, the projected state budget shortfall has ballooned to more than $1 billion over the next two years.

“The spread of COVID-19 and actions taken in response are likely to spur widespread litigation,” Schmidt said. “My view is that Congress – not courts throughout the country – needs to take the lead in developing the basic factual record of what the Chinese government knew, when they knew it, and what they did with that information.”

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/letter-to-congress---hearings-on-chinese-government-role-in-covid19-pandemic.pdf?sfvrsn=81ccac1a_2">Click here to</a> see a copy of the letter

TOPEKA – Congress should investigate the communist Chinese government’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic to help understand how the pandemic began, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has told the leadership of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587494259039.png" alt="The letter refers to Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt who filed a lawsuit against the Chinese government April 21, alleging that their actions to suppress information, arrest whistleblowers, and deny the contagious nature of the 2019 novel Coronavirus led to loss of life and severe economic consequences in Missouri." />
 <figcaption>The letter refers to Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt who filed a lawsuit against the Chinese government April 21, alleging that their actions to suppress information, arrest whistleblowers, and deny the contagious nature of the 2019 novel Coronavirus led to loss of life and severe economic consequences in Missouri.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to a statement from his office, Schmidt, along with 17 other state attorneys general, on Friday sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leadership, including the chairmen and ranking members of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, asking for a Congressional investigation.“Recent reports suggest that the communist Chinese government willfully and knowingly concealed information about the severity of the virus while simultaneously stockpiling personal protective equipment,” the attorneys general wrote in the letter. “Congressional hearings are critical to our nation’s understanding of the origins of COVID-19 and efforts by the communist Chinese government to deceive the international community.”The current U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has exceeded 80,000 and the pandemic’s economic devastation has caused the national unemployment rate to skyrocket to 14.7 percent from 3.5 percent lows in February. Many businesses are expected to close permanently after lockdowns ordered to slow the spread of the virus. In Kansas, the projected state budget shortfall has ballooned to more than $1 billion over the next two years.“The spread of COVID-19 and actions taken in response are likely to spur widespread litigation,” Schmidt said. “My view is that Congress – not courts throughout the country – needs to take the lead in developing the basic factual record of what the Chinese government knew, when they knew it, and what they did with that information.”<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/letter-to-congress---hearings-on-chinese-government-role-in-covid19-pandemic.pdf?sfvrsn=81ccac1a_2">Click here to</a> see a copy of the letter

Kan. joins call for Congress to investigate China’s role in pandemic

MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have dropped charges against a central Kansas barber who opened his business in defiance of an order from Gov. Laura Kelly. 

Luke Aichele opened his shop in McPherson last week, despite Kelly's order that such businesses stay closed until May 18. McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel said Monday that charges were dropped after Aichele agreed during the weekend to stay closed until May 18. 

Aichele received support Saturday from two U.S. Senate candidates from Kansas. U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle both said threatening someone with arrest who wanted to go back to work was wrong.

MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have dropped charges against a central Kansas barber who opened his business in defiance of an order from Gov. Laura Kelly. Luke Aichele opened his shop in McPherson last week, despite Kelly's order that such businesses stay closed until May 18. McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel said Monday that charges were dropped after Aichele agreed during the weekend to stay closed until May 18. Aichele received support Saturday from two U.S. Senate candidates from Kansas. U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle both said threatening someone with arrest who wanted to go back to work was wrong.

Charges dropped against Kan. barber who opened shop

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a chase and crash into a house in Saline County.

According to Sheriff Roger Soldan, a deputy was eastbound on East Crawford Street shortly before midnight Saturday when he clocked a westbound 2005 Jeep at 60 mph. The deputy attempted to stop the Jeep, which turned south onto Roach Street and was traveling at speeds in excess of 90 mph.

The Jeep left the road in the 2100 block of Roach, where the street curves near Stewart Elementary School,&nbsp; traveled through three yards and took out shrubbery and a rock display. 

The Jeep then crossed Belmont Boulevard and struck a wooden fence and house at 2202 Roach. No one in the house was injured, according to Soldan.

The driver, Nathan Rogers, 27, of Overland Park, fled on foot but was located Sunday and arrested on requested charges include Felony flee and elude, Felony damage to property, Felony interference, Reckless driving, Duty to report an accident and Transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589211771385.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Photo Saline County Sheriff's OfficeSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a chase and crash into a house in Saline County.According to Sheriff Roger Soldan, a deputy was eastbound on East Crawford Street shortly before midnight Saturday when he clocked a westbound 2005 Jeep at 60 mph. The deputy attempted to stop the Jeep, which turned south onto Roach Street and was traveling at speeds in excess of 90 mph.The Jeep left the road in the 2100 block of Roach, where the street curves near Stewart Elementary School,&nbsp; traveled through three yards and took out shrubbery and a rock display. The Jeep then crossed Belmont Boulevard and struck a wooden fence and house at 2202 Roach. No one in the house was injured, according to Soldan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589199149943.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nathan Rogers&nbsp;The driver, Nathan Rogers, 27, of Overland Park, fled on foot but was located Sunday and arrested on requested charges include Felony flee and elude, Felony damage to property, Felony interference, Reckless driving, Duty to report an accident and Transporting an open container.

Kansas man arrested after crashing Jeep into house

TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on Monday said his office has been asked for its formal legal opinion on whether a state law that authorizes criminal prosecution of Kansans who violate emergency orders issued by the governor is constitutional and enforceable. 

&nbsp;The announcement came a day after two business owners in Linn County in eastern Kansas filed a federal lawsuit over an order requiring them to track who enters their premises. County officials did not immediately respond.&nbsp;

The attorney general issued the following statement:

“I continue to encourage all Kansans to follow the recommendations of public health professionals to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as our economy and communities reopen. At the same time, a local prosecuting attorney has requested our office review whether violations of emergency orders issued by the governor may lawfully be enforced and punished as crimes. We have agreed to conduct that legal review.&nbsp;

“An unprecedented 27 statewide emergency executive orders have been issued in the past eight weeks on subjects ranging widely from stay-home, mass gatherings and business closures to alcohol sales, evictions and trash collection. The Kansas constitution grants the legislature, not the governor, power to define what behavior may subject Kansans to potential arrest, criminal prosecution, fines or imprisonment. No appellate court has determined whether the legislature, through provisions of the Kansas Emergency Management Act, has lawfully delegated that power to the governor. Even if delegation is generally permissible, we have been asked specific legal questions that could affect the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to&nbsp;criminally enforce emergency orders under authority of K.S.A. 48-939. We are working diligently and will issue our formal legal opinion on these&nbsp;important questions as soon as possible.”

Governor Kelly's office did not immediately respond to the statement from the attorney general.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585442211571.jpeg" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly explains her decision to mandate a statewide stay-at-home order -photo by&nbsp; Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly explains her decision to mandate a statewide stay-at-home order -photo by&nbsp; Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on Monday said his office has been asked for its formal legal opinion on whether a state law that authorizes criminal prosecution of Kansans who violate emergency orders issued by the governor is constitutional and enforceable. &nbsp;The announcement came a day after two business owners in Linn County in eastern Kansas filed a federal lawsuit over an order requiring them to track who enters their premises. County officials did not immediately respond.&nbsp;The attorney general issued the following statement:“I continue to encourage all Kansans to follow the recommendations of public health professionals to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as our economy and communities reopen. At the same time, a local prosecuting attorney has requested our office review whether violations of emergency orders issued by the governor may lawfully be enforced and punished as crimes. We have agreed to conduct that legal review.&nbsp;“An unprecedented 27 statewide emergency executive orders have been issued in the past eight weeks on subjects ranging widely from stay-home, mass gatherings and business closures to alcohol sales, evictions and trash collection. The Kansas constitution grants the legislature, not the governor, power to define what behavior may subject Kansans to potential arrest, criminal prosecution, fines or imprisonment. No appellate court has determined whether the legislature, through provisions of the Kansas Emergency Management Act, has lawfully delegated that power to the governor. Even if delegation is generally permissible, we have been asked specific legal questions that could affect the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to&nbsp;criminally enforce emergency orders under authority of K.S.A. 48-939. We are working diligently and will issue our formal legal opinion on these&nbsp;important questions as soon as possible.”Governor Kelly's office did not immediately respond to the statement from the attorney general.

AG reviews if violations of Gov's executive orders can be prosecuted

Junction City police were involved in a standoff with an armed man at 123 West 3rd Street beginning at 1 p.m.on Saturday. They have now identified the armed subject who was found deceased in the residence at that location as Damien Paul St. Julien, 39, Junction City.

Prior to the incident officers had attempted to arrest St. Julien on a felony warrant out of Douglas County. He fled to the 123 West 3rd residence where a standoff ensued. At about 8 p.m. Saturday when authorities entered the house they found St. Julian dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police thanked the public for their patience and understanding during the incident since several streets were blocked off for the public's safety.

Junction City police were involved in a standoff with an armed man at 123 West 3rd Street beginning at 1 p.m.on Saturday. They have now identified the armed subject who was found deceased in the residence at that location as Damien Paul St. Julien, 39, Junction City.Prior to the incident officers had attempted to arrest St. Julien on a felony warrant out of Douglas County. He fled to the 123 West 3rd residence where a standoff ensued. At about 8 p.m. Saturday when authorities entered the house they found St. Julian dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.Police thanked the public for their patience and understanding during the incident since several streets were blocked off for the public's safety.

Police identify the subject in a weekend standoff

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement arrested eight registered offenders in Shawnee County following a sweep on last week by the Offender Compliance Task Force.

With children out of school in relation to the ‘Safer at Home’ orders, Sheriff Brian Hill implemented an Offender Compliance Task Force to conduct residential verifications and follow-up investigations related to non-compliant offenders. 

The Offender Compliance Task Force was comprised of 11 members of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and 4 members of the Topeka Police Department.

The task force completed checks on 118 including 60 sex offenders, 15 violent offenders, 43 drug offenders.

The following 7 offenders were arrested for failure to comply with registration:&nbsp; Harold M. McGee, 43, Violent Offender; Joshua D. Baker, 39, Drug Offender; Lashad P. Hill, 37, Drug Offender; Livia R. Banuelos, 62, Drug Offender; Jerome K. Kelley, 64, Drug Offender; Aaron J. Larson, 36, Drug Offender and Austin W. Detimore, 20, Sex Offender

In addition, Steven P. Bouton, 48,&nbsp; was arrested on a warrant following a compliance check.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office reminded registered offenders in Shawnee County that quarterly registration as well as any offender compliance registration updates are a mandatory obligation by law that have not been postponed or extended by any state or county health orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589040356772.png" alt="Detimore has two convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the KBI offender registry." />
 <figcaption>Detimore has two convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the KBI offender registry.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement arrested eight registered offenders in Shawnee County following a sweep on last week by the Offender Compliance Task Force.With children out of school in relation to the ‘Safer at Home’ orders, Sheriff Brian Hill implemented an Offender Compliance Task Force to conduct residential verifications and follow-up investigations related to non-compliant offenders. The Offender Compliance Task Force was comprised of 11 members of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and 4 members of the Topeka Police Department.The task force completed checks on 118 including 60 sex offenders, 15 violent offenders, 43 drug offenders.The following 7 offenders were arrested for failure to comply with registration:&nbsp; Harold M. McGee, 43, Violent Offender; Joshua D. Baker, 39, Drug Offender; Lashad P. Hill, 37, Drug Offender; Livia R. Banuelos, 62, Drug Offender; Jerome K. Kelley, 64, Drug Offender; Aaron J. Larson, 36, Drug Offender and Austin W. Detimore, 20, Sex OffenderIn addition, Steven P. Bouton, 48,&nbsp; was arrested on a warrant following a compliance check.The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office reminded registered offenders in Shawnee County that quarterly registration as well as any offender compliance registration updates are a mandatory obligation by law that have not been postponed or extended by any state or county health orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Offender compliance task force makes arrests in Kansas amid pandemic

KANSAS CITY, KAN. –&nbsp;A Kansas man who was arrested after a high-speed chase from Miami County to Linn County is facing a federal charge, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

David W. Kellner, 31, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., alleges that about 3:30 a.m. May 1 a Miami County Sheriff Department deputy spotted Kellner driving without headlights or taillights on K68 Highway near the Louisburg Cider Mill. 

When the deputy activated his lights to make a stop, Kellner fled south on U.S. 69 Highway at speeds up to 110 mph. Kellner fired at the deputy, who could hear the shots and see sparks when the bullets hit the highway.

Deputies from the Linn County Sheriff’s Department joined the pursuit and followed Kellner’s vehicle until it ran into a fence at 403rd&nbsp;Street and Somerset Road. Kellner fled on foot, discarding a Century Arms Model RAS47 military-style rifle before deputies arrested him. They recovered the rifle, more than $5,500 in cash, and small amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine.

Kellner, who had a prior felony conviction in 2008, was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. 

The Miami County Sheriff’s Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Department and the ATF&nbsp;investigated.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588619491496.png" alt="Kellner photo Miami County Kansas Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Kellner photo Miami County Kansas Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. –&nbsp;A Kansas man who was arrested after a high-speed chase from Miami County to Linn County is facing a federal charge, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.David W. Kellner, 31, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., alleges that about 3:30 a.m. May 1 a Miami County Sheriff Department deputy spotted Kellner driving without headlights or taillights on K68 Highway near the Louisburg Cider Mill. When the deputy activated his lights to make a stop, Kellner fled south on U.S. 69 Highway at speeds up to 110 mph. Kellner fired at the deputy, who could hear the shots and see sparks when the bullets hit the highway.Deputies from the Linn County Sheriff’s Department joined the pursuit and followed Kellner’s vehicle until it ran into a fence at 403rd&nbsp;Street and Somerset Road. Kellner fled on foot, discarding a Century Arms Model RAS47 military-style rifle before deputies arrested him. They recovered the rifle, more than $5,500 in cash, and small amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine.Kellner, who had a prior felony conviction in 2008, was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Miami County Sheriff’s Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Department and the ATF&nbsp;investigated.&nbsp;

Fired shots, 110mph Kan. chase leads to federal charges

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged attempted kidnapping and have made an arrest.

Just before 4p.m. Saturday police responded to an attempted abduction call at a home in the 2500 block of South Roosevelt in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 28-year-old woman and her 12-year-old daughter.

The investigation revealed the girl was walking alone in the area of 31st&nbsp;and Clifton when a suspect identified as 28-year Victor Lara-Aguilera approached her on foot and said she was coming with him.&nbsp; 

Lara-Aguilera then grabbed her arm and started to pull her with him, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The girl screamed loudly, pulled away from Lara-Aguilera, and ran to her grandmother's house.&nbsp; The girl notified her mother of what occurred, and the police were called.

Officers obtained a description of Lara-Aguilera from the girl, and he was located in the 2900 block of South Hillside in Wichita and arrested without further incident.&nbsp;

&nbsp;He is being held on requested charges of attempted kidnapping and possession of methamphetamine, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589112915018.png" alt="Lara-Aguilera photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Lara-Aguilera photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged attempted kidnapping and have made an arrest.Just before 4p.m. Saturday police responded to an attempted abduction call at a home in the 2500 block of South Roosevelt in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted a 28-year-old woman and her 12-year-old daughter.The investigation revealed the girl was walking alone in the area of 31st&nbsp;and Clifton when a suspect identified as 28-year Victor Lara-Aguilera approached her on foot and said she was coming with him.&nbsp; Lara-Aguilera then grabbed her arm and started to pull her with him, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The girl screamed loudly, pulled away from Lara-Aguilera, and ran to her grandmother's house.&nbsp; The girl notified her mother of what occurred, and the police were called.Officers obtained a description of Lara-Aguilera from the girl, and he was located in the 2900 block of South Hillside in Wichita and arrested without further incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is being held on requested charges of attempted kidnapping and possession of methamphetamine, according to Davidson.

Police: Kan. man attempted to kidnap 12-year-old

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime and have made an arrest.

Following an investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Fugitive Warrants Unit, deputes made a traffic stop Thursday near the 3400 block of SW Timberlake Lane and arrested&nbsp; Daniel F. Luetje, 46, of Topeka, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

Luetje was transported to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning and then transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include 3 counts of rape and aggravated criminal sodomy with a victim under the age of 14.

The alleged incidents involved in this case occurred in the northern part of Shawnee County over a 6 year span from 2006 thru 2011, according to Stallbaumer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588887053207.png" alt="Luetje photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Luetje photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime and have made an arrest.Following an investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Fugitive Warrants Unit, deputes made a traffic stop Thursday near the 3400 block of SW Timberlake Lane and arrested&nbsp; Daniel F. Luetje, 46, of Topeka, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.Luetje was transported to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning and then transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include 3 counts of rape and aggravated criminal sodomy with a victim under the age of 14.The alleged incidents involved in this case occurred in the northern part of Shawnee County over a 6 year span from 2006 thru 2011, according to Stallbaumer.

Kan. man under investigation for child sex crimes

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; investigating a drive-by shooting and have made two arrests.

Just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday, an officer was proactively patrolling his assigned area, when he heard multiple shots fired in the area of 3100 S. Davidson in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Police proceeded to the area and contacted a 28-year-old man man who reported suspects in a gold Ford Taurus shooting at his home. 

Officers located gunshot damage to the man's home and two vehicles outside of the home. Shell casings were also recovered on Davidson street. At the time of the drive-by, the home was occupied by the man, his 34-year-old girlfriend, and their 12-year-old daughter, according to Davidson.

Arriving officers began to circulate the area for the suspect vehicle and observed it in the area of Pawnee and Oliver in Wichita.

Police stopped the suspect vehicle and arrested 23-year-old John Tatum and 22-year-old Elijah Branstetter both of Wichita, without incident.&nbsp; Officers recovered shell casings and a handgun.&nbsp;

This was not a random incident as the 28–year-old man and Branstetter are known to each other.&nbsp;

Tatum is being held on requested charges of three counts of aggravated assault drive-by, felon in possession of a firearm, discharge a firearm into an occupied dwelling and vandalism.&nbsp;

Elijah Branstetter is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault drive-by, discharge a firearm into an occupied dwelling, vandalism, and traffic violations, according to Davidson.

Tatum has previously been arrested and convicted of charges that include theft and aggravated robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588940134034.png" alt="Tatum photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Tatum photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; investigating a drive-by shooting and have made two arrests.Just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday, an officer was proactively patrolling his assigned area, when he heard multiple shots fired in the area of 3100 S. Davidson in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Police proceeded to the area and contacted a 28-year-old man man who reported suspects in a gold Ford Taurus shooting at his home. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588940302781.png" alt="Branstetter photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Branstetter photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers located gunshot damage to the man's home and two vehicles outside of the home. Shell casings were also recovered on Davidson street. At the time of the drive-by, the home was occupied by the man, his 34-year-old girlfriend, and their 12-year-old daughter, according to Davidson.No one was injured.Arriving officers began to circulate the area for the suspect vehicle and observed it in the area of Pawnee and Oliver in Wichita.Police stopped the suspect vehicle and arrested 23-year-old John Tatum and 22-year-old Elijah Branstetter both of Wichita, without incident.&nbsp; Officers recovered shell casings and a handgun.&nbsp;This was not a random incident as the 28–year-old man and Branstetter are known to each other.&nbsp;Tatum is being held on requested charges of three counts of aggravated assault drive-by, felon in possession of a firearm, discharge a firearm into an occupied dwelling and vandalism.&nbsp;Elijah Branstetter is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault drive-by, discharge a firearm into an occupied dwelling, vandalism, and traffic violations, according to Davidson.Tatum has previously been arrested and convicted of charges that include theft and aggravated robbery.

Police arrest 2 Kansas men for alleged drive-by shooting

Junction City police confirm a subject in a standoff at 124 West Third Street has been found dead after authorities entered the residence.&nbsp;

Trish Giordano, Police Captain, stated that Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Junction City police and Riley County swat teams were on the scene. "Gas was deployed several times and then entry was made and the subject was discovered deceased." His identity has not yet been released. Giordano confirmed it appeared the subject shot himself.&nbsp;

The incident began early Saturday afternoon and came to an end about 8 o'clock Saturday evening. Giordano noted the subject had been wanted on warrants in Douglas County. Authorities had surrounded the house in an attempt to arrest him after he brandished a handgun and then fled following an initial stop in the area of South Washington Street earlier in the afternoon. He fled to the residence at 124 West Third and refused to come out.&nbsp;

A multi-block area around the West Third location was evacuated. There were no other injuries.

Giordano also confirmed this incident had no connection to a homicide that occurred early Thursday morning in the area of 800 West 11th Street where two men were found dead. Police continue to investigate that case.

Law enforcement authorities on Saturday surrounded the area around a house at 124 West Third Street as they attempt to arrest a suspect. The standoff has been under way since early afternoon, but no injuries have occurred.

Junction City Police Captain Trish Giordano said officers went out with a subject in the area of South Washington Street earlier Saturday. "He had a warrant and when asked to step out of the vehicle he refused and brandished a handgun, and then took off in his vehicle. After a short chase he was found in the area of 124 West Third Street and got out of the vehicle and ran into the house."

JCPD, Kansas Highway Patrol and KBI are working at the scene. Police crime tape has been put up barricading several blocks near the actual location where the standoff is occurring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589074361903.jpeg" alt="Police armored vehicle departing the standoff which was about two blocks from the location of this photo.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Police armored vehicle departing the standoff which was about two blocks from the location of this photo.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City police confirm a subject in a standoff at 124 West Third Street has been found dead after authorities entered the residence.&nbsp;Trish Giordano, Police Captain, stated that Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Junction City police and Riley County swat teams were on the scene. "Gas was deployed several times and then entry was made and the subject was discovered deceased." His identity has not yet been released. Giordano confirmed it appeared the subject shot himself.&nbsp;The incident began early Saturday afternoon and came to an end about 8 o'clock Saturday evening. Giordano noted the subject had been wanted on warrants in Douglas County. Authorities had surrounded the house in an attempt to arrest him after he brandished a handgun and then fled following an initial stop in the area of South Washington Street earlier in the afternoon. He fled to the residence at 124 West Third and refused to come out.&nbsp;A multi-block area around the West Third location was evacuated. There were no other injuries.Giordano also confirmed this incident had no connection to a homicide that occurred early Thursday morning in the area of 800 West 11th Street where two men were found dead. Police continue to investigate that case.---Law enforcement authorities on Saturday surrounded the area around a house at 124 West Third Street as they attempt to arrest a suspect. The standoff has been under way since early afternoon, but no injuries have occurred.Junction City Police Captain Trish Giordano said officers went out with a subject in the area of South Washington Street earlier Saturday. "He had a warrant and when asked to step out of the vehicle he refused and brandished a handgun, and then took off in his vehicle. After a short chase he was found in the area of 124 West Third Street and got out of the vehicle and ran into the house."JCPD, Kansas Highway Patrol and KBI are working at the scene. Police crime tape has been put up barricading several blocks near the actual location where the standoff is occurring.

Subject in police standoff in Junction City is found dead 

MCPHERSON —This week in McPherson, barber Luke Aichele was threatened with an arrest warrant if he continued to work during virus crisis – even though he had already taken thorough safety measures, First District Congressman Roger Marshall and Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle wrote on social media.

Marshall wrote, “In a time of crisis, our country’s foundation in liberty, and our state’s founding in freedom are more important than ever.

When coronavirus hit our state, Kansans were willing to comply within reason to protect their friends and neighbors. But now, we’re seeing an administration in Kansas who is quicker to scrap our God-given freedoms than finding ways to protect our rights, our livelihoods and our local businesses.

I spoke to Luke on the phone today. It's worth adding that because Luke is self-employed – and is the only breadwinner in his household – he is still not able to access unemployment benefits due to the delay and failures of the current administration in Topeka, even though the federal government made those benefits available a long time ago.

I was raised by a Chief of Police. I was raised to respect the law. But I was also raised with basic common sense. Telling someone they cannot work to feed their family, offering them no help, and then threatening their arrest if they safely try to earn a living is wrong.

MCPHERSON —This week in McPherson, barber Luke Aichele was threatened with an arrest warrant if he continued to work during virus crisis – even though he had already taken thorough safety measures, First District Congressman Roger Marshall and Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle wrote on social media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I have spoken with a barber from McPherson, Luke Aichele, who received an arrest warrant for opening his barbershop. Luke can’t apply for unemployment and he is simply trying to feed his family. <a href="https://t.co/lBlboiPBbX">https://t.co/lBlboiPBbX</a>&mdash; Susan Wagle (@WagleforKansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/WagleforKansas/status/1259199115931594752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Marshall wrote, “In a time of crisis, our country’s foundation in liberty, and our state’s founding in freedom are more important than ever.When coronavirus hit our state, Kansans were willing to comply within reason to protect their friends and neighbors. But now, we’re seeing an administration in Kansas who is quicker to scrap our God-given freedoms than finding ways to protect our rights, our livelihoods and our local businesses.I spoke to Luke on the phone today. It's worth adding that because Luke is self-employed – and is the only breadwinner in his household – he is still not able to access unemployment benefits due to the delay and failures of the current administration in Topeka, even though the federal government made those benefits available a long time ago.I was raised by a Chief of Police. I was raised to respect the law. But I was also raised with basic common sense. Telling someone they cannot work to feed their family, offering them no help, and then threatening their arrest if they safely try to earn a living is wrong.We are so much better than this.”

Kan. lawmakers offer support for barber who operated amid virus

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting death, have made an arrest and identified the victim as&nbsp;53-year-old Lisa R. Hill of Topeka.

At the scene, police found an a woman dead from a gunshot wound, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

Information was developed at the scene and a person of interest identified as 47-year-old Charles M. Wilson II.&nbsp;

Police located&nbsp; him inside a house nearby in the 1200 block of NE Quincy Street in Topeka.

Crisis Negotiators arrived on scene and began to communicate with the Wilson. Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;6:30 p.m., police took Wilson into custody without incident and questioned him at the Law Enforcement Center.

&nbsp;Wilson was later booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of 1st Degree Murder, according to Lt. Matt Danielson.

Hill is the mother of Joseph R. Hill who is the victim from an April 24 homicide. Whether or not these two incidents are related remains under investigation.

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

Just before 4p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to the 1100 block of NW Central Ave. on a report of a possible shooting.

Information was developed at the scene and a person of interest identified as 47-year-old Charles M. Wilson II.&nbsp; 

Police have not released the identity of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588936608302.png" alt="Wilson photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Wilson photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting death, have made an arrest and identified the victim as&nbsp;53-year-old Lisa R. Hill of Topeka.At the scene, police found an a woman dead from a gunshot wound, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.Information was developed at the scene and a person of interest identified as 47-year-old Charles M. Wilson II.&nbsp;Police located&nbsp; him inside a house nearby in the 1200 block of NE Quincy Street in Topeka.Crisis Negotiators arrived on scene and began to communicate with the Wilson. Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;6:30 p.m., police took Wilson into custody without incident and questioned him at the Law Enforcement Center.&nbsp;Wilson was later booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of 1st Degree Murder, according to Lt. Matt Danielson.Hill is the mother of Joseph R. Hill who is the victim from an April 24 homicide. Whether or not these two incidents are related remains under investigation.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting death and have made an arrest.Just before 4p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to the 1100 block of NW Central Ave. on a report of a possible shooting.At the scene, police found an a woman dead from a gunshot wound, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.Information was developed at the scene and a person of interest identified as 47-year-old Charles M. Wilson II.&nbsp; Police located&nbsp; him inside a house nearby in the 1200 block of NE Quincy Street in Topeka.Crisis Negotiators arrived on scene and began to communicate with the Wilson. Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;6:30 p.m., police took Wilson into custody without incident and questioned him at the Law Enforcement Center.&nbsp;Wilson was later booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of 1st Degree Murder, according to Lt. Matt Danielson.Police have not released the identity of the victim.

Update: Kansas man arrested for woman's shooting death

NASHVILLE (AP) — Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” whose piercing wail, pounding piano and towering pompadour irrevocably altered popular music while introducing black R&amp;B to white America, has died Saturday. He was 87.

Pastor Bill Minson, a close friend of Little Richard’s, told The Associated Press that Little Richard died Saturday morning. Minson said he also spoke to Little Richard’s son and brother.

Minson added that the family is not releasing the cause of death.

Born Richard Penniman, Little Richard was one of rock ‘n’ roll’s founding fathers who helped shatter the color line on the music charts, joining Chuck Berry and Fats Domino in bringing what was once called “race music” into the mainstream. Richard’s hyperkinetic piano playing, coupled with his howling vocals and hairdo, made him an implausible sensation — a gay, black man celebrated across America during the buttoned-down Eisenhower era.

He sold more than 30 million records worldwide, and his influence on other musicians was equally staggering, from the Beatles and Otis Redding to Creedence Clearwater Revival and David Bowie. In his personal life, he wavered between raunch and religion, alternately embracing the Good Book and outrageous behavior.

“Little Richard? That’s rock ‘n’ roll,” Neil Young, who heard Richard’s riffs on the radio in Canada, told biographer Jimmy McDonough. “Little Richard was great on every record.”

It was 1956 when his classic “Tutti Frutti” landed like a hand grenade in the Top 40, exploding from radios and off turntables across the country. It was highlighted by Richard’s memorable call of “wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom.”

A string of hits followed, providing the foundation of rock music: “Lucille,” “Keep A Knockin’,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Good Golly Miss Molly.” More than 40 years after the latter charted, Bruce Springsteen was still performing “Good Golly Miss Molly” live.

The Beatles’ Paul McCartney imitated Richard’s signature yelps — perhaps most notably in the “Wooooo!” from the hit “She Loves You.” Ex-bandmate John Lennon covered Richard’s “Rip It Up” and “Ready Teddy” on the 1975 “Rock and Roll” album.

When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened in 1986, he was among the charter members with Elvis Presley, Berry, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke and others.

Few were quicker to acknowledge Little Richard’s seminal role than Richard himself. The flamboyant singer claimed he paved the way for Elvis, provided Mick Jagger with his stage moves and conducted vocal lessons for McCartney.

“I am the architect of rock ‘n’ roll!” Little Richard crowed at the 1988 Grammy Awards as the crowd rose in a standing ovation. “I am the originator!”

NASHVILLE (AP) — Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” whose piercing wail, pounding piano and towering pompadour irrevocably altered popular music while introducing black R&amp;B to white America, has died Saturday. He was 87.Pastor Bill Minson, a close friend of Little Richard’s, told The Associated Press that Little Richard died Saturday morning. Minson said he also spoke to Little Richard’s son and brother.Minson added that the family is not releasing the cause of death.Born Richard Penniman, Little Richard was one of rock ‘n’ roll’s founding fathers who helped shatter the color line on the music charts, joining Chuck Berry and Fats Domino in bringing what was once called “race music” into the mainstream. Richard’s hyperkinetic piano playing, coupled with his howling vocals and hairdo, made him an implausible sensation — a gay, black man celebrated across America during the buttoned-down Eisenhower era.He sold more than 30 million records worldwide, and his influence on other musicians was equally staggering, from the Beatles and Otis Redding to Creedence Clearwater Revival and David Bowie. In his personal life, he wavered between raunch and religion, alternately embracing the Good Book and outrageous behavior.“Little Richard? That’s rock ‘n’ roll,” Neil Young, who heard Richard’s riffs on the radio in Canada, told biographer Jimmy McDonough. “Little Richard was great on every record.”It was 1956 when his classic “Tutti Frutti” landed like a hand grenade in the Top 40, exploding from radios and off turntables across the country. It was highlighted by Richard’s memorable call of “wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom.”A string of hits followed, providing the foundation of rock music: “Lucille,” “Keep A Knockin’,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Good Golly Miss Molly.” More than 40 years after the latter charted, Bruce Springsteen was still performing “Good Golly Miss Molly” live.The Beatles’ Paul McCartney imitated Richard’s signature yelps — perhaps most notably in the “Wooooo!” from the hit “She Loves You.” Ex-bandmate John Lennon covered Richard’s “Rip It Up” and “Ready Teddy” on the 1975 “Rock and Roll” album.When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened in 1986, he was among the charter members with Elvis Presley, Berry, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke and others.Few were quicker to acknowledge Little Richard’s seminal role than Richard himself. The flamboyant singer claimed he paved the way for Elvis, provided Mick Jagger with his stage moves and conducted vocal lessons for McCartney.ADVERTISEMENT“I am the architect of rock ‘n’ roll!” Little Richard crowed at the 1988 Grammy Awards as the crowd rose in a standing ovation. “I am the originator!”Richard Wayne Penniman was born in Macon, Georgia, during the Great Depression, one of 12 children. He was ostracized because he was effeminate and suffered a small deformity: his right leg was shorter than his left.The family was religious, and Richard sang in local churches with a group called the Tiny Tots. The tug-of-war between his upbringing and rock ‘n’ roll excess tormented Penniman throughout his career.Penniman was performing with bands by the age of 14, but there were problems at home over his sexual orientation. His father beat the boy and derided him as “half a son.”Richard left home to join a minstrel show run by a man known as Sugarloaf Sam, occasionally appearing in drag.In late 1955, Little Richard recorded the bawdy “Tutti Frutti,” with lyrics that were sanitized by a New Orleans songwriter. It went on to sell 1 million records over the next year.When Little Richard’s hit was banned by many white-owned radio stations, white performers like Pat Boone and Elvis Presley did cover versions that topped the charts.Little Richard went Hollywood with an appearance in “Don’t Knock the Rock.” But his wild lifestyle remained at odds with his faith, and a conflicted Richard quit the business in 1957 to enroll in a theological school and get married.Richard remained on the charts when his label released previously recorded material. And he recorded a gospel record, returning to his roots.A 1962 arrest for a homosexual encounter in a bus station restroom led to his divorce and return to performing.He mounted three tours of England between 1962 and 1964, with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones serving as opening acts. Back in the States, he put together a band that included guitarist Jimi Hendrix — and later fired Hendrix when he was late for a bus.In 1968, Richard hit Las Vegas and relaunched his career. Within two years, he had another hit single and made the cover of Rolling Stone.By the mid-1970s, Richard was battling a $1,000-a-day cocaine problem and once again abandoned his musical career. He returned to religion, selling Bibles and renouncing homosexuality. For more than a decade, he vanished.“If God can save an old homosexual like me, he can save anybody,” Richard said.But he returned, in 1986, in spectacular fashion. Little Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and appeared in the movie “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.”A Little Richard song from the soundtrack, “Great Gosh A’Mighty,” even put him back on the charts for the first time in more than 15 years. Little Richard was back to stay, enjoying another dose of celebrity that he fully embraced.Macon, Georgia, named a street after its favorite son. And Little Richard was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In August 2002, he announced his retirement from live performing. But he continued to appear frequently on television, including a humorous appearance on a 2006 commercial for GEICO insurance.Richard had hip surgery in November 2009 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, and asked fans at the time to pray for him. He lived in the Nashville area at the time.thanks