PAWNEE COUNTY—&nbsp; Avian Rincones, 35 of Great Bend, Kansas, appeared Wednesday afternoon in the Pawnee County District Court before District Judge Bruce Gatterman to determine whether he is competent to stand trial, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Rincones is charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Oral Sodomy of a Child under the age of 14 and one count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child under the age of 14.

After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman found Rincones not competent to stand trial. Gatterman further found that due to the nature of the defendant’s mental defect there was not a substantial probability of him attaining competency to stand trial in the foreseeable future. Based on this finding, the Court entered an order directing the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services to commence involuntary commitment proceedings against the defendant.

Under Kansas law, a person is “incompetent to stand trial” when such person is charged with a crime and, because of mental illness or defect is unable: (1) To understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against such person; or (2) to make or assist in making such person's defense.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Larned Police Department regarding an alleged incident at the Larned City Pool on July 11, 2024. Rincones was interviewed at the scene, but no arrest was made at the time due to concerns with the suspect’s mental capacity. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Child Advocacy Center.

The defendant voluntarily turned himself into the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department on July 24, 2024, after his legal guardian was advised charges had been filed and a no-bond arrest warrant issued. Based on the age of the alleged victim, if convicted Rincones faces a mandatory 25 years to life sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions. He would also be subject to registration as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act.

Pending the civil commitment proceedings, the defendant will remain on a supervised bond in the custody of his legal guardians subject to standard reporting and house arrest conditions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721857728987.png" alt="Rincones photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rincones photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—&nbsp; Avian Rincones, 35 of Great Bend, Kansas, appeared Wednesday afternoon in the Pawnee County District Court before District Judge Bruce Gatterman to determine whether he is competent to stand trial, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Rincones is charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Oral Sodomy of a Child under the age of 14 and one count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child under the age of 14.After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman found Rincones not competent to stand trial. Gatterman further found that due to the nature of the defendant’s mental defect there was not a substantial probability of him attaining competency to stand trial in the foreseeable future. Based on this finding, the Court entered an order directing the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services to commence involuntary commitment proceedings against the defendant.Under Kansas law, a person is “incompetent to stand trial” when such person is charged with a crime and, because of mental illness or defect is unable: (1) To understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against such person; or (2) to make or assist in making such person's defense.The charges stem from an investigation by the Larned Police Department regarding an alleged incident at the Larned City Pool on July 11, 2024. Rincones was interviewed at the scene, but no arrest was made at the time due to concerns with the suspect’s mental capacity. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Child Advocacy Center.The defendant voluntarily turned himself into the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department on July 24, 2024, after his legal guardian was advised charges had been filed and a no-bond arrest warrant issued. Based on the age of the alleged victim, if convicted Rincones faces a mandatory 25 years to life sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions. He would also be subject to registration as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act.Pending the civil commitment proceedings, the defendant will remain on a supervised bond in the custody of his legal guardians subject to standard reporting and house arrest conditions.

Judge rules in case of sex assault of child at Kansas public pool

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police are investigating a fatal crash at Harry and Rock Road in Wichita that killed 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa.&nbsp;

Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the accident and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.

The preliminary investigation indicates the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.&nbsp;

Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. The passenger is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.&nbsp;

Wichita police are following up on leads to locate and arrest Brasher. 

Wichita Police does not typically identify suspects who have not been formally charged. In this case, police believe the alleged recklessness of Brasher’s actions make him a danger to the&nbsp; community. Wichita Police Accident Follow-Up Unit (AFU) is continuing to investigate what led to this incident. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charging.

“This was not an accident. It was a series of reckless choices,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “When you mix extreme speed with suspected impairment, you turn a vehicle into a weapon. We will pursue full accountability for the death of this young man and his family, and the danger brought to our community.”&nbsp;

Anyone who has information on the location of Gauge Brasher is asked to call 911 immediately. To provide information related to this incident please call AFU investigators at 316-350-3685. To remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (316)-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755212957933.png" alt="View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police are investigating a fatal crash at Harry and Rock Road in Wichita that killed 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755212684049.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the accident and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.The preliminary investigation indicates the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.&nbsp;Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. The passenger is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.&nbsp;Wichita police are following up on leads to locate and arrest Brasher. Wichita Police does not typically identify suspects who have not been formally charged. In this case, police believe the alleged recklessness of Brasher’s actions make him a danger to the&nbsp; community. Wichita Police Accident Follow-Up Unit (AFU) is continuing to investigate what led to this incident. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charging.“This was not an accident. It was a series of reckless choices,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “When you mix extreme speed with suspected impairment, you turn a vehicle into a weapon. We will pursue full accountability for the death of this young man and his family, and the danger brought to our community.”&nbsp;Anyone who has information on the location of Gauge Brasher is asked to call 911 immediately. To provide information related to this incident please call AFU investigators at 316-350-3685. To remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (316)-267-2111.

Police: Driver in fatal Kan. hit-and-run is missing after he left hospital

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Myrthles Crawford, Probation violation, arrested 08/13

August Kieffer, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 08/13

Evelyn Cruz, Failure to appear, arrested 08/13

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755179661352.jpeg" alt="CJ Mills, Failure to appear, arrested 08/13" />
 <figcaption>CJ Mills, Failure to appear, arrested 08/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755179691577.jpeg" alt="Harold Moore, Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Distribute opiates, opium, narcotics or stimulant, arrested 08/13" />
 <figcaption>Harold Moore, Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Distribute opiates, opium, narcotics or stimulant, arrested 08/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755179756716.jpeg" alt="Roylee Gordon, Resisting arrest; Battery against a law enforcement officer; Criminal trespass, arrested 08/14" />
 <figcaption>Roylee Gordon, Resisting arrest; Battery against a law enforcement officer; Criminal trespass, arrested 08/14</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Myrthles Crawford, Probation violation, arrested 08/13August Kieffer, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 08/13Evelyn Cruz, Failure to appear, arrested 08/13Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Aug. 14

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a 2023 is going back to prison.

On Tuesday Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Julian Wedge to 285 months in prison for the death of Evan Harrison,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Wedge was found guilty of 1st degree murder, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.

On March 4, 2023, sheriff's deputies made a welfare check of a man lying in the street at 4200 S. Clifton in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

&nbsp;Deputies found individuals attempting to help Harrison who had been shot. EMS transported Harrison to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Days later police arrested Wedge who has been registered as a violent offender since March of 2019 for convictions that include criminal discharge of firearm into an unoccupied dwelling, according to the Kansas offender registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714661173832.png" alt="Wedge photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Wedge photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a 2023 is going back to prison.On Tuesday Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Julian Wedge to 285 months in prison for the death of Evan Harrison,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this year, Wedge was found guilty of 1st degree murder, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.On March 4, 2023, sheriff's deputies made a welfare check of a man lying in the street at 4200 S. Clifton in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;Deputies found individuals attempting to help Harrison who had been shot. EMS transported Harrison to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Days later police arrested Wedge who has been registered as a violent offender since March of 2019 for convictions that include criminal discharge of firearm into an unoccupied dwelling, according to the Kansas offender registry.

Prison for violent Kansas offender in robbery killing

SEDGWICK—A suspect accused in what police referred to as a Kansas cold case killing will return to court on Tuesday afternoon.

Pedro Morones, Jr., 31 of Wichita, will appear before Judge Jeffrey Goering for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and three counts of aggravated assault.

Just after 1:30a.m. March 29, 2021, police responded to a report of a walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital in Wichita, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.&nbsp; The victim, 21-year-old Abram Galvan, had been shot once and later died from his injuries.

Investigators determined the shooting was linked to a shots-fired incident reported near 19th and Jackson in Wichita around the same time.

Since that day, WPD Homicide Investigators have worked tirelessly to seek justice for Abram and his loved ones. Their efforts included following up on leads, analyzing forensic and electronic evidence, collaborating with media to encourage witnesses to come forward, and featuring the case on Wichita Police Department's Cold Case Homicide website.

In early 2025, new information emerged, leading investigators to identify a potential suspect. With assistance from the United States Marshal’s Office, Wichita Police investigators arrested Morones.

Morones remain jailed on a one-million-500 thousand dollar bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741866222570.png" alt="Morones-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Morones-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK—A suspect accused in what police referred to as a Kansas cold case killing will return to court on Tuesday afternoon.Pedro Morones, Jr., 31 of Wichita, will appear before Judge Jeffrey Goering for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.He is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and three counts of aggravated assault.Just after 1:30a.m. March 29, 2021, police responded to a report of a walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital in Wichita, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.&nbsp; The victim, 21-year-old Abram Galvan, had been shot once and later died from his injuries.Investigators determined the shooting was linked to a shots-fired incident reported near 19th and Jackson in Wichita around the same time.Since that day, WPD Homicide Investigators have worked tirelessly to seek justice for Abram and his loved ones. Their efforts included following up on leads, analyzing forensic and electronic evidence, collaborating with media to encourage witnesses to come forward, and featuring the case on Wichita Police Department's Cold Case Homicide website.In early 2025, new information emerged, leading investigators to identify a potential suspect. With assistance from the United States Marshal’s Office, Wichita Police investigators arrested Morones.Morones remain jailed on a one-million-500 thousand dollar bond.

Preliminary hearing for suspect in Kan. cold case killing

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for interference with law enforcement including obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant execution in the 600 block of Fort Riley Blvd in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 22-year-old suspect identified as Yabdiel Rodriguez of Manhattan interfered with law enforcement during the service of a felony arrest warrant.&nbsp;

Police arrested Rodriguez on requested charges of interference with law enforcement.  Rodriguez was also arrested in relation to an incident which was reported on August 10, 2025 for two counts of interference with law enforcement and possession of opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant. Additionally, Rodriguez was arrested on a Riley County District Court Warrant for aggravated assault, unlawful discharge of a firearm within city limits and disorderly conduct. This warrant stems from a report filed on April 5, 2025. Rodriguez is being held on a $27,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for interference with law enforcement including obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant execution in the 600 block of Fort Riley Blvd in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 22-year-old suspect identified as Yabdiel Rodriguez of Manhattan interfered with law enforcement during the service of a felony arrest warrant.&nbsp;Police arrested Rodriguez on requested charges of interference with law enforcement. Rodriguez was also arrested in relation to an incident which was reported on August 10, 2025 for two counts of interference with law enforcement and possession of opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant. Additionally, Rodriguez was arrested on a Riley County District Court Warrant for aggravated assault, unlawful discharge of a firearm within city limits and disorderly conduct. This warrant stems from a report filed on April 5, 2025. Rodriguez is being held on a $27,000 bond.

RCPD: Manhattan man interfered with police during felony arrest

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755094651915.jpeg" alt="Dawn Quinn, Endangering a child; Neglect of animal, arrested 08/12" />
 <figcaption>Dawn Quinn, Endangering a child; Neglect of animal, arrested 08/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755094722823.jpeg" alt="Elizabeth Jones, Battery; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, arrested 08/12" />
 <figcaption>Elizabeth Jones, Battery; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, arrested 08/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755094786546.jpeg" alt="Glen Irwin, Failure to appear, arrested 08/12" />
 <figcaption>Glen Irwin, Failure to appear, arrested 08/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755094835565.jpeg" alt="Bianca Garcia, Possession of stolen property, arrested 08/12" />
 <figcaption>Bianca Garcia, Possession of stolen property, arrested 08/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755094886801.jpeg" alt="Amy Garcia, Aggravated escape from custody; Possession of stolen property,&nbsp; arrested 08/12" />
 <figcaption>Amy Garcia, Aggravated escape from custody; Possession of stolen property,&nbsp; arrested 08/12</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Aug. 13

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue to make arrests for those involved in sideshows and related activity in Kansas City.

Last weekend police caught suspects running red lights, driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic and performing stunts on Kansas City streets, according to a social media report from the KCPD. "We're cracking down on this illegal behavior."

On Saturday night, police arrested nine suspects, towed eight vehicles, including ATVs on city streets, recovered a&nbsp;stolen vehicle, issued 51 citations, and broke up two sideshows in the making. This resulted from officers assigned to stop lawlessness on the streets and those in the Entertainment District plan.&nbsp; The Clay County Sheriff's Deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Johnson County Sheriff's Deputies and Independence Police assisted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754839853546.jpeg" alt="Photos KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue to make arrests for those involved in sideshows and related activity in Kansas City.Last weekend police caught suspects running red lights, driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic and performing stunts on Kansas City streets, according to a social media report from the KCPD. "We're cracking down on this illegal behavior."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754839804647.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday night, police arrested nine suspects, towed eight vehicles, including ATVs on city streets, recovered a&nbsp;stolen vehicle, issued 51 citations, and broke up two sideshows in the making. This resulted from officers assigned to stop lawlessness on the streets and those in the Entertainment District plan.&nbsp; The Clay County Sheriff's Deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Johnson County Sheriff's Deputies and Independence Police assisted.

KCPD makes more arrests for sideshows

WASHINGTON (AP) —Mexico is expelling 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cartels-trump-administration-bondi-justice-department-712bdb8f99522ee72ec357492cfa393b">latest major deal</a>&nbsp;with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s administration, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The cartel leaders and other prominent figures were being flown from Mexico to the U.S. on Tuesday, the person said. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the operation that was still ongoing.

Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and Security ministry confirmed the transfers, which were carried out after a promise from the U.S. Justice Department that U.S. officials would not seek the death penalty in any of the cases.

Expelled cartel figures include leader of group aligned with notorious cartel CJNG

Those being handed over to U.S. custody include Abigael González Valencia, the brother-in-law of CJNG leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/nemesio-ruben-oseguera-cervantes-el-mencho-2">Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes</a>, a top target of the U.S. government. He was arrested in February 2015 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and had been fighting extradition to the United States since then.

Alongside his two brothers, Valencia led “Los Cuinis,” which financed the founding and growth of the CJNG, one of the most powerful and dangerous cartels in Mexico. CJNG traffics hundreds of tons of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States and other countries and is known for extreme violence, murders, torture and corruption.

Another person, Roberto Salazar, is accused of participating in the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The Trump administration made dismantling dangerous drug cartels a key priority, designating CJNG and seven other Latin American organized crime groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gangs-cartels-sinaloa-aragua-trump-terrorist-organizations-b223f4eb513105fb8d965f80a6cecfeb">foreign terrorist organizations.</a>

Transfers of cartel leaders come ahead of US tariffs on Mexico

The transfers come days before 25%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-exemption-969a4cfb03638ce9d6c0ffad2b98b4b1">tariffs on Mexican imports</a>&nbsp;are to take effect. Late last month, Trump spoke with Mexican President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-claudia-sheinbaum-woman-president-aa24527fc05dafa9e30b28e4bb40ccbd">Claudia Sheinbaum</a>&nbsp;and agreed to put off threatened 30%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trade-tariffs-china-deadline-ad2c003e9a709a1dfdfc9a9fd3798baf">tariffs</a>&nbsp;for another 90 days to allow for negotiations.

Sheinbaum has shown a willingness to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of Mexico’s cartels.

But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to Mexico’s sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others of intervention by the U.S. military.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755050571697.png" alt="Image U.S. Dept. of Treasury" />
 <figcaption>Image U.S. Dept. of Treasury</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Mexico is expelling 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cartels-trump-administration-bondi-justice-department-712bdb8f99522ee72ec357492cfa393b">latest major deal</a>&nbsp;with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s administration, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.The cartel leaders and other prominent figures were being flown from Mexico to the U.S. on Tuesday, the person said. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the operation that was still ongoing.Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and Security ministry confirmed the transfers, which were carried out after a promise from the U.S. Justice Department that U.S. officials would not seek the death penalty in any of the cases.<h2>Expelled cartel figures include leader of group aligned with notorious cartel CJNG</h2>Those being handed over to U.S. custody include Abigael González Valencia, the brother-in-law of CJNG leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/nemesio-ruben-oseguera-cervantes-el-mencho-2">Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes</a>, a top target of the U.S. government. He was arrested in February 2015 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and had been fighting extradition to the United States since then.Alongside his two brothers, Valencia led “Los Cuinis,” which financed the founding and growth of the CJNG, one of the most powerful and dangerous cartels in Mexico. CJNG traffics hundreds of tons of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States and other countries and is known for extreme violence, murders, torture and corruption.Another person, Roberto Salazar, is accused of participating in the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.The Trump administration made dismantling dangerous drug cartels a key priority, designating CJNG and seven other Latin American organized crime groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gangs-cartels-sinaloa-aragua-trump-terrorist-organizations-b223f4eb513105fb8d965f80a6cecfeb">foreign terrorist organizations.</a><h2>Transfers of cartel leaders come ahead of US tariffs on Mexico</h2>The transfers come days before 25%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-exemption-969a4cfb03638ce9d6c0ffad2b98b4b1">tariffs on Mexican imports</a>&nbsp;are to take effect. Late last month, Trump spoke with Mexican President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-claudia-sheinbaum-woman-president-aa24527fc05dafa9e30b28e4bb40ccbd">Claudia Sheinbaum</a>&nbsp;and agreed to put off threatened 30%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trade-tariffs-china-deadline-ad2c003e9a709a1dfdfc9a9fd3798baf">tariffs</a>&nbsp;for another 90 days to allow for negotiations.Sheinbaum has shown a willingness to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of Mexico’s cartels.But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to Mexico’s sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others of intervention by the U.S. military.

Fugitives wanted for violent crimes returned to the U.S. from Mexico 

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas Sex Offender on drug allegations after a traffic stop

Just before 3:30p.m., August 8, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck in the 3400 block of NW Frontage Road for an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

Michael R. Anderson, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia

Anderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016 after ten convictions for sexual exploitation of a child in Ellis County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755033467479.png" alt="Anderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016." />
 <figcaption>Anderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas Sex Offender on drug allegations after a traffic stopJust before 3:30p.m., August 8, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck in the 3400 block of NW Frontage Road for an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.Michael R. Anderson, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernaliaAnderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016 after ten convictions for sexual exploitation of a child in Ellis County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender jailed on drug allegations after traffic stop

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in the murder of a woman whose body was found in a Wichita park has admitted to killing 30-year-old Mariana Christian.

On Monday, 31-year-old Kyle Bearden entered a plea of guilty during an evidentiary hearing before Judge Jeffrey Goering, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The plea agreement calls for the parties to jointly recommend a prison sentence of life with parole eligibility after 25 years, to be followed by an additional 15 years of imprisonment if parole is granted.

Around 10:30 a.m. on July 21, a friend of Mariana Christian filed a missing person report. The friend said Ms. Christian had a history of mental health challenges and often relied on them for transportation to work. That morning, Christian was not at her home in the 1200 block of S. Paige when the friend arrived to pick her up.

At the residence, the friend encountered an unidentified man later identified as Kyle Bearden who said he didn’t know Ms. Christian’s whereabouts.

He claimed Mariana Christian had left the apartment on Friday, July 18, in a truck with an unknown man and woman and hadn’t returned. He also expressed concern for her safety. Although not listed on the lease, the man appeared to be living in the apartment.

Although Ms. Christian was last seen on Friday, July 18, she wasn’t reported missing until Monday, July 21. After multiple failed attempts to reach her and finding her absence unusual, the friend contacted police. Officers issued an attempt-to-locate alert, and investigators took over the case.

WPD investigators identified Bearden as a person of interest. They followed leads to locate Ms. Christian, discovering evidence of her death and where her remains were left in Cottonwood Park near Armor and Bayley in Wichita.

Wichita Police officers responded to the area and located human remains. Investigators believe Bearden shot Ms. Christian.

Crime scene investigators processed Ms. Christian’s apartment and found evidence of foul play.

On the morning of July 31, the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center positively identified the remains as those of Mariana Christian.

Kyle Bearden was arrested on July 30 and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; &nbsp;His sentencing is scheduled for October 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753958410010.png" alt="Bearden photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bearden photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in the murder of a woman whose body was found in a Wichita park has admitted to killing 30-year-old Mariana Christian.On Monday, 31-year-old Kyle Bearden entered a plea of guilty during an evidentiary hearing before Judge Jeffrey Goering, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.The plea agreement calls for the parties to jointly recommend a prison sentence of life with parole eligibility after 25 years, to be followed by an additional 15 years of imprisonment if parole is granted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754062859608.png" alt="Police issued a missing person alert for Mariana Christian on July 27" />
 <figcaption>Police issued a missing person alert for Mariana Christian on July 27</figcaption>
 </figure>Around 10:30 a.m. on July 21, a friend of Mariana Christian filed a missing person report. The friend said Ms. Christian had a history of mental health challenges and often relied on them for transportation to work. That morning, Christian was not at her home in the 1200 block of S. Paige when the friend arrived to pick her up.At the residence, the friend encountered an unidentified man later identified as Kyle Bearden who said he didn’t know Ms. Christian’s whereabouts.He claimed Mariana Christian had left the apartment on Friday, July 18, in a truck with an unknown man and woman and hadn’t returned. He also expressed concern for her safety. Although not listed on the lease, the man appeared to be living in the apartment.Although Ms. Christian was last seen on Friday, July 18, she wasn’t reported missing until Monday, July 21. After multiple failed attempts to reach her and finding her absence unusual, the friend contacted police. Officers issued an attempt-to-locate alert, and investigators took over the case.WPD investigators identified Bearden as a person of interest. They followed leads to locate Ms. Christian, discovering evidence of her death and where her remains were left in Cottonwood Park near Armor and Bayley in Wichita.Wichita Police officers responded to the area and located human remains. Investigators believe Bearden shot Ms. Christian.Crime scene investigators processed Ms. Christian’s apartment and found evidence of foul play.On the morning of July 31, the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center positively identified the remains as those of Mariana Christian.Kyle Bearden was arrested on July 30 and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; &nbsp;His sentencing is scheduled for October 20.

Man found at missing Kan. woman's home admits killing her

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755016995290.jpeg" alt="Katie Frimpong, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 08/11" />
 <figcaption>Katie Frimpong, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 08/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755017033674.jpeg" alt="Jason Lester, Probation violation, arrested 08/11" />
 <figcaption>Jason Lester, Probation violation, arrested 08/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755017063587.jpeg" alt="Shaqaun Lee, Failure to appear, arrested 08/11" />
 <figcaption>Shaqaun Lee, Failure to appear, arrested 08/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755017126440.jpeg" alt="Vanessa Nixon, Disorderly conduct, arrested 08/11" />
 <figcaption>Vanessa Nixon, Disorderly conduct, arrested 08/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755017161427.jpeg" alt="Caleb Ratts, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption (Two counts), arrested 08/11" />
 <figcaption>Caleb Ratts, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption (Two counts), arrested 08/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755017224134.jpeg" alt="Alfonzo Littleton, Failure to appear, arrested 08/11" />
 <figcaption>Alfonzo Littleton, Failure to appear, arrested 08/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755017252903.jpeg" alt="Vincent Holman, Disorderly conduct, arrested 08/11" />
 <figcaption>Vincent Holman, Disorderly conduct, arrested 08/11</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Aug. 12

On Tuesday Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Julian Wedge to 285 months in prison for the death of Evan Harrison,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a 2023 murder and robbery faces sentencing Tuesday. Judge Jeffrey Goering will sentence 24-year-old Julian Wedge for the death of Evan Harrison,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714661173832.png" alt="Wedge photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Wedge photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a 2023 is going back to prison.On Tuesday Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Julian Wedge to 285 months in prison for the death of Evan Harrison,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.-------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a 2023 murder and robbery faces sentencing Tuesday. Judge Jeffrey Goering will sentence 24-year-old Julian Wedge for the death of Evan Harrison,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. Earlier this year, Wedge was found guilty of 1st degree murder, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.On March 4, 2023, sheriff's deputies made a welfare check of a man lying in the street at 4200 S. Clifton in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;Deputies found individuals attempting to help Harrison who had been shot. EMS transported Harrison to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Days later police arrested Wedge who has been registered as a violent offender since March of 2019 for convictions that include criminal discharge of firearm into an unoccupied dwelling, according to the Kansas offender registry.

Sentencing day for violent Kan. offender in robbery killing

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump took unprecedented steps toward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">federalizing Washington, D.C</a>. on Monday, saying it’s needed to fight crime even as city leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-factcheck-violent-homelessness-db6f809a13800ccc1f4606bb9bf506a8">pointed to data</a>&nbsp;showing violence is down.

He took command of the police department and deployed the National Guard under laws and Constitutional powers that give the federal government more sway over the nation’s capital than other cities. Its historically majority Black population wasn’t electing its own city council and mayor until 1973, when Republican President Richard Nixon signed the Home Rule Act.

The measure still left significant power to the president and Congress, though no president has exercised the police powers before.

The Constitution calls for the creation of the District of Columbia to serve as the federal seat of power under the jurisdiction of Congress rather than any state.

While the Home Rule Act allowed for greater local control, the president can still call up the National Guard in Washington. His administration did it during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, when members were later faulted for flying a helicopter too low over a crowd. The Guard was called out again during Trump’s first term on Jan. 6, 2021, when his supporters overran the Capitol.

Trump’s second-term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-district-takeover-trump-crime-d0ebfa76584753635327d792f6c0b8fc">moves in Washington</a>&nbsp;come as the legal battle continues over his deployment of the National Guard in another Democratic-led city, Los Angeles, despite the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

His authority is less clear there, but an appeals court has so far refused to intervene. A lower-court judge was starting a trial Monday to determine whether the deployment violated another federal law.

Section 740 of the Home Rule Act allows for the president to take over Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department for 48 hours, with possible extensions to 30 days, during times of emergencies. No president has done so before, said Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of Washington.

Trump cited a number of recent high-profile incidents, including the killing of a 21-year-old congressional intern and the beating of a DOGE staffer during an attempted carjacking.

“This is liberation day in D.C. and we’re going to take our Capitol back,” the president said.

The Democratic mayor of D.C., Muriel Bowser, called the takeover “unprecedented.” She said that violent crime overall in Washington has decreased to a 30-year low, after a rise in 2023. Carjackings, for example, dropped about 50% in 2024, and are down again this year. More than half of those arrested, however, are juveniles, and the extent of those punishments is a point of contention for the Trump administration.

He didn’t specify how long it would last

It wasn’t immediately clear how long the takeover might last or exactly what it might mean. It could also face challenges in court.

Congress still has power over things like the budget and laws passed by the city council, but would have to repeal the Home Rule Act to expand federal power in the district.

It’s something a few Republican lawmakers have pushed to do, but such an overhaul would almost certainly run into steep resistance from most Democrats, making it difficult to achieve.

The law is specific to D.C., and doesn’t affect other communities around the U.S. referred to as having their own “home rule” powers in relationship to their state governments.

Hopkins said Trump’s moves in Washington could foreshadow similar tactics in other cities. “That should alarm everyone,” she said, “not just in Washington.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754956607836.png" alt="Crime in the District of Columbia became a hot-button issue after Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, an intern for Republican Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas, was fatally shot on June 30.--photo DC Metro Police." />
 <figcaption>Crime in the District of Columbia became a hot-button issue after Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, an intern for Republican Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas, was fatally shot on June 30.--photo DC Metro Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump took unprecedented steps toward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">federalizing Washington, D.C</a>. on Monday, saying it’s needed to fight crime even as city leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-factcheck-violent-homelessness-db6f809a13800ccc1f4606bb9bf506a8">pointed to data</a>&nbsp;showing violence is down.He took command of the police department and deployed the National Guard under laws and Constitutional powers that give the federal government more sway over the nation’s capital than other cities. Its historically majority Black population wasn’t electing its own city council and mayor until 1973, when Republican President Richard Nixon signed the Home Rule Act.The measure still left significant power to the president and Congress, though no president has exercised the police powers before.<h2>He activated the National Guard</h2>The Constitution calls for the creation of the District of Columbia to serve as the federal seat of power under the jurisdiction of Congress rather than any state.While the Home Rule Act allowed for greater local control, the president can still call up the National Guard in Washington. His administration did it during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, when members were later faulted for flying a helicopter too low over a crowd. The Guard was called out again during Trump’s first term on Jan. 6, 2021, when his supporters overran the Capitol.Trump’s second-term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-district-takeover-trump-crime-d0ebfa76584753635327d792f6c0b8fc">moves in Washington</a>&nbsp;come as the legal battle continues over his deployment of the National Guard in another Democratic-led city, Los Angeles, despite the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom.His authority is less clear there, but an appeals court has so far refused to intervene. A lower-court judge was starting a trial Monday to determine whether the deployment violated another federal law.<h2>He took over the police</h2>Section 740 of the Home Rule Act allows for the president to take over Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department for 48 hours, with possible extensions to 30 days, during times of emergencies. No president has done so before, said Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of Washington.Trump cited a number of recent high-profile incidents, including the killing of a 21-year-old congressional intern and the beating of a DOGE staffer during an attempted carjacking.“This is liberation day in D.C. and we’re going to take our Capitol back,” the president said.The Democratic mayor of D.C., Muriel Bowser, called the takeover “unprecedented.” She said that violent crime overall in Washington has decreased to a 30-year low, after a rise in 2023. Carjackings, for example, dropped about 50% in 2024, and are down again this year. More than half of those arrested, however, are juveniles, and the extent of those punishments is a point of contention for the Trump administration.<h2>He didn’t specify how long it would last</h2>It wasn’t immediately clear how long the takeover might last or exactly what it might mean. It could also face challenges in court.Congress still has power over things like the budget and laws passed by the city council, but would have to repeal the Home Rule Act to expand federal power in the district.It’s something a few Republican lawmakers have pushed to do, but such an overhaul would almost certainly run into steep resistance from most Democrats, making it difficult to achieve.The law is specific to D.C., and doesn’t affect other communities around the U.S. referred to as having their own “home rule” powers in relationship to their state governments.Hopkins said Trump’s moves in Washington could foreshadow similar tactics in other cities. “That should alarm everyone,” she said, “not just in Washington.”

What the law says about Trump move to take over the DC police

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Paul Millard just wanted to use his day off to take his wife shopping in Wichita. The school resource officer with 27 years of service with the Great Bend Police Department ended up making headlines across the state. Millard and his wife exited Scheels at Towne East Mall just after 3:30 p.m. Friday. Millard heard at least four gunshots in close proximity and jumped into action.

"I've had plenty of training with the police department on how to react and how to respond," he said. "I heard the shots and told my wife to get to the car. I ran towards it, and as I got close, I saw a suspect putting a firearm in his bag. I pulled my firearm and told him to put the weapon down and get on the ground. He complied, and I held him at gunpoint until Wichita police arrived on the scene and took custody of him."

A 15 and a 17-year-old were taken to an area hospital with gunshot wounds, and were later reported to be in stable condition. The 17-year-old primary suspect has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, and two 16 year olds have also been arrested in connection with the shooting. 

Though the shooting had stopped, Millard was still in the predicament of being an unknown officer with his weapon pointed at an individual. Fortunately, a witness on the phone with dispatch relayed Millard's description. Millard's wife did the same.

"When Wichita PD arrived on scene, they just went straight to the person who I had at gunpoint and was detaining," Millard said. "When they got their hands on him, I holstered my weapon."

Millard, who is entering a 10th year as school resource officer for each of the schools in the USD 428 Great Bend district, decided the incident would not spoil his trip. He and his wife enjoyed more shopping and dinner before returning home. Millard did not miss a beat in attending Saturday's Party in the Park s as a participant in the wet-dry parade and the GBPD dunk tank.

"I still had every intention of carrying out the duties at the Party in the Park celebration," he said. "There was no reason for me not to, and I enjoy the interaction with the community like that, so I had every intention of continuing that obligation."

There was Millard's reaction to a dangerous situation, then the public's reaction on Saturday. While Millard was still at Party at the Park, Great Bend Post release information that a Great Bend officer had assisted in the shooting. That post garnered nearly 400 likes and 145 shares. Several hours later, the GBPD identified Millard as the hero. That post earned more than 860 likes and 83 shares.&nbsp;

"Once it was released that it was the Great Bend Police Department, and once (Chief Steve Haulmark) put my name out there, it's blown up pretty big," said Millard. "A lot of people are calling me 'hero.' God put me in the right place at the right time, with the right skill set. I did what any officer, I would hope, would do who is off-duty. Whether I'm in my home community or another community, I'm going to respond and do to the best of my ability to protect whoever I can."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754967933271.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Police Department School Resource Officer Paul Millard, a 27-year veteran with the department, helped apprehend a shooting suspect while on an off-duty trip to Towne East Mall last Friday." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Police Department School Resource Officer Paul Millard, a 27-year veteran with the department, helped apprehend a shooting suspect while on an off-duty trip to Towne East Mall last Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostPaul Millard just wanted to use his day off to take his wife shopping in Wichita. The school resource officer with 27 years of service with the Great Bend Police Department ended up making headlines across the state. Millard and his wife exited Scheels at Towne East Mall just after 3:30 p.m. Friday. Millard heard at least four gunshots in close proximity and jumped into action."I've had plenty of training with the police department on how to react and how to respond," he said. "I heard the shots and told my wife to get to the car. I ran towards it, and as I got close, I saw a suspect putting a firearm in his bag. I pulled my firearm and told him to put the weapon down and get on the ground. He complied, and I held him at gunpoint until Wichita police arrived on the scene and took custody of him."A 15 and a 17-year-old were taken to an area hospital with gunshot wounds, and were later reported to be in stable condition. The 17-year-old primary suspect has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, and two 16 year olds have also been arrested in connection with the shooting. Though the shooting had stopped, Millard was still in the predicament of being an unknown officer with his weapon pointed at an individual. Fortunately, a witness on the phone with dispatch relayed Millard's description. Millard's wife did the same."When Wichita PD arrived on scene, they just went straight to the person who I had at gunpoint and was detaining," Millard said. "When they got their hands on him, I holstered my weapon."Millard, who is entering a 10th year as school resource officer for each of the schools in the USD 428 Great Bend district, decided the incident would not spoil his trip. He and his wife enjoyed more shopping and dinner before returning home. Millard did not miss a beat in attending Saturday's Party in the Park s as a participant in the wet-dry parade and the GBPD dunk tank."I still had every intention of carrying out the duties at the Party in the Park celebration," he said. "There was no reason for me not to, and I enjoy the interaction with the community like that, so I had every intention of continuing that obligation."There was Millard's reaction to a dangerous situation, then the public's reaction on Saturday. While Millard was still at Party at the Park, Great Bend Post release information that a Great Bend officer had assisted in the shooting. That post garnered nearly 400 likes and 145 shares. Several hours later, the GBPD identified Millard as the hero. That post earned more than 860 likes and 83 shares.&nbsp;"Once it was released that it was the Great Bend Police Department, and once (Chief Steve Haulmark) put my name out there, it's blown up pretty big," said Millard. "A lot of people are calling me 'hero.' God put me in the right place at the right time, with the right skill set. I did what any officer, I would hope, would do who is off-duty. Whether I'm in my home community or another community, I'm going to respond and do to the best of my ability to protect whoever I can."

Officer shares details of 'heroic' actions during Kan. mall shooting

KANSAS CITY — On August 7 and 8, a coalition of Northland law enforcement agencies combined efforts to combat human trafficking occurring in the communities north and east of Kansas City, according to a media release from the Ray County Sheriff.

The Clay, Clinton, Platte, and Ray County Sheriffs and the Kearney Police Department each hosted a proactive countertrafficking operation in their jurisdiction. They were assisted substantially by the Cameron Police, Richmond Police, Kansas City International Airport Police, Kansas City (KS) Police, and Riverside Police Departments, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Social Services - State Technical Assistance Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Technical assistance was provided by the Bourbon County (KS) Sheriff, Butler County (KS) Sheriff, Goodyear (AZ) Police, Greenwood County (KS) Sheriff, Mesa (AZ) Police, Peoria (AZ) Police, and Washoe County (NV) Sheriff.​​

This operation was designed from the beginning to reduce the demand for victimization of victim-survivors of sex trafficking in these communities, connect to and provide critical services and support to these potential victims, and especially deter any suspect attempting to prey upon children who have been enslaved by the commercial sex industry. The results for this operation were:​​

7 suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex with a child​- 

3 suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex​- 

2 suspects arrested for promoting prostitution for recruiting a person to engage in prostitution. One suspect in this case was ultimately booked for kidnapping and sexual assault after excellent work by the investigators revealed additional crimes that were occurring in another jurisdiction. 

A victim-survivor was recovered and placed into aftercare.​- 

8 potential sex trafficking survivors met with local advocates from Value Unconditional and RPOR, with technical assistance provided by ICTSOS. Many of them are now receiving advocacy and aftercare support.​​

All of the agencies involved in this effort want to remind everyone that sex trafficking is a violation of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and Missourians. Human trafficking won't be tolerated in our communities now or ever.

KANSAS CITY — On August 7 and 8, a coalition of Northland law enforcement agencies combined efforts to combat human trafficking occurring in the communities north and east of Kansas City, according to a media release from the Ray County Sheriff.The Clay, Clinton, Platte, and Ray County Sheriffs and the Kearney Police Department each hosted a proactive countertrafficking operation in their jurisdiction. They were assisted substantially by the Cameron Police, Richmond Police, Kansas City International Airport Police, Kansas City (KS) Police, and Riverside Police Departments, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Social Services - State Technical Assistance Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Technical assistance was provided by the Bourbon County (KS) Sheriff, Butler County (KS) Sheriff, Goodyear (AZ) Police, Greenwood County (KS) Sheriff, Mesa (AZ) Police, Peoria (AZ) Police, and Washoe County (NV) Sheriff.​​This operation was designed from the beginning to reduce the demand for victimization of victim-survivors of sex trafficking in these communities, connect to and provide critical services and support to these potential victims, and especially deter any suspect attempting to prey upon children who have been enslaved by the commercial sex industry. The results for this operation were:​​7 suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex with a child​- 3 suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex​- 2 suspects arrested for promoting prostitution for recruiting a person to engage in prostitution. One suspect in this case was ultimately booked for kidnapping and sexual assault after excellent work by the investigators revealed additional crimes that were occurring in another jurisdiction. A victim-survivor was recovered and placed into aftercare.​- 8 potential sex trafficking survivors met with local advocates from Value Unconditional and RPOR, with technical assistance provided by ICTSOS. Many of them are now receiving advocacy and aftercare support.​​All of the agencies involved in this effort want to remind everyone that sex trafficking is a violation of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and Missourians. Human trafficking won't be tolerated in our communities now or ever.

Sheriff: Operation targeted human trafficking in Kansas and Missouri

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a young girl’s overnight slumber party that ended abruptly over the weekend after a man entered the home uninvited and took off his clothes. 

Just before 2a.m. Sunday, police were called to a neighborhood near 21st and Louisiana Street in Lawrence where they found several young girls and the supervising adults extremely upset, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.

 Officers soon learned two of the girls, who were asleep on the couch, woke to see a naked man in the home.  They began yelling for the adults. The man then went toward the back bedrooms and the male adult resident was able to force the man out of the house. 

A second team of officers quickly arrested the man nearby while the first team worked to help the children calm down and figure out what happened. Officers have no reason to believed anyone in the home knew the man, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. 

 Medics came to check him out, then officers transported him to the Douglas County Correctional Facility. He was booked on several requested charges.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a young girl’s overnight slumber party that ended abruptly over the weekend after a man entered the home uninvited and took off his clothes. Just before 2a.m. Sunday, police were called to a neighborhood near 21st and Louisiana Street in Lawrence where they found several young girls and the supervising adults extremely upset, according to a statement from Lawrence Police. Officers soon learned two of the girls, who were asleep on the couch, woke to see a naked man in the home. They began yelling for the adults. The man then went toward the back bedrooms and the male adult resident was able to force the man out of the house. A second team of officers quickly arrested the man nearby while the first team worked to help the children calm down and figure out what happened. Officers have no reason to believed anyone in the home knew the man, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Medics came to check him out, then officers transported him to the Douglas County Correctional Facility. He was booked on several requested charges.

Slumber party: Girls found naked man in their Kansas home

Kamal Fajri,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 08/06

Rosalie Gibson,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 08/06

Amber Colon, Criminal use of a financial card; Identity theft, theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking, arrested 08/07

Jain Watanabe, Domestic battery; Unlawful restraint, arrested 08/07

Erick Washington, Failure to appear, arrested 08/08

William Mitchell, Geary County Booking Photos

Michael Johnson, Failure to appear, arrested 08/08

Philip Drozd, Criminal damage to property, Possession of marijuana, arrested 08/09

Chrystal Gibson, Failure to appear, arrested 08/11

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754951694281.jpeg" alt="Michael French,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 08/06" />
 <figcaption>Michael French,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 08/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754951724616.jpeg" alt="Kambria Holloway, Outside warrant; Probation violation, arrested 08/07" />
 <figcaption>Kambria Holloway, Outside warrant; Probation violation, arrested 08/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754951761914.jpeg" alt="Kendra Parrish, Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 08/07" />
 <figcaption>Kendra Parrish, Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 08/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754952012011.jpeg" alt="William Guice, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/dating relationship (2nd conviction in 5 yrs); Criminal damage to property; Violation of a protection order, arrested 08/07" />
 <figcaption>William Guice, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/dating relationship (2nd conviction in 5 yrs); Criminal damage to property; Violation of a protection order, arrested 08/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754952133569.jpeg" alt="Brandon Alex, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Criminal restraint, arrested 08/07" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Alex, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Criminal restraint, arrested 08/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754952447389.jpeg" alt="Quamir Davis, Aggravated battery; Reckless deadly weapon causing great bodily harm/disfigurement/death; Criminal possession of weapon by felon; Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of stolen property; Firearm with value less than $25,000, arrested 08/09" />
 <figcaption>Quamir Davis, Aggravated battery; Reckless deadly weapon causing great bodily harm/disfigurement/death; Criminal possession of weapon by felon; Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of stolen property; Firearm with value less than $25,000, arrested 08/09</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754952459254.jpeg" alt="Thurman Ellison, Driving on left side of roadway, Driving on sidewalk, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Reckless driving, arrested 08/10" />
 <figcaption>Thurman Ellison, Driving on left side of roadway, Driving on sidewalk, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Reckless driving, arrested 08/10</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754952504488.jpeg" alt="Heather English, Aggravated assault; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt; 18; Failure to stop at accident, arrested 08/10" />
 <figcaption>Heather English, Aggravated assault; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt; 18; Failure to stop at accident, arrested 08/10</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Kamal Fajri,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 08/06Rosalie Gibson,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 08/06Amber Colon, Criminal use of a financial card; Identity theft, theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking, arrested 08/07Jain Watanabe, Domestic battery; Unlawful restraint, arrested 08/07Erick Washington, Failure to appear, arrested 08/08William Mitchell, Geary County Booking PhotosMichael Johnson, Failure to appear, arrested 08/08Philip Drozd, Criminal damage to property, Possession of marijuana, arrested 08/09Chrystal Gibson, Failure to appear, arrested 08/11Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Aug. 7-11

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspect on multiple allegations after a home-invasion

Just after 5:30p.m. August 8, were sent to a Salina home after the homeowner reported five suspects invading their home, according to Salina Police Captain Kyle Tonniges

The suspects were reportedly armed with handguns when they forcibly entered into the home. The resident stated being hit in the head by one of the suspects, that left a gash above their eye. The suspects then left in gray SUV and it was not determined whether they stole anything.

An officer on patrol later located the SUV in Salina and conducted a traffic stop. The SUV pulled over and the occupants of the vehicle were discovered to be the suspects of the home invasion. All suspects were arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.&nbsp;

Kayla Sitton,  33, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

Scott Gardner, 32, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

Antwon Pierce, 45, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Interference with Law Enforcement

Darryl Jones, 52, faces&nbsp;requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

Ernest Reed, 35, faces&nbsp;requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754926934274.jpeg" alt="Clockwise from top left Antwon Pierce, Scott Gardner, Darryl Jones, Ernest Reed, and Kayla Sitton -photos Saline Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Clockwise from top left Antwon Pierce, Scott Gardner, Darryl Jones, Ernest Reed, and Kayla Sitton -photos Saline Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspect on multiple allegations after a home-invasionJust after 5:30p.m. August 8, were sent to a Salina home after the homeowner reported five suspects invading their home, according to Salina Police Captain Kyle TonnigesThe suspects were reportedly armed with handguns when they forcibly entered into the home. The resident stated being hit in the head by one of the suspects, that left a gash above their eye. The suspects then left in gray SUV and it was not determined whether they stole anything.An officer on patrol later located the SUV in Salina and conducted a traffic stop. The SUV pulled over and the occupants of the vehicle were discovered to be the suspects of the home invasion. All suspects were arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.&nbsp;Kayla Sitton, 33, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated AssaultScott Gardner, 32, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated AssaultAntwon Pierce, 45, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Interference with Law EnforcementDarryl Jones, 52, faces&nbsp;requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated AssaultErnest Reed, 35, faces&nbsp;requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

Suspects accused of violent Kansas home invasion attack

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— A suspect accused in a fatal shooting in Wichita made his first court appearance in the case on Friday.

&nbsp;Ricardo Talavera, 41, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and interference with a law enforcement officer, according to the Sedgwick. County District Attorney's office.

On August 6, the Wichita Police arrested Talavera, in connection with the shooting death of 49-year-old Ruben Parga-Quintanar.

Just before 9a.m. August 1, officers and Wichita Fire Department crews responded to a report of a man down near the entrance to an alley in the 2400 block of North Jeanette. When fire personnel arrived, they found Parga-Quintanar with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:53 a.m.

Early findings in the investigation suggested Parga-Quintanar was shot elsewhere and collapsed after fleeing on a bicycle. As the case progressed, detectives determined he was shot in the alley and then collapsed nearby.

Investigators identified Talavera as a suspect and served a search warrant at his home on Saturday. On Tuesday night, police arrested him and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of second-degree murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754486168417.png" alt="Talavera -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Talavera -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— A suspect accused in a fatal shooting in Wichita made his first court appearance in the case on Friday.&nbsp;Ricardo Talavera, 41, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and interference with a law enforcement officer, according to the Sedgwick. County District Attorney's office.On August 6, the Wichita Police arrested Talavera, in connection with the shooting death of 49-year-old Ruben Parga-Quintanar.Just before 9a.m. August 1, officers and Wichita Fire Department crews responded to a report of a man down near the entrance to an alley in the 2400 block of North Jeanette. When fire personnel arrived, they found Parga-Quintanar with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:53 a.m.Early findings in the investigation suggested Parga-Quintanar was shot elsewhere and collapsed after fleeing on a bicycle. As the case progressed, detectives determined he was shot in the alley and then collapsed nearby.Investigators identified Talavera as a suspect and served a search warrant at his home on Saturday. On Tuesday night, police arrested him and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of second-degree murder.

Suspect accused of killing SW Kansas man faced a judge

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday he’s taking over Washington's police department and activating 800 members of the National Guard in the hopes of reducing crime, even as city officials stressed crime is already falling in the nation’s capital.

The president, flanked by his attorney general, his defense secretary and the FBI director, said he was declaring a public safety emergency and his administration would be removing homeless encampments.

“We’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared, adding he'd also be “getting rid of the slums.”

For Trump, the effort to take over public safety in Washington reflects an escalation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-there-will-be-strong-law-and-order-as-national-guard-faces-off-with-protesters-in-la-b8129d06adb34d52939dff416f8a7cea">his aggressive approach to law enforcement</a>. The District of Columbia’s status as a congressionally established federal district gives him a unique opportunity to push his tough-on-crime agenda, though he has not proposed solutions to the root causes of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/homelessness">homelessness</a>&nbsp;or crime.

Attorney General Pam Bondi will assume responsibility for Washington’s metro police department, Trump said, as he also railed against potholes and graffiti in the city and called them “embarrassing.” The president did not provide a timeline for the control of the police department, but he's limited to 30 days under statute.

As Trump spoke, demonstrators gathered outside the White House to protest his moves. And local officials rejected the Republican president's depiction of the district as crime-ridden and called his actions illegal.

“The administration’s actions are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful,” District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb said. “There is no crime emergency in the District of Columbia."

Schwalb, a Democrat, said violent crime in the district reached historic 30-year lows last year and is down another 26% this year.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said she would follow the law regarding the “so-called emergency” even as she indicated that Trump's actions were a reason why the District of Columbia should be a state with legal protections from such actions.

“While this action today is unsettling and unprecedented, I can’t say that given some of the rhetoric of the past, that we’re totally surprised,” Bowser said.

The president dismissed the idea Washington needed to enlarge its 3,500-officer police force, even as he seeks to have more armed personnel going through the city with the goal of reducing crime.

“What you need is rules and regulations, and you need the right people to implement them,” he said.

Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/district-of-columbia-trump-takeover-3b58c1efabf17db271dce582d9a09c6d">Home Rule Act</a>&nbsp;in an executive order to declare a “crime emergency” so his administration could take over the city's police force. He signed a directive for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to activate the National Guard.

While Trump has portrayed himself as a friend to law enforcement and enjoyed the political backing from many of their groups, he pardoned or commuted the sentences of the 1,500-plus people charged with crimes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot</a>, including people convicted of assaulting police officers.

About 500 federal law enforcement officers are being tasked with deploying throughout the nation’s capital as part of Trump’s effort to combat crime, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

More than 100 FBI agents and about 40 agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are among federal law enforcement personnel being assigned to patrols in Washington, the person briefed on the plans said. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Marshals Service are contributing officers.

The person was not authorized to publicly discuss personnel matters and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity. The Justice Department didn’t immediately have a comment Monday morning.

Bowser, a Democrat, has previously questioned the effectiveness of using the National Guard to enforce city laws and said the federal government could be far more helpful by funding more prosecutors or filling the 15 vacancies on the D.C. Superior Court, some of which have been open for years.

Bowser cannot activate the National Guard herself, but she can submit a request to the Pentagon.

“I just think that’s not the most efficient use of our Guard,” she said Sunday on MSNBC's “The Weekend,” acknowledging it is "the president’s call about how to deploy the Guard.”

Bowser noted that violent crime in Washington has decreased since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-homicides-unsolved-metropolitan-police-crime-victims-64b861dd5702a58cc4182ea094460340">a rise in 2023</a>. She stressed during a Monday news conference that she believed Trump's views of the city were shaped by the “challenging times” of the coronavirus pandemic, when he faced protests and crime spiked as the country began to recover from the outbreak.

Trump has emphasized the removal of Washington’s homeless population, though it was unclear where the thousands of people would go, and he did not give details at his news conference Monday.

“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote Sunday in a social media post. “We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”

Trump said last week that he was considering ways for the federal government to seize control of Washington, asserting that crime was “ridiculous” and the city was “unsafe,” after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-dc-crime-assault-doge-05aaaeb09d106ca1af673b46e89d60e1">the recent assault</a>&nbsp;of a high-profile member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-donald-trump-962778979dd35ea79d6092df9cb2cb56">the Department of Government Efficiency</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754924754534.png" alt="Crime in the District of Columbia became a hot-button issue after Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, an intern for Republican Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas, was&nbsp;fatally shot&nbsp;on June 30.-Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Crime in the District of Columbia became a hot-button issue after Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, an intern for Republican Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas, was&nbsp;fatally shot&nbsp;on June 30.-Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 President Trump announces he is invoking the D.C. Home Rule Act to place the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deploy the National Guard. &quot;This is Liberation Day in D.C. — and we&#39;re going to take our capital BACK.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/aqov60mrCW">pic.twitter.com/aqov60mrCW</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1954916584176443592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754924379692.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday he’s taking over Washington's police department and activating 800 members of the National Guard in the hopes of reducing crime, even as city officials stressed crime is already falling in the nation’s capital.The president, flanked by his attorney general, his defense secretary and the FBI director, said he was declaring a public safety emergency and his administration would be removing homeless encampments.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We&#39;re declaring a public safety emergency in the District of Columbia — and <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> is taking command of the Metropolitan Police Department as of this moment.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/aXP0n5l0dX">pic.twitter.com/aXP0n5l0dX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1954920633160331525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;I&#39;m announcing a historic action to rescue our nation&#39;s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor and worse. This is Liberation Day in DC and we&#39;re going to take our capital back. We&#39;re taking it back..&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JpoblecuoB">pic.twitter.com/JpoblecuoB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1954920835887620252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on Making D.C. Safe Again: &quot;We are going to be removing homeless encampments from all over our parks... We&#39;re getting rid of the people from underpasses and public spaces... We&#39;ll help them as much as you can help.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Gu7O1ySWFz">pic.twitter.com/Gu7O1ySWFz</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1954923844030074956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is a major moment for our country! <a href="https://t.co/pMBhoSadNF">pic.twitter.com/pMBhoSadNF</a>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1954964022630961160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared, adding he'd also be “getting rid of the slums.”For Trump, the effort to take over public safety in Washington reflects an escalation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-there-will-be-strong-law-and-order-as-national-guard-faces-off-with-protesters-in-la-b8129d06adb34d52939dff416f8a7cea">his aggressive approach to law enforcement</a>. The District of Columbia’s status as a congressionally established federal district gives him a unique opportunity to push his tough-on-crime agenda, though he has not proposed solutions to the root causes of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/homelessness">homelessness</a>&nbsp;or crime.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The murder rate in Washington, D.C. today is greater than Bogota, Mexico City, and more ⬇️ MAKE D.C. SAFE AGAIN! <a href="https://t.co/0L9SVfY1KG">pic.twitter.com/0L9SVfY1KG</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1954916458573832272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Attorney General Pam Bondi will assume responsibility for Washington’s metro police department, Trump said, as he also railed against potholes and graffiti in the city and called them “embarrassing.” The president did not provide a timeline for the control of the police department, but he's limited to 30 days under statute.As Trump spoke, demonstrators gathered outside the White House to protest his moves. And local officials rejected the Republican president's depiction of the district as crime-ridden and called his actions illegal.“The administration’s actions are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful,” District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb said. “There is no crime emergency in the District of Columbia."Schwalb, a Democrat, said violent crime in the district reached historic 30-year lows last year and is down another 26% this year.Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said she would follow the law regarding the “so-called emergency” even as she indicated that Trump's actions were a reason why the District of Columbia should be a state with legal protections from such actions.“While this action today is unsettling and unprecedented, I can’t say that given some of the rhetoric of the past, that we’re totally surprised,” Bowser said.<h2>Combating crime</h2>The president dismissed the idea Washington needed to enlarge its 3,500-officer police force, even as he seeks to have more armed personnel going through the city with the goal of reducing crime.“What you need is rules and regulations, and you need the right people to implement them,” he said.Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/district-of-columbia-trump-takeover-3b58c1efabf17db271dce582d9a09c6d">Home Rule Act</a>&nbsp;in an executive order to declare a “crime emergency” so his administration could take over the city's police force. He signed a directive for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to activate the National Guard.While Trump has portrayed himself as a friend to law enforcement and enjoyed the political backing from many of their groups, he pardoned or commuted the sentences of the 1,500-plus people charged with crimes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot</a>, including people convicted of assaulting police officers.About 500 federal law enforcement officers are being tasked with deploying throughout the nation’s capital as part of Trump’s effort to combat crime, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.More than 100 FBI agents and about 40 agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are among federal law enforcement personnel being assigned to patrols in Washington, the person briefed on the plans said. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Marshals Service are contributing officers.The person was not authorized to publicly discuss personnel matters and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity. The Justice Department didn’t immediately have a comment Monday morning.<h2>The National Guard</h2>Bowser, a Democrat, has previously questioned the effectiveness of using the National Guard to enforce city laws and said the federal government could be far more helpful by funding more prosecutors or filling the 15 vacancies on the D.C. Superior Court, some of which have been open for years.Bowser cannot activate the National Guard herself, but she can submit a request to the Pentagon.“I just think that’s not the most efficient use of our Guard,” she said Sunday on MSNBC's “The Weekend,” acknowledging it is "the president’s call about how to deploy the Guard.”Bowser noted that violent crime in Washington has decreased since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-homicides-unsolved-metropolitan-police-crime-victims-64b861dd5702a58cc4182ea094460340">a rise in 2023</a>. She stressed during a Monday news conference that she believed Trump's views of the city were shaped by the “challenging times” of the coronavirus pandemic, when he faced protests and crime spiked as the country began to recover from the outbreak.<h2>Focusing on homelessness</h2>Trump has emphasized the removal of Washington’s homeless population, though it was unclear where the thousands of people would go, and he did not give details at his news conference Monday.“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote Sunday in a social media post. “We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”Trump said last week that he was considering ways for the federal government to seize control of Washington, asserting that crime was “ridiculous” and the city was “unsafe,” after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-dc-crime-assault-doge-05aaaeb09d106ca1af673b46e89d60e1">the recent assault</a>&nbsp;of a high-profile member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-donald-trump-962778979dd35ea79d6092df9cb2cb56">the Department of Government Efficiency</a>.<h2>Crime statistics</h2><a href="https://mpdc.dc.gov/dailycrime">Police statistics</a>&nbsp;show homicides, robberies and burglaries are down this year when compared with this time in 2024. Overall, violent crime is down 26% compared with this time a year ago.The president has criticized the district as full of “tents, squalor, filth, and Crime,” and he seems to have been set off by the attack on Edward Coristine, among the most visible figures of the bureaucracy-cutting effort known as DOGE. Police arrested two 15-year-olds in the attempted carjacking and said they were looking for others.“This has to be the best run place in the country, not the worst run place in the country,” Trump said Wednesday.He called Bowser “a good person who has tried, but she has been given many chances.”Trump has repeatedly suggested the rule of Washington could be returned to federal authorities. Doing so would require&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/district-of-columbia-trump-takeover-3b58c1efabf17db271dce582d9a09c6d">a repeal of the Home Rule Act</a>&nbsp;of 1973 in Congress, a step Trump said lawyers are examining.Bowser acknowledged the law allows the president to take more control over the city's police, but only if certain conditions are met.“None of those conditions exist in our city right now," she said. “We are not experiencing a spike in crime. In fact, we’re watching our crime numbers go down.”___