SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting&nbsp; have identified the victim as 64-year-old Mark Howard of Wichita.&nbsp; 

Just before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, police responded to a larceny just occurred call at the QuikTrip in the 700 block of South Broadway in Wichita, according to office Charley Davidson.

A suspect identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders had attempted to steal items from the business.

An officer located Sanders walking in the area of Orme and Market Street.&nbsp; As he approached her in his vehicle, he observed Sanders fire a single shot into the ground from a handgun.&nbsp; The officer identified himself and gave her verbal instructions to stop.&nbsp; Sanders ignored the officer and continued to walk away from him and into a home in the 800 block of South Market.

As officers worked to contact Sanders inside the home, they observed Howard inside the home deceased with a gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp;

The WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was sent to the location to assist with the investigation.&nbsp; After several hours, utilizing time, distance, and communication, officers had Sanders exit the home, and she was arrested without further incident.

The investigation revealed Sanders had previously shot Howard one time inside the home, causing his fatal injuries.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a handgun inside the house.&nbsp; Additionally, during the investigation, Sanders continually exhibited very erratic behavior, possibly induced by the use of illegal narcotics.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sanders is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587386282797.png" alt="Sanders photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sanders photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting&nbsp; have identified the victim as 64-year-old Mark Howard of Wichita.&nbsp; Just before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, police responded to a larceny just occurred call at the QuikTrip in the 700 block of South Broadway in Wichita, according to office Charley Davidson.A suspect identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders had attempted to steal items from the business.An officer located Sanders walking in the area of Orme and Market Street.&nbsp; As he approached her in his vehicle, he observed Sanders fire a single shot into the ground from a handgun.&nbsp; The officer identified himself and gave her verbal instructions to stop.&nbsp; Sanders ignored the officer and continued to walk away from him and into a home in the 800 block of South Market.As officers worked to contact Sanders inside the home, they observed Howard inside the home deceased with a gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp;The WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was sent to the location to assist with the investigation.&nbsp; After several hours, utilizing time, distance, and communication, officers had Sanders exit the home, and she was arrested without further incident.The investigation revealed Sanders had previously shot Howard one time inside the home, causing his fatal injuries.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a handgun inside the house.&nbsp; Additionally, during the investigation, Sanders continually exhibited very erratic behavior, possibly induced by the use of illegal narcotics.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sanders is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.

Police ID Kansas man found dead before standoff

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attack on a grocery store security guard and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shoplifting call involving a disturbance at the Aldi, 105 SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to Sgt. Matt Danielson.

 Upon their arrival, officers learned that an armed security guard had been stabbed during the commission of a theft. That security guard was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Search efforts for the suspect began quickly into the investigation. The suspect was identified as 47-year-old&nbsp; Travis Huffstutler. Police later located him at the Econo Lodge in the 2000 block of SW Topeka Blvd, according to Danielson.

 A search warrant was served at that location and police found evidence of the crimes. Officers arrested and transported&nbsp; Huffstutler to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587379504915.png" alt="Huffstutler" />
 <figcaption>Huffstutler</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attack on a grocery store security guard and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shoplifting call involving a disturbance at the Aldi, 105 SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to Sgt. Matt Danielson. Upon their arrival, officers learned that an armed security guard had been stabbed during the commission of a theft. That security guard was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.Search efforts for the suspect began quickly into the investigation. The suspect was identified as 47-year-old&nbsp; Travis Huffstutler. Police later located him at the Econo Lodge in the 2000 block of SW Topeka Blvd, according to Danielson. A search warrant was served at that location and police found evidence of the crimes. Officers arrested and transported&nbsp; Huffstutler to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, and Theft.

Police: Kansas grocery store security guard stabbed

The Amber Alert issued for 2 boys abducted in Nebraska has was cancelled late Monday morning, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

The boys are safe and the suspect identified as Tanner Joel Leichleiter, 30, was apprehended during a traffic stop at 71st Street South and Ridge Road in Wichita, according to Sgt. Tim Myers, with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.&nbsp;

Kansas issued an Amber Alert for two children abducted from Tekamah near Eastern Nebraska.

The Tekamah Police Department is looking children who were last seen at Tekamah and are believed to be in danger. The children's name are Marco De La Garza and&nbsp;and Isaac De La Garza.

Marco is a 7 year old boy, with Brown hair and was last seen wearing T-shirt and shorts.

The children may be in the company of 30-year-old Tanner Joel Leicheiter, described as 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair. They may be traveling in a White 2009 Ford Expedition Ne 31F325 that was last seen heading in an unknown direction.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Marco De La Garza, please call 911 or contact Tekamah Police Department at&nbsp;<a href="tel:+14023741500">402-374-1500</a>&nbsp;immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587431905539.png" alt="Tanner Joel Leichleiter -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Tanner Joel Leichleiter -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The Amber Alert issued for 2 boys abducted in Nebraska has was cancelled late Monday morning, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.The boys are safe and the suspect identified as Tanner Joel Leichleiter, 30, was apprehended during a traffic stop at 71st Street South and Ridge Road in Wichita, according to Sgt. Tim Myers, with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587392749188.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Marco De La Garza" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Marco De La Garza</figcaption>
 </figure>---------Kansas issued an Amber Alert for two children abducted from Tekamah near Eastern Nebraska.The Tekamah Police Department is looking children who were last seen at Tekamah and are believed to be in danger. The children's name are Marco De La Garza and&nbsp;and Isaac De La Garza.Marco is a 7 year old boy, with Brown hair and was last seen wearing T-shirt and shorts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587393068606.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Isaac De La GarzaIsaac is a 4 year old boy.The children may be in the company of 30-year-old Tanner Joel Leicheiter, described as 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair. They may be traveling in a White 2009 Ford Expedition Ne 31F325 that was last seen heading in an unknown direction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587392820004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tanner Joel LeicheiterIf you have any information on the whereabouts of Marco De La Garza, please call 911 or contact Tekamah Police Department at&nbsp;<a href="tel:+14023741500">402-374-1500</a>&nbsp;immediately.

Update: 2 boys safe, Amber Alert suspect arrested in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a murder.

Just before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a larceny that had just occurred at the QuikTrip in the 700 block of South Broadway in&nbsp; Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. A suspect later identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders, had attempted to steal items from the business.

An officer located Sanders walking in the area of Orme and Market.&nbsp; As he approached her in his vehicle, he observed Sanders fire a single shot into the ground from a handgun.&nbsp; The officer identified himself and gave her verbal instructions to stop.&nbsp; Sanders ignored the officer and continued to walk away from him and she entered&nbsp; a home in the 800 block of South Market.

As officers worked to contact Sanders inside the home, they observed a man inside the home deceased with a gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp; Investigators are working to confirm his identity.

The WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was sent to the location to assist with the investigation. &nbsp;After several hours, utilizing time, distance, and communication, officers had Sanders exit the home, and she was arrested without further incident.

The investigation revealed Sanders had previously shot the man one time inside the home, causing his fatal injuries.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a handgun inside the house.&nbsp; Additionally, during the investigation, Sanders continually exhibited very erratic behavior, possibly induced by the use of illegal narcotics, according to Davidson.

Sanders is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Police say an armed woman in her 20s has been arrested after a standoff in a Wichita home where the body of a man was found by officers. 

The standoff began around noon Sunday when officers were sent to a convenience store for a report of a woman&nbsp; suspected of robbing it. 

Police Capt. Windell Nicholson says responding officers spotted the woman later identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders, according to Sedgwick County arrest records, at a nearby intersection holding a gun, then heard a gunshot and saw Sanders run into a home. 

Several hours later, Sanders came out of the house and was arrested. Inside, police say they found a man in his 60s dead from injuries to his upper body.

Sanders is being held for <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20042351">2nd degree murder, </a>according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587386282797.png" alt="Sanders photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sanders photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a murder.Just before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a larceny that had just occurred at the QuikTrip in the 700 block of South Broadway in&nbsp; Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. A suspect later identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders, had attempted to steal items from the business.An officer located Sanders walking in the area of Orme and Market.&nbsp; As he approached her in his vehicle, he observed Sanders fire a single shot into the ground from a handgun.&nbsp; The officer identified himself and gave her verbal instructions to stop.&nbsp; Sanders ignored the officer and continued to walk away from him and she entered&nbsp; a home in the 800 block of South Market.As officers worked to contact Sanders inside the home, they observed a man inside the home deceased with a gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp; Investigators are working to confirm his identity.The WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was sent to the location to assist with the investigation. &nbsp;After several hours, utilizing time, distance, and communication, officers had Sanders exit the home, and she was arrested without further incident.The investigation revealed Sanders had previously shot the man one time inside the home, causing his fatal injuries.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a handgun inside the house.&nbsp; Additionally, during the investigation, Sanders continually exhibited very erratic behavior, possibly induced by the use of illegal narcotics, according to Davidson.Sanders is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY— Police say an armed woman in her 20s has been arrested after a standoff in a Wichita home where the body of a man was found by officers. The standoff began around noon Sunday when officers were sent to a convenience store for a report of a woman&nbsp; suspected of robbing it. Police Capt. Windell Nicholson says responding officers spotted the woman later identified as 22-year-old Jessica Sanders, according to Sedgwick County arrest records, at a nearby intersection holding a gun, then heard a gunshot and saw Sanders run into a home. Several hours later, Sanders came out of the house and was arrested. Inside, police say they found a man in his 60s dead from injuries to his upper body.Sanders is being held for <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20042351">2nd degree murder, </a>according to online jail records.-

Update: Woman arrested at Kan. home where body found

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a car stolen in Salina Saturday morning was involved in a two-vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Topeka.

A&nbsp; 43-year-old Salina woman told police that she had an argument with a male subject she had picked up in Manhattan who had been staying with her since April 13, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The man left and allegedly took the woman's 2008 Dodge Caliber, valued at $5,000.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by a 40-year-old&nbsp; Brooke Aaron McLaughlin&nbsp; was involved in a two-vehicle accident in Topeka during a pursuit by law enforcement. 

According to the KHP, McLaughlin was fleeing from law enforcement southbound on Southeast Adams Street when he ran a red light at Southeast 37th Street and was struck on the driver's side by a 2002 Toyota Camry Solara that was westbound on Southeast 37th Street.

According to the KHP report, McLaughlin complained of pain and was transported a hospital in Topeka.&nbsp;

The driver of the Camry Solara, a 59-year-old woman from Topeka, complained of pain and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

According to Shawnee County Department of Corrections booking information, McLaughlin was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Felony possession of stolen property, Felony criminal damage to property, Registered offender obstructing apprehension of prosecution, Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, Reckless driving, Failure to yield at a stop or yield sign, Vehicle displaying plate not assigned, Driving while suspended and Violation of the governor's proclamation

&nbsp;McLaughlin was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation, according to Forester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587399195298.jpeg" alt="Brooke Aaron McLaughlin has previous convictions for theft, battery of an officer and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Brooke Aaron McLaughlin has previous convictions for theft, battery of an officer and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a car stolen in Salina Saturday morning was involved in a two-vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Topeka. A&nbsp; 43-year-old Salina woman told police that she had an argument with a male subject she had picked up in Manhattan who had been staying with her since April 13, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The man left and allegedly took the woman's 2008 Dodge Caliber, valued at $5,000.The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by a 40-year-old&nbsp; Brooke Aaron McLaughlin&nbsp; was involved in a two-vehicle accident in Topeka during a pursuit by law enforcement. According to the KHP, McLaughlin was fleeing from law enforcement southbound on Southeast Adams Street when he ran a red light at Southeast 37th Street and was struck on the driver's side by a 2002 Toyota Camry Solara that was westbound on Southeast 37th Street.According to the KHP report, McLaughlin complained of pain and was transported a hospital in Topeka.&nbsp;The driver of the Camry Solara, a 59-year-old woman from Topeka, complained of pain and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital, according to the KHP.&nbsp;According to Shawnee County Department of Corrections booking information, McLaughlin was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Felony possession of stolen property, Felony criminal damage to property, Registered offender obstructing apprehension of prosecution, Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, Reckless driving, Failure to yield at a stop or yield sign, Vehicle displaying plate not assigned, Driving while suspended and Violation of the governor's proclamation&nbsp;McLaughlin was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation, according to Forester.

Kan. felon captured after crash in stolen car

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

Just after 2:30a.m. April 16,&nbsp; police responded to the Topeka Lutheran School located at 701 SW Roosevelt St. on a report of an alarm, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen. 

Officers and a Topeka Police K-9 began to search the school and the surrounding area. During the search, officers located a suspect fleeing from the school building. After a brief foot pursuit, officers arrested the suspect later identified as 26-year-old Dylan R. Area and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Theft, Interference with Law Enforcement and Topeka Bench Warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587074522546.png" alt="Area photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Area photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2:30a.m. April 16,&nbsp; police responded to the Topeka Lutheran School located at 701 SW Roosevelt St. on a report of an alarm, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen. Officers and a Topeka Police K-9 began to search the school and the surrounding area. During the search, officers located a suspect fleeing from the school building. After a brief foot pursuit, officers arrested the suspect later identified as 26-year-old Dylan R. Area and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Theft, Interference with Law Enforcement and Topeka Bench Warrants.

Suspect jailed for alleged burglary of Kansas school

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on felony charges after an arrest.&nbsp;

Just after 7p.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Fugitive Warrants Unit served an arrest warrant in the 1400 block of SW Byron Street, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

While serving the warrant, deputies observed narcotics and drug paraphernalia inside the residence.

The Shawnee County Drug Task Force then executed a search warrant on the residence, and seized a Springfield XD semi-automatic pistol, Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol, Over 50 packages of THC edibles,&nbsp;Over 100 suspected unlawful pills (which will be sent to KBI for further analysis, Various types of ammunition.

They also arrested Jeremiah M. Guesby, 17, of Topeka, was arrested on on requested charges of Felony probation violation, Misdemeanor probation violation and Interference with law enforcement, according to Stallbaumer.

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on felony charges after an arrest.&nbsp;Just after 7p.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Fugitive Warrants Unit served an arrest warrant in the 1400 block of SW Byron Street, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.While serving the warrant, deputies observed narcotics and drug paraphernalia inside the residence.The Shawnee County Drug Task Force then executed a search warrant on the residence, and seized a Springfield XD semi-automatic pistol, Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol, Over 50 packages of THC edibles,&nbsp;Over 100 suspected unlawful pills (which will be sent to KBI for further analysis, Various types of ammunition.They also arrested Jeremiah M. Guesby, 17, of Topeka, was arrested on on requested charges of Felony probation violation, Misdemeanor probation violation and Interference with law enforcement, according to Stallbaumer.

Sheriff: 17-year-old had weapons, drugs at Kan. home

Robert and Adlynn Harte, retired CIA
 employees, sued after sheriff's deputies raided their home looking for 
marijuana and found a tomato-growing operation in their basement 
instead. 

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-17/leawood-couple-targeted-in-bungled-marijuana-raid-settles-case-against-sheriffs-deputies">Kansas News Service</a>

A Leawood, Kansas, couple whose home was raided by a police tactical 
team in a bungled search for marijuana has settled its civil suit 
against the Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies who led the operation.

The
 amount of the settlement with Robert and Adlynn Harte, retired CIA 
employees, is unknown because the settlement document has been sealed. 
But U.S. District Judge John Lungstrum ruled he would unseal it once the
 parties have redacted portions related to the Hartes’ children.

Cheryl
 Pilate, an attorney for the Hartes, said the case had been "resolved to
 the mutual satisfaction of the parties." Larry Ferree III, a lawyer for
 the defendants, said the same thing. 

The case, which drew <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2017/12/19/jury-rules-against-family-subjected-to-swat-raid-over-loose-leaf-tea/" target="_blank">national headlines</a>, had a long, tortuous history.

The
 Hartes’ lawsuit was originally filed in 2013 and sought millions of 
dollars in damages for trespass, false arrest, assault and outrageous 
conduct that caused them severe emotional distress.

The Hartes 
sued after Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies raided their Leawood home 
in April 2012, eight months after Robert Harte and his two young 
children visited a hydroponic-gardening store and bought a small bag of 
supplies as part of a tomato-growing project in their basement.

A 
Missouri Highway Patrol officer was parked nearby, surveilling the store
 for people who might be buying supplies for indoor marijuana growing 
operations.

Based on the officer’s tip, Johnson County sheriff’s 
deputies rooted through the Hartes’ trash and found wet green vegetation
 mixed in with kitchen trash. After deputies conducted a field test and 
determined the vegetation was marijuana, seven officers clad in black 
SWAT uniforms and brandishing 9 mm Glocks, an AR-15 assault rifle and a 
battering ram pounded on the Hartes’ door and burst in, guns drawn, at 
around 7:30 a.m. on April 20, 2012, a day celebrated by marijuana 
activists.

Robert Harte was forced face-down to the floor, 
shirtless, as the deputies searched the house for more than two hours. 
All four family members, including the Harte children, were detained in 
the living room under armed guard.

The search proved fruitless, 
even after the deputies called in a drug dog. No marijuana was found and
 the vegetation in the trash turned out to be nothing more than 
loose-leaf tea.

The sheriff’s office claimed its search was 
conducted pursuant to a valid search warrant and the deputies were 
legally justified in detaining the family while the search was ongoing.

Lungstrum,
 the federal trial judge, dismissed the lawsuit in 2015 after finding 
the deputies were protected by qualified immunity and, in any event, 
could not have known their field tests on the vegetation had produced 
false positives.

The Hartes appealed and an appeals court panel partially reversed Lungstrum, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/government/2017-07-25/leawood-couple-whose-home-was-raided-in-bungled-marijuana-search-to-get-day-in-court">allowing the Hartes to proceed to trial</a>. In December 2017, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2017-12-12/jury-rules-against-leawood-family-whose-home-was-raided-in-bungled-marijuana-search">a jury found against the Hartes</a> and in favor of the sheriff’s deputies.

The
 Hartes appealed again. This time, the appeals court panel handed down 
three separate opinions, which led to confusion and prompted the panel 
to issue a lengthy clarifying opinion later. 

In that opinion, the
 panel ruled that the Hartes could proceed to try their claims that the 
sheriff’s deputies improperly executed the search warrant; exceeded the 
scope of the warrant by searching for evidence of general criminal 
activity and not just a marijuana grow operation; and prolonged the 
Hartes’ detention, thus subjecting them to an illegal arrest.

The settlement resolves those claims, bringing an end to the case eight years after the raid on the Hartes’ home.

Dan Margolies is a senior reporter and editor at KCUR. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMargolies" target="_blank">@DanMargolies</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587153950005.png" alt="The Hartes purchased a hydroponic tomato-growing project similar to this one, which led sheriff's deputies to search their basement for an alleged marijuana operation. Plantlady233 / Wikimedia" />
 <figcaption>The Hartes purchased a hydroponic tomato-growing project similar to this one, which led sheriff's deputies to search their basement for an alleged marijuana operation. Plantlady233 / Wikimedia</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Robert and Adlynn Harte, retired CIA
 employees, sued after sheriff's deputies raided their home looking for 
marijuana and found a tomato-growing operation in their basement 
instead. </h2>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-17/leawood-couple-targeted-in-bungled-marijuana-raid-settles-case-against-sheriffs-deputies">Kansas News Service</a>A Leawood, Kansas, couple whose home was raided by a police tactical 
team in a bungled search for marijuana has settled its civil suit 
against the Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies who led the operation.The
 amount of the settlement with Robert and Adlynn Harte, retired CIA 
employees, is unknown because the settlement document has been sealed. 
But U.S. District Judge John Lungstrum ruled he would unseal it once the
 parties have redacted portions related to the Hartes’ children.Cheryl
 Pilate, an attorney for the Hartes, said the case had been "resolved to
 the mutual satisfaction of the parties." Larry Ferree III, a lawyer for
 the defendants, said the same thing. The case, which drew <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2017/12/19/jury-rules-against-family-subjected-to-swat-raid-over-loose-leaf-tea/" target="_blank">national headlines</a>, had a long, tortuous history.The
 Hartes’ lawsuit was originally filed in 2013 and sought millions of 
dollars in damages for trespass, false arrest, assault and outrageous 
conduct that caused them severe emotional distress.The Hartes 
sued after Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies raided their Leawood home 
in April 2012, eight months after Robert Harte and his two young 
children visited a hydroponic-gardening store and bought a small bag of 
supplies as part of a tomato-growing project in their basement.A 
Missouri Highway Patrol officer was parked nearby, surveilling the store
 for people who might be buying supplies for indoor marijuana growing 
operations.Based on the officer’s tip, Johnson County sheriff’s 
deputies rooted through the Hartes’ trash and found wet green vegetation
 mixed in with kitchen trash. After deputies conducted a field test and 
determined the vegetation was marijuana, seven officers clad in black 
SWAT uniforms and brandishing 9 mm Glocks, an AR-15 assault rifle and a 
battering ram pounded on the Hartes’ door and burst in, guns drawn, at 
around 7:30 a.m. on April 20, 2012, a day celebrated by marijuana 
activists.Robert Harte was forced face-down to the floor, 
shirtless, as the deputies searched the house for more than two hours. 
All four family members, including the Harte children, were detained in 
the living room under armed guard.The search proved fruitless, 
even after the deputies called in a drug dog. No marijuana was found and
 the vegetation in the trash turned out to be nothing more than 
loose-leaf tea.The sheriff’s office claimed its search was 
conducted pursuant to a valid search warrant and the deputies were 
legally justified in detaining the family while the search was ongoing.Lungstrum,
 the federal trial judge, dismissed the lawsuit in 2015 after finding 
the deputies were protected by qualified immunity and, in any event, 
could not have known their field tests on the vegetation had produced 
false positives.The Hartes appealed and an appeals court panel partially reversed Lungstrum, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/government/2017-07-25/leawood-couple-whose-home-was-raided-in-bungled-marijuana-search-to-get-day-in-court">allowing the Hartes to proceed to trial</a>. In December 2017, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2017-12-12/jury-rules-against-leawood-family-whose-home-was-raided-in-bungled-marijuana-search">a jury found against the Hartes</a> and in favor of the sheriff’s deputies.The
 Hartes appealed again. This time, the appeals court panel handed down 
three separate opinions, which led to confusion and prompted the panel 
to issue a lengthy clarifying opinion later. In that opinion, the
 panel ruled that the Hartes could proceed to try their claims that the 
sheriff’s deputies improperly executed the search warrant; exceeded the 
scope of the warrant by searching for evidence of general criminal 
activity and not just a marijuana grow operation; and prolonged the 
Hartes’ detention, thus subjecting them to an illegal arrest.The settlement resolves those claims, bringing an end to the case eight years after the raid on the Hartes’ home.Dan Margolies is a senior reporter and editor at KCUR. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMargolies" target="_blank">@DanMargolies</a>.

Kan. couple targeted in bungled pot raid settles case against deputies 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City tow truck driver has been arrested, accused of chasing down and shooting a man whose vehicle he had been trying to tow, police said.

A report had previously described the Tuesday night incident as a rolling gun battle between two tow truck drivers.

Police determined the shooting occurred after the victim spotted two tow trucks preparing to tow his vehicle in Raytown, then jumped into his vehicle and drove off.

Police said Prentiss Burks, 42, followed in his tow truck, opening fire on the fleeing vehicle. The chase ended near the Glen Lake neighborhood in Kansas City after Burks shot the fleeing vehicle's driver twice in the legs.

Investigators later found a handgun in Burks' possession that matched the shell casings found along the road where shots were fired, police said.

Burks has been charged with second-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action and a weapons count and is being held on $50,000 bond. Prosecutors are seeking to have his bond increased to $100,000.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two tow truck drivers carried out a rolling gun battle in a western Kansas City neighborhood, seriously wounding one of them, police said.

The shooting happened Tuesday night near the Glen Lake neighborhood. Police said the altercation began in Raytown, when one tow truck driver tried to run over the other, and continued into Kansas City.

At some point, one driver opened fire on the other as they drove north on Norfleet Road, police said. The chase and shooting continued as the tow trucks traveled west and ended a short time later.

Police said one of the drivers was shot twice and was taken by an ambulance to a hospital in serious condition. He is expected to survive, police said.

No names were released, and no arrests had been reported by Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587130559471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Burks photo Jackson CountyKANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City tow truck driver has been arrested, accused of chasing down and shooting a man whose vehicle he had been trying to tow, police said.A report had previously described the Tuesday night incident as a rolling gun battle between two tow truck drivers.Police determined the shooting occurred after the victim spotted two tow trucks preparing to tow his vehicle in Raytown, then jumped into his vehicle and drove off.Police said Prentiss Burks, 42, followed in his tow truck, opening fire on the fleeing vehicle. The chase ended near the Glen Lake neighborhood in Kansas City after Burks shot the fleeing vehicle's driver twice in the legs.Investigators later found a handgun in Burks' possession that matched the shell casings found along the road where shots were fired, police said.Burks has been charged with second-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action and a weapons count and is being held on $50,000 bond. Prosecutors are seeking to have his bond increased to $100,000.------------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two tow truck drivers carried out a rolling gun battle in a western Kansas City neighborhood, seriously wounding one of them, police said.The shooting happened Tuesday night near the Glen Lake neighborhood. Police said the altercation began in Raytown, when one tow truck driver tried to run over the other, and continued into Kansas City.At some point, one driver opened fire on the other as they drove north on Norfleet Road, police said. The chase and shooting continued as the tow trucks traveled west and ended a short time later.Police said one of the drivers was shot twice and was taken by an ambulance to a hospital in serious condition. He is expected to survive, police said.No names were released, and no arrests had been reported by Thursday.

Update: Kansas City tow-truck operator shot fleeing driver

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges of a chase and arrest.

Just after 3:30a.m. Thursday, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Ford pickup in the 5500 block of SW Randolph Road for a traffic violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp; 

The pickup failed to stop for the deputy, initiating a pursuit.

The pursuit went north on SW Burlingame Rd, west on SW 37th&nbsp;Street and south on SW Kiowa Street.&nbsp; The driver of the pickup rammed a deputy’s patrol car in the 3800 block of SW Kiowa Street and drove back north on Kiowa Street.&nbsp;&nbsp; A controlled vehicle intervention maneuver was utilized in the 3500 block of SW Kiowa Street which safely disabled the truck and ended the vehicle pursuit.&nbsp; The suspect attempted to flee on foot, but deputies, with the assistance of a K-9, were able to take the suspect into custody.

The investigation on scene indicated the driver, Rob A. Voelker, 27, of Carbondale, was a Fugitive from Justice and the pickup truck was reported stolen through the city of Topeka.&nbsp; The Topeka Police Department arrived on scene to recover the stolen truck.

Mr. Voelker was arrested and transported to the Department of Corrections on requested charges of Reckless driving&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Felony Flee and elude, Aggravated battery on LEO,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aggravated assault on LEO , Possession of stolen property&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Felony Interference, Violation of the executive order,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Fugitive from justice (Felony warrant, Other Traffic Violations, In addition, Mr. Voelker has charges pending from the Topeka Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587074363286.png" alt="Voelker photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Voelker photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges of a chase and arrest.Just after 3:30a.m. Thursday, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Ford pickup in the 5500 block of SW Randolph Road for a traffic violation, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp; The pickup failed to stop for the deputy, initiating a pursuit.The pursuit went north on SW Burlingame Rd, west on SW 37th&nbsp;Street and south on SW Kiowa Street.&nbsp; The driver of the pickup rammed a deputy’s patrol car in the 3800 block of SW Kiowa Street and drove back north on Kiowa Street.&nbsp;&nbsp; A controlled vehicle intervention maneuver was utilized in the 3500 block of SW Kiowa Street which safely disabled the truck and ended the vehicle pursuit.&nbsp; The suspect attempted to flee on foot, but deputies, with the assistance of a K-9, were able to take the suspect into custody.The investigation on scene indicated the driver, Rob A. Voelker, 27, of Carbondale, was a Fugitive from Justice and the pickup truck was reported stolen through the city of Topeka.&nbsp; The Topeka Police Department arrived on scene to recover the stolen truck.Mr. Voelker was arrested and transported to the Department of Corrections on requested charges of Reckless driving&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Felony Flee and elude, Aggravated battery on LEO,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aggravated assault on LEO , Possession of stolen property&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Felony Interference, Violation of the executive order,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Fugitive from justice (Felony warrant, Other Traffic Violations, In addition, Mr. Voelker has charges pending from the Topeka Police Department.

K9 helps deputies catch Kansas fugitive from justice

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal drive by shooting and have&nbsp; arrested 32-year-old Joshua Johnson of Wichita on a charge of first-degree murder.

Just after 12:30 a.m. on Monday, police responded to a shooting call at the Kwik Shop in the 600 block of South West Street in&nbsp; Wicihta, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

Police located a 2014 white Dodge Avenger with the rear window shot out.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was an 18-year-old male driver, a 27-year-old male passenger and 18-year-old Aubrey Resendez, who had been shot.&nbsp; 

EMS transported Resendez&nbsp; to an area hospital where she died, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The 18-year-old was Resendez’s boyfriend, and the 27-year-old was Resendez’s brother.&nbsp; They were not injured.

The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued in the 4200 block of West Pawnee between the occupants of the Avenger and Johnson, who was in a 2006 Silver Dodge Ram truck.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Johnson fired multiple shots at the Avenger, striking the vehicle and striking Resendez, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The truck was recently reported stolen out of Reno County and is still outstanding.

The will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587056156024.png" alt="Johnson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal drive by shooting and have&nbsp; arrested 32-year-old Joshua Johnson of Wichita on a charge of first-degree murder.Just after 12:30 a.m. on Monday, police responded to a shooting call at the Kwik Shop in the 600 block of South West Street in&nbsp; Wicihta, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Police located a 2014 white Dodge Avenger with the rear window shot out.&nbsp; Inside the vehicle was an 18-year-old male driver, a 27-year-old male passenger and 18-year-old Aubrey Resendez, who had been shot.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586790756899.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported Resendez&nbsp; to an area hospital where she died, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The 18-year-old was Resendez’s boyfriend, and the 27-year-old was Resendez’s brother.&nbsp; They were not injured.The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued in the 4200 block of West Pawnee between the occupants of the Avenger and Johnson, who was in a 2006 Silver Dodge Ram truck.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Johnson fired multiple shots at the Avenger, striking the vehicle and striking Resendez, according to Davidson.&nbsp; The truck was recently reported stolen out of Reno County and is still outstanding.The will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, according to Davidson.

Suspect arrested for fatal drive-by shooting of Kan. teen

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

Just after 12:10 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a drive-by shooting call in the 1400 block of North Poplar in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the approximate same time, a police Sergeant working off duty at Wesley Medical Center advised of a walk-in shooting at the hospital.

A 31-year-old woman arrived at the hospital with a minor graze wound to the top of her head.&nbsp; 

A man identified as 30-year-old Denoveous Adams of Wichita, brought her to the hospital in a Jeep Liberty, according to Davidson.

When Adams saw the police Sergeant, he grabbed a handgun from the Jeep and fled on foot.&nbsp; Officers arriving in the area arrested Adams and also recovered the gun.

During the investigation, officers located multiple shell casings in the 1400 block and 1600 block of North Poplar.&nbsp;

Investigators are also working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has affected investigators from learning all the details of this case.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Adams is being held for possession of a firearm by a felon. He has previously been arrested and convicted of charges that include aggravated robbery and robbery.

This was not a random incident, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586967270701.png" alt="Adams photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.Just after 12:10 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a drive-by shooting call in the 1400 block of North Poplar in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.At the approximate same time, a police Sergeant working off duty at Wesley Medical Center advised of a walk-in shooting at the hospital.A 31-year-old woman arrived at the hospital with a minor graze wound to the top of her head.&nbsp; A man identified as 30-year-old Denoveous Adams of Wichita, brought her to the hospital in a Jeep Liberty, according to Davidson.When Adams saw the police Sergeant, he grabbed a handgun from the Jeep and fled on foot.&nbsp; Officers arriving in the area arrested Adams and also recovered the gun.During the investigation, officers located multiple shell casings in the 1400 block and 1600 block of North Poplar.&nbsp;Investigators are also working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has affected investigators from learning all the details of this case.&nbsp; &nbsp;Adams is being held for possession of a firearm by a felon. He has previously been arrested and convicted of charges that include aggravated robbery and robbery.This was not a random incident, according to Davidson.

Police: Kan. felon brought shooting victim to hospital

SHAWNEE MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Shawnee Mission elementary teacher has been charged with a child sex crime, authorities in northeastern Kansas said.

Kim Zier, 63, who worked as a fifth-grade teacher at Pawnee Elementary School before being placed on leave, is charged in Johnson County District Court with one count of aggravated indecent liberties involving a child.

Investigators said he is accused of lewdly fondling or touching a child under the age of 14 on Jan. 28. Zier was arrested Monday and charged the same day. A bond reduction motion filed by Zier’s attorney said Zier has been a teacher for 41 years, serving 31 of those years with the Shawnee Mission School District.

School district spokesman David Smith confirmed that Zier had been placed on administrative leave.

“We take student safety very seriously, and have fully cooperated with the police in their investigation,” Smith said in an email.

Zier is scheduled to appear in court again April 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586962385425.png" alt="Zier photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Zier photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Shawnee Mission elementary teacher has been charged with a child sex crime, authorities in northeastern Kansas said.Kim Zier, 63, who worked as a fifth-grade teacher at Pawnee Elementary School before being placed on leave, is charged in Johnson County District Court with one count of aggravated indecent liberties involving a child.Investigators said he is accused of lewdly fondling or touching a child under the age of 14 on Jan. 28. Zier was arrested Monday and charged the same day. A bond reduction motion filed by Zier’s attorney said Zier has been a teacher for 41 years, serving 31 of those years with the Shawnee Mission School District.School district spokesman David Smith confirmed that Zier had been placed on administrative leave.“We take student safety very seriously, and have fully cooperated with the police in their investigation,” Smith said in an email.Zier is scheduled to appear in court again April 22.

63-year-old Kan. teacher charged with child sex crime

JEFFERSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after the execution of search warrant.

Just after 1a.m. Tuesday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence in the 2700 block of NE 35th&nbsp;Street, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp; The Sheriff’s Office developed intel that there were multiple stolen vehicles at the residence.

Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Travis D. Walker, 39, of Topeka after locating three stolen motorcycles reported through the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Police Department and Meriden Police Department. 

Deputies also located a stolen 2006 Chevy Pickup at the residence along with a stolen John Deere tractor that was recovered at a separate location in the county.&nbsp; The John Deere tractor and Chevy Pickup were reported stolen out of Jefferson County.

&nbsp;Walker was booked into the Jefferson County Department of Corrections for Aggravated Burglary with several Shawnee County charges pending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586880987853.png" alt="Walker photo Jefferson County" />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Jefferson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after the execution of search warrant.Just after 1a.m. Tuesday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence in the 2700 block of NE 35th&nbsp;Street, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp; The Sheriff’s Office developed intel that there were multiple stolen vehicles at the residence.Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Travis D. Walker, 39, of Topeka after locating three stolen motorcycles reported through the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Police Department and Meriden Police Department. Deputies also located a stolen 2006 Chevy Pickup at the residence along with a stolen John Deere tractor that was recovered at a separate location in the county.&nbsp; The John Deere tractor and Chevy Pickup were reported stolen out of Jefferson County.&nbsp;Walker was booked into the Jefferson County Department of Corrections for Aggravated Burglary with several Shawnee County charges pending.

Sheriff: Kan. man stole John Deere tractor, motorcycles

A suspect in a string of business burglaries in Hays was apprehended Wednesday in Russell after a tip from the community following a weeks-long search for information.

The HPD first asked for the public's assistance to identify the suspect on March 23, following a string of break-ins on March 19.

"We received multiple tips from the community," said HPD chief Don Schiebler. "And we are grateful for all of them."

By using information received, he said they eliminated a number of suspects, with one tip leading to an arrest.

After obtaining a search warrant Tuesday, the HPD, with the assistance of the Russell Police Department and the Russell County Sheriff's Office, conducted a search at a home in Russell.

Robin Robert Galyardt, 67, Russell, was arrested on suspicion of three counts of burglary and two counts of attempted burglary, Scheibler said.

All five alleged crimes occurred in Hays.

Galyardt has four previous convictions for burglary as well as one conviction for aggravated burglary and possession of burglary tools dating back to 1990, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.

"Detective J.B. Burkholder took the lead on this and he and the entire investigation unit worked really hard to try to get this suspect identified," Scheibler said. "I appreciate their hard work and also appreciate the tips that came in from the community."

By JAMES BELLHays PostA suspect in a string of business burglaries in Hays was apprehended Wednesday in Russell after a tip from the community following a weeks-long search for information.The HPD first asked for the public's assistance to identify the suspect on March 23, following a string of break-ins on March 19.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHaysPD%2Fposts%2F3343783578982441&width=500" width="500" height="745" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>"We received multiple tips from the community," said HPD chief Don Schiebler. "And we are grateful for all of them."By using information received, he said they eliminated a number of suspects, with one tip leading to an arrest.After obtaining a search warrant Tuesday, the HPD, with the assistance of the Russell Police Department and the Russell County Sheriff's Office, conducted a search at a home in Russell.Robin Robert Galyardt, 67, Russell, was arrested on suspicion of three counts of burglary and two counts of attempted burglary, Scheibler said.All five alleged crimes occurred in Hays.Galyardt has four previous convictions for burglary as well as one conviction for aggravated burglary and possession of burglary tools dating back to 1990, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records."Detective J.B. Burkholder took the lead on this and he and the entire investigation unit worked really hard to try to get this suspect identified," Scheibler said. "I appreciate their hard work and also appreciate the tips that came in from the community."

Suspect in string of Kansas business burglaries apprehended

KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) —&nbsp;A&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;man who investigators say was planning to bomb a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City-area hospital was distressed by the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis and motivated by racial, religious and anti-government animus, according to newly unsealed court documents.

Timothy Wilson, 36, of Raymore, died March 24 in a firefight with FBI agents serving a probable cause arrest warrant on a Belton street. The plot was reminiscent of the 1995 bombing of a federal building in&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;City. Wilson first talked of plans for an attack in April or June, but FBI agents say he moved up that timeline as the coronavirus made its way to Missouri.

The violent take-down followed a long-running domestic terrorism investigation that began in 2019 with Wilson’s encrypted communications about bomb-building with Jarrett William Smith, a 24-year-old an Army infantry soldier who faces prison for distributing bomb-making information through social media.

Among details in court records unsealed last week was that Wilson considered attacking the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, before settling on a plan to park a vehicle loaded with explosives and detonate it in the parking lot of Belton Regional Medical Center in Cass County.

Just two days before his death, Wilson and an undercover FBI agent visited Belton Regional to inspect the hospital property and conduct a dry run of their plot, court records say.

The records show that for months, Wilson had discussed ideas for a terrorist attack, telling an undercover FBI agent that he was considering sites ranging from a nuclear plant and Islamic centers in Missouri to the Walmart headquarters or a synagogue in&nbsp;Arkansas. He also discussed last year shooting up a predominantly black elementary school, the FBI said in the affidavits.

Agents said that in January, Wilson started buying “explosive precursors” to a bomb, including nitrogen, ammonium nitrate and another type of fertilizer that can be combined to make a bomb.

First, on Jan. 30, Wilson bought two 5-pound (2.3 kilogram) bags of urea, a nitrate commonly used in improvised explosive devices. The following day, Wilson bought a combined 60 pounds of ammonium nitrate and another type of fertilizer that, when combined, could be used to develop an explosive device.

Ammonium nitrate was a main ingredient Timothy McVeigh used blow up the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, that killed 168 people. The 25th anniversary of the attack is being marked this weekend.

Smith, Wilson’s contact on bomb-making, was a private first class stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He admitted during a court hearing in February to providing information about explosives to an FBI undercover agent and signed a formal plea agreement with prosecutors in court. He faces up to 40 years in prison when he’s sentenced later this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586964853589.png" alt="An undercover officer met Wilson at this storage facility -google image" />
 <figcaption>An undercover officer met Wilson at this storage facility -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) —&nbsp;A&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;man who investigators say was planning to bomb a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City-area hospital was distressed by the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis and motivated by racial, religious and anti-government animus, according to newly unsealed court documents.Timothy Wilson, 36, of Raymore, died March 24 in a firefight with FBI agents serving a probable cause arrest warrant on a Belton street. The plot was reminiscent of the 1995 bombing of a federal building in&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;City. Wilson first talked of plans for an attack in April or June, but FBI agents say he moved up that timeline as the coronavirus made its way to Missouri.The violent take-down followed a long-running domestic terrorism investigation that began in 2019 with Wilson’s encrypted communications about bomb-building with Jarrett William Smith, a 24-year-old an Army infantry soldier who faces prison for distributing bomb-making information through social media.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584973978568.png" alt="University of Kansas Hospital" />
 <figcaption>University of Kansas Hospital</figcaption>
 </figure>Among details in court records unsealed last week was that Wilson considered attacking the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, before settling on a plan to park a vehicle loaded with explosives and detonate it in the parking lot of Belton Regional Medical Center in Cass County.Just two days before his death, Wilson and an undercover FBI agent visited Belton Regional to inspect the hospital property and conduct a dry run of their plot, court records say.The records show that for months, Wilson had discussed ideas for a terrorist attack, telling an undercover FBI agent that he was considering sites ranging from a nuclear plant and Islamic centers in Missouri to the Walmart headquarters or a synagogue in&nbsp;Arkansas. He also discussed last year shooting up a predominantly black elementary school, the FBI said in the affidavits.Agents said that in January, Wilson started buying “explosive precursors” to a bomb, including nitrogen, ammonium nitrate and another type of fertilizer that can be combined to make a bomb.First, on Jan. 30, Wilson bought two 5-pound (2.3 kilogram) bags of urea, a nitrate commonly used in improvised explosive devices. The following day, Wilson bought a combined 60 pounds of ammonium nitrate and another type of fertilizer that, when combined, could be used to develop an explosive device.Ammonium nitrate was a main ingredient Timothy McVeigh used blow up the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, that killed 168 people. The 25th anniversary of the attack is being marked this weekend.Smith, Wilson’s contact on bomb-making, was a private first class stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He admitted during a court hearing in February to providing information about explosives to an FBI undercover agent and signed a formal plea agreement with prosecutors in court. He faces up to 40 years in prison when he’s sentenced later this year.

FBI: Government's response to virus spurred would-be bomber

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

Just after 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a burglary report at Tom Sawyer Bicycle Shop located in the 1900 block&nbsp;of South Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Surveillance video showed the suspect later identified as 20-year-old Christopher Brody Edward Steele, Jr. breaking into the business with a pipe wrench and stealing a BMX bike.

Just after noon, an officer spotted Steele on a bicycle in the 800 block of South Broadway. 

Steele matched the suspect seen in the surveillance video, and the bicycle was the same as well. When the officer attempted to contact Steele, he fled on the bike and ran into a house in the 1000 block of South Main. Steele attempted to run out the back door of the house but was arrested.

The bicycle was recovered inside of the residence.&nbsp;Steele remains jailed on requested charges of burglary, theft, and obstruct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586897565709.png" alt="Steele photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Steele photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a burglary report at Tom Sawyer Bicycle Shop located in the 1900 block&nbsp;of South Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Surveillance video showed the suspect later identified as 20-year-old Christopher Brody Edward Steele, Jr. breaking into the business with a pipe wrench and stealing a BMX bike.Just after noon, an officer spotted Steele on a bicycle in the 800 block of South Broadway. Steele matched the suspect seen in the surveillance video, and the bicycle was the same as well. When the officer attempted to contact Steele, he fled on the bike and ran into a house in the 1000 block of South Main. Steele attempted to run out the back door of the house but was arrested.The bicycle was recovered inside of the residence.&nbsp;Steele remains jailed on requested charges of burglary, theft, and obstruct.

Surveillance video helps police catch Kan. burglary suspect

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.

Just after 9:00 p.m. Saturday police responded to an indecent liberties report at a residence in the 2100 block of North Jackson in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Through the investigation, officers learned that the a suspect identified as 46-year-old Jose Luis Garcia-Gomez inappropriately touched a teenage victim while at the residence.

Police arrested Garcia-Gomez at the residence and booked him for one count of aggravated indecent liberties, according to Davidson.

The investigation is ongoing and the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586797448411.png" alt="Garcia-Gomez" />
 <figcaption>Garcia-Gomez</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.Just after 9:00 p.m. Saturday police responded to an indecent liberties report at a residence in the 2100 block of North Jackson in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Through the investigation, officers learned that the a suspect identified as 46-year-old Jose Luis Garcia-Gomez inappropriately touched a teenage victim while at the residence.Police arrested Garcia-Gomez at the residence and booked him for one count of aggravated indecent liberties, according to Davidson.The investigation is ongoing and the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Kan. man accused of sex crime with teen victim

TOPEKA, KS – Lena, a 38 year old Bornean orangutan, passed away at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center Monday. She became ill last Wednesday, according to a media release from the center.

With her condition not improving, zoo staff planned to do a full medical workup on Lena on Monday. At about 10:30 and under anesthesia, she was transported to the zoo’s animal hospital. While the zoo’s medical team was taking radiographs, Lena went into cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Lena was born at the Buffalo Zoo on April 2, 1982. She came to the Topeka Zoo from the Columbus Zoo in 2005. It was at the Topeka Zoo where she really flourished. She enjoyed interacting with people.

 If you were ever at the Zoo and had a kiss blown to you by an orangutan, that was Lena. “Lena had a way of working her way right into your heart,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. 

Cris Sandberg, one of Lena’s Zoo Keepers, said, “She was special. I will always remember the love she had for the people she knew and her afternoon need for back scratches.”

A necropsy performed on Lena showed that she had an abnormal left kidney. “At the moment, it is not obvious as to the cause of death,” said Staff Veterinarian Shirley Llizo. Dr. Llizo has submitted for blood testing and histopathology to better understand the illness that led to Lena’s demise.

“Social distancing has made it more challenging for staff to grieve for the loss of Lena,” said Wiley. “In these uncertain times, we could not be more proud of our team and the care they offered Lena. She will be missed.”

Kay Reece, a Topeka Zoo Docent shared this, “Lena was a spirit animal. She loved her time outside watching from her barrel as visitors and friends came to see her. Lena remembered her friends and was always interested in what they had to share with her, whether pocket contents or bubbles, pictures or a kiss. Her instinct for learning and love for friends will be something I will never forget. Where a beautiful soul has lived; beautiful memories remain.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586878565992.png" alt="Lena -photo courtesy Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center" />
 <figcaption>Lena -photo courtesy Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KS – Lena, a 38 year old Bornean orangutan, passed away at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center Monday. She became ill last Wednesday, according to a media release from the center.With her condition not improving, zoo staff planned to do a full medical workup on Lena on Monday. At about 10:30 and under anesthesia, she was transported to the zoo’s animal hospital. While the zoo’s medical team was taking radiographs, Lena went into cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.Lena was born at the Buffalo Zoo on April 2, 1982. She came to the Topeka Zoo from the Columbus Zoo in 2005. It was at the Topeka Zoo where she really flourished. She enjoyed interacting with people. If you were ever at the Zoo and had a kiss blown to you by an orangutan, that was Lena. “Lena had a way of working her way right into your heart,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. Cris Sandberg, one of Lena’s Zoo Keepers, said, “She was special. I will always remember the love she had for the people she knew and her afternoon need for back scratches.”A necropsy performed on Lena showed that she had an abnormal left kidney. “At the moment, it is not obvious as to the cause of death,” said Staff Veterinarian Shirley Llizo. Dr. Llizo has submitted for blood testing and histopathology to better understand the illness that led to Lena’s demise.“Social distancing has made it more challenging for staff to grieve for the loss of Lena,” said Wiley. “In these uncertain times, we could not be more proud of our team and the care they offered Lena. She will be missed.”Kay Reece, a Topeka Zoo Docent shared this, “Lena was a spirit animal. She loved her time outside watching from her barrel as visitors and friends came to see her. Lena remembered her friends and was always interested in what they had to share with her, whether pocket contents or bubbles, pictures or a kiss. Her instinct for learning and love for friends will be something I will never forget. Where a beautiful soul has lived; beautiful memories remain.”

Popular orangutan at Kansas zoo has died

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the burglary of a gun store and have two suspects in custody.

On April 4, deputies and investigators were dispatched to USA Gun Bunker in Cherryvale for a report of a burglary of the gun store, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies and Investigators worked diligently, following the evidence and interviewing multiple individuals. Due to the nature of the items stolen, deputies requested assistance from The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives)

At this point in the investigation multiple firearms have been recovered and two arrests have been made, according to Wade.

Arron Blake, 34, of rural Cherryvale is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary, theft, possession of narcotics and traffic in contraband in a correctional facility and is also being held on a felony warrant stemming from another case. He remains in custody.

Alexis Hoesmam, 28, of Cherryvale, was being held on requested charges that include aiding and abetting burglary and theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586809280224.png" alt="Hoesmam / photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Hoesmam / photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the burglary of a gun store and have two suspects in custody.On April 4, deputies and investigators were dispatched to USA Gun Bunker in Cherryvale for a report of a burglary of the gun store, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.Deputies and Investigators worked diligently, following the evidence and interviewing multiple individuals. Due to the nature of the items stolen, deputies requested assistance from The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives)At this point in the investigation multiple firearms have been recovered and two arrests have been made, according to Wade.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586809338901.png" alt="Blake / Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Blake / Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Arron Blake, 34, of rural Cherryvale is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary, theft, possession of narcotics and traffic in contraband in a correctional facility and is also being held on a felony warrant stemming from another case. He remains in custody.Alexis Hoesmam, 28, of Cherryvale, was being held on requested charges that include aiding and abetting burglary and theft.

ATF helps in arrests after burglary of Kan. gun store

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon accused in last month's murder of his girlfriend and her 8-year-old daughter made his first court appearance Monday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

Lopez is charged with capital murder for the shooting deaths of 24- year-old Mickayla Sorell and her 8-year-old daughter, Natalya Sorrell.&nbsp; He is also charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and aggravated assault.

He is being held on a bond of one-million dollars in the murder case.  He was also charged with two probation violations. The cases are from 2017 and 2018.  His bond on each of the probation violations is $250,000, according to the district attorney's office.

On Monday, March 31, officers responded to the call of a welfare check at a residence in the 4500 block of South Walnut, after Sorell did not report to work. Upon arrival, officers located both victims deceased inside the residence.

Police on the scene of the murder investigation photo courtesy KWCH

The investigation revealed that the shootings took place on Saturday, March 28.&nbsp; Lopez was identified as the suspect in the case and was subsequently charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office on April 3.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586604705468.png" alt="Lopez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lopez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon accused in last month's murder of his girlfriend and her 8-year-old daughter made his first court appearance Monday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Lopez is charged with capital murder for the shooting deaths of 24- year-old Mickayla Sorell and her 8-year-old daughter, Natalya Sorrell.&nbsp; He is also charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and aggravated assault.He is being held on a bond of one-million dollars in the murder case. He was also charged with two probation violations. The cases are from 2017 and 2018. His bond on each of the probation violations is $250,000, according to the district attorney's office.On Monday, March 31, officers responded to the call of a welfare check at a residence in the 4500 block of South Walnut, after Sorell did not report to work. Upon arrival, officers located both victims deceased inside the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585662112788.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Police on the scene of the murder investigation photo courtesy KWCHThe investigation revealed that the shootings took place on Saturday, March 28.&nbsp; Lopez was identified as the suspect in the case and was subsequently charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office on April 3.&nbsp; On April 9, police followed up on information that Lopez was at the home of family members, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. Police were able to arrest him without incident at a residence in the 4600 block of South Gold in Wichita, according to Wheeler.