SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have three suspects in custody.

Just 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a highway robbery call at a business in the 1700 block of west McCormick in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A&nbsp; 50-year-old man at the scene told police a suspect later identified as 18-year-old&nbsp; approached him at the place of business and asked if he had any work.

At around 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a highway robbery call at a business in the 1700 block of west McCormick.

When officers arrived, a 50-year-old man reported being approached by 18-year-old Nykia Watkins at his place of business who asked if he had any work.

While he was speaking with Watkins two males suspects later identified as 23-year-old Larry Williamson and 23-year-old Ziaareas Crosby approached from behind. Williamson was reported to be armed with a rifle, according to Davidson.

The suspects demanded money and property from the victim. The struck the victim in the head with the rifle, causing minor injuries.

The suspects took the victim's wallet and cell phone and fled in a 2007 black Ford Fusion. The suspects immediately began making purchases with the victim's credit cards, according Davidson.

Investigators were able to locate the suspect vehicle driven by Watkins in the area of Pawnee and Rock Road in Wichita.

&nbsp;After a short vehicle pursuit, Watkins stopped the vehicle in the area of Kellogg and Edgemoor. Police arrested all three. They also recovered the victim's wallet, bank cards and cell phone. They also&nbsp;

Police also located a fake rifle in the vehicle, according to Davidson.

Police booked Williams and Crosby on requested charges of aggravated robbery.  They also booked Watkins on requested charges of aggravated robbery, flee and elude and other traffic charges.   Williamson has a previous conviction for aggravated battery, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581538045440.png" alt=" Ziaareas Crosby" />
 <figcaption> Ziaareas Crosby</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have three suspects in custody.Just 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a highway robbery call at a business in the 1700 block of west McCormick in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A&nbsp; 50-year-old man at the scene told police a suspect later identified as 18-year-old&nbsp; approached him at the place of business and asked if he had any work.At around 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a highway robbery call at a business in the 1700 block of west McCormick.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581537893819.png" alt="Watkins" />
 <figcaption>Watkins</figcaption>
 </figure>When officers arrived, a 50-year-old man reported being approached by 18-year-old Nykia Watkins at his place of business who asked if he had any work.While he was speaking with Watkins two males suspects later identified as 23-year-old Larry Williamson and 23-year-old Ziaareas Crosby approached from behind. Williamson was reported to be armed with a rifle, according to Davidson.The suspects demanded money and property from the victim. The struck the victim in the head with the rifle, causing minor injuries.The suspects took the victim's wallet and cell phone and fled in a 2007 black Ford Fusion. The suspects immediately began making purchases with the victim's credit cards, according Davidson.Investigators were able to locate the suspect vehicle driven by Watkins in the area of Pawnee and Rock Road in Wichita.&nbsp;After a short vehicle pursuit, Watkins stopped the vehicle in the area of Kellogg and Edgemoor. Police arrested all three. They also recovered the victim's wallet, bank cards and cell phone. They also&nbsp;Police also located a fake rifle in the vehicle, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581537959737.png" alt="Williamson" />
 <figcaption>Williamson</figcaption>
 </figure>Police booked Williams and Crosby on requested charges of aggravated robbery. They also booked Watkins on requested charges of aggravated robbery, flee and elude and other traffic charges. Williamson has a previous conviction for aggravated battery, according to Davidson.

Police: Suspects used fake rifle during Kansas robbery

By DANIEL CUDILL, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-could-be-next-state-make-more-evidence-public-fatal-police-shootings#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Wendy Couser, a former juvenile 
intake officer at the Newton Police Department, has always believed in 
the importance of consequences.&nbsp;

But Couser feels that she’s yet 
to see consequences for the law enforcement officials who beat, shot and
 killed her son, William “Matthew” Holmes, during an arrest in August 
2017. That’s because, she said, police only conducted one investigation,
 the full details of which were not made public.&nbsp;

“I couldn’t 
have gotten information on my own if I didn’t have attorneys,” Couser 
said. “I’m sure nobody would have told me anything.”&nbsp;

A new&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2424/" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;in
 the Kansas Legislature could change how investigations into 
police-involved fatal shootings are conducted and how evidence like 
police reports and witness statements is released.&nbsp;

The bill would require all fatal police shootings to be investigated 
by at least two outside agencies. If officers do not face criminal 
charges, the investigations — dashcam and body camera video evidence 
likely included — would become public record. Current state law largely 
allows district attorneys and local police departments to decide which 
details to release and when.&nbsp;

Bill sponsor Rep. David Benson, a 
Democrat from Overland Park, said making investigations more public 
would allow people to decide whether the shooting was justified and 
whether a district attorney made the right call.&nbsp;

“These are 
traumatic events, not only for the family but for the communities 
involved, for the police officers involved,” he said, “and I hope that 
we can be a catalyst for better transparency, better accountability and 
better training.”&nbsp;

But opponents of the bill said releasing officers’ names could negatively affect their private lives.&nbsp;

Wisconsin was the first
 to pass this type of legislation, quietly signed into law in early 
2014. A few months later, after police shot and killed 18-year-old 
Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, the law became a national model for
 states wanting to open up police-shooting investigations.&nbsp;

Kansas ranks 28th in the U.S. for its rate of fatal police shootings, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/investigations/police-shootings-database/">Washington Post</a>. It’s had 47 from 2015 to 2019 — about 16 shootings per 1 million people.

Holmes,
 a 24-year-old black man with schizophrenia, died after McPherson County
 Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Somers, a white man, shot him in the back during
 an arrest. The incident began after Holmes led police on a stolen 
vehicle chase.&nbsp;

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation prepared a report, which McPherson County District Attorney Greg Benefiel used in <a href="http://kake.images.worldnow.com/library/35a047e5-dfdd-4cae-a1d7-137c7f41270b.pdf">deciding four months after the shooting not to charge Somers</a>.
 He said police believed Holmes was reaching for the gun of an officer 
who had him pinned to the ground, which justified Somers’ response of 
lethal measures.&nbsp;

Couser, however, said most of the officers on 
scene knew her son, and knew of his mental health condition. And based 
on video evidence she saw while working at the department, Couser said 
she believes her son was complying with police.&nbsp;

“Matt threw his 
hands up,” she said. “He trusted those police officers because I worked 
with them and I trusted them. Would he have taken an ass-whooping? Yes, 
he would have. And he knew consequences. He knew he was going to jail … 
and he was okay with that.”&nbsp;

Couser has filed a federal lawsuit 
against all three law enforcement agencies involved: the Newton Police 
Department and the Harvey and McPherson county sheriff’s departments.&nbsp;

The
 only piece of footage that the public has seen was released nearly a 
year after the shooting. Loevy &amp; Loevy, the Chicago law firm 
representing Couser, filed an open records request and received the 
footage shortly after the officers learned they wouldn’t be charged. 
Attorney Josh Loevy said the video they released to the public is a 
condensed version.&nbsp;

Couser said she believes there is more video 
evidence, adding that if Benson’s proposed changes had been law when her
 son was killed, the public would have gotten a fuller understanding of 
the shooting.

“People are already outraged at the little bit that
 they’ve seen,” she said. “If they’d seen the rest of the footage, it 
would be Ferguson in Kansas.”&nbsp;

More evidence is expected to be released during discovery in Couser’s upcoming federal trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Holmes’ death wasn’t the reason Benson introduced his bill, though. Instead, it was <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kansas-bill-would-loosen-release-information-related-police-shootings-n1110581" target="_blank">the fatal shooting of 17-year-old John Albers</a>
 by the Overland Park Police Department in 2018. The Johnson County 
District Court ruled the shooting was justified, but Albers’ family said
 it was difficult to get information about the case.&nbsp;

Albers’ 
mother, Sheila, has since formed a nonprofit organization, JOCO United, 
that advocates for higher training standards and better transparency in 
law enforcement. She settled a year ago with Overland Park for $2.3 
million.&nbsp;

Johnson County is the most populous area in Kansas. In less populated rural counties, Sedgwick County DA Marc Bennett told <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kansas-bill-would-loosen-release-information-related-police-shootings-n1110581" target="_blank">NBC News</a>, the bill could create unrealistic standards for investigating such shootings.&nbsp;

“There are practical impediments to insisting someone employed by another agency takes the lead,”&nbsp;Bennett told NBC.&nbsp;

The League of Kansas Municipalities also <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2424_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">said</a>
 local authorities could end up with additional costs under the bill, 
such as costs associated with public record requests, but it did not 
provide an exact cost estimate because it’s unclear how many fatal 
shootings will happen in the coming years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Peace Officers Association, a police advocacy group, has not yet taken a stance on the bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nearly
 three years after police shot and killed her son, Couser said her 
family is still struggling to cope with the loss. She hopes that the 
bill will pass, so that families who lose their sons and daughters to 
fatal police shootings won’t have to file a lawsuit to get a full scope 
of what happened.&nbsp;

“Nobody should have to go through this,” she 
said. “At least if that bill had been passed, there would have been an 
independent party that possibly could have helped me in some way.”&nbsp;

Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill"> @byDanielCaudill</a>.
 The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public 
Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and 
well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581452750506.png" alt="Police camera footage from when Matt Holmes was beaten and fatally shot by Newton police in August 2017. Courtesy of Loevy &amp; Loevy law firm" />
 <figcaption>Police camera footage from when Matt Holmes was beaten and fatally shot by Newton police in August 2017. Courtesy of Loevy &amp; Loevy law firm</figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIEL CUDILL, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-could-be-next-state-make-more-evidence-public-fatal-police-shootings#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Wendy Couser, a former juvenile 
intake officer at the Newton Police Department, has always believed in 
the importance of consequences.&nbsp;But Couser feels that she’s yet 
to see consequences for the law enforcement officials who beat, shot and
 killed her son, William “Matthew” Holmes, during an arrest in August 
2017. That’s because, she said, police only conducted one investigation,
 the full details of which were not made public.&nbsp;“I couldn’t 
have gotten information on my own if I didn’t have attorneys,” Couser 
said. “I’m sure nobody would have told me anything.”&nbsp;A new&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2424/" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;in
 the Kansas Legislature could change how investigations into 
police-involved fatal shootings are conducted and how evidence like 
police reports and witness statements is released.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581452837990.jpeg" alt=" William "Matt" Holmes was 24 when Newton police officers killed him during a traffic stop. Officers said it came after Holmes led them on a police chase. Holmes' mother says the officers knew Holmes had mental health issues because she worked at the police department. Credit Courtesy of Wendy Couser" />
 <figcaption> William "Matt" Holmes was 24 when Newton police officers killed him during a traffic stop. Officers said it came after Holmes led them on a police chase. Holmes' mother says the officers knew Holmes had mental health issues because she worked at the police department. Credit Courtesy of Wendy Couser</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill would require all fatal police shootings to be investigated 
by at least two outside agencies. If officers do not face criminal 
charges, the investigations — dashcam and body camera video evidence 
likely included — would become public record. Current state law largely 
allows district attorneys and local police departments to decide which 
details to release and when.&nbsp;Bill sponsor Rep. David Benson, a 
Democrat from Overland Park, said making investigations more public 
would allow people to decide whether the shooting was justified and 
whether a district attorney made the right call.&nbsp;“These are 
traumatic events, not only for the family but for the communities 
involved, for the police officers involved,” he said, “and I hope that 
we can be a catalyst for better transparency, better accountability and 
better training.”&nbsp;But opponents of the bill said releasing officers’ names could negatively affect their private lives.&nbsp;<h2>‘Ferguson in Kansas’&nbsp;</h2>Wisconsin was the first
 to pass this type of legislation, quietly signed into law in early 
2014. A few months later, after police shot and killed 18-year-old 
Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, the law became a national model for
 states wanting to open up police-shooting investigations.&nbsp;Kansas ranks 28th in the U.S. for its rate of fatal police shootings, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/investigations/police-shootings-database/">Washington Post</a>. It’s had 47 from 2015 to 2019 — about 16 shootings per 1 million people.Holmes,
 a 24-year-old black man with schizophrenia, died after McPherson County
 Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Somers, a white man, shot him in the back during
 an arrest. The incident began after Holmes led police on a stolen 
vehicle chase.&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation prepared a report, which McPherson County District Attorney Greg Benefiel used in <a href="http://kake.images.worldnow.com/library/35a047e5-dfdd-4cae-a1d7-137c7f41270b.pdf">deciding four months after the shooting not to charge Somers</a>.
 He said police believed Holmes was reaching for the gun of an officer 
who had him pinned to the ground, which justified Somers’ response of 
lethal measures.&nbsp;Couser, however, said most of the officers on 
scene knew her son, and knew of his mental health condition. And based 
on video evidence she saw while working at the department, Couser said 
she believes her son was complying with police.&nbsp;“Matt threw his 
hands up,” she said. “He trusted those police officers because I worked 
with them and I trusted them. Would he have taken an ass-whooping? Yes, 
he would have. And he knew consequences. He knew he was going to jail … 
and he was okay with that.”&nbsp;Couser has filed a federal lawsuit 
against all three law enforcement agencies involved: the Newton Police 
Department and the Harvey and McPherson county sheriff’s departments.&nbsp;The
 only piece of footage that the public has seen was released nearly a 
year after the shooting. Loevy &amp; Loevy, the Chicago law firm 
representing Couser, filed an open records request and received the 
footage shortly after the officers learned they wouldn’t be charged. 
Attorney Josh Loevy said the video they released to the public is a 
condensed version.&nbsp;Couser said she believes there is more video 
evidence, adding that if Benson’s proposed changes had been law when her
 son was killed, the public would have gotten a fuller understanding of 
the shooting.“People are already outraged at the little bit that
 they’ve seen,” she said. “If they’d seen the rest of the footage, it 
would be Ferguson in Kansas.”&nbsp;More evidence is expected to be released during discovery in Couser’s upcoming federal trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Holmes’ case not unique&nbsp;</h2>Holmes’ death wasn’t the reason Benson introduced his bill, though. Instead, it was <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kansas-bill-would-loosen-release-information-related-police-shootings-n1110581" target="_blank">the fatal shooting of 17-year-old John Albers</a>
 by the Overland Park Police Department in 2018. The Johnson County 
District Court ruled the shooting was justified, but Albers’ family said
 it was difficult to get information about the case.&nbsp;Albers’ 
mother, Sheila, has since formed a nonprofit organization, JOCO United, 
that advocates for higher training standards and better transparency in 
law enforcement. She settled a year ago with Overland Park for $2.3 
million.&nbsp;Johnson County is the most populous area in Kansas. In less populated rural counties, Sedgwick County DA Marc Bennett told <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kansas-bill-would-loosen-release-information-related-police-shootings-n1110581" target="_blank">NBC News</a>, the bill could create unrealistic standards for investigating such shootings.&nbsp;“There are practical impediments to insisting someone employed by another agency takes the lead,”&nbsp;Bennett told NBC.&nbsp;The League of Kansas Municipalities also <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2424_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">said</a>
 local authorities could end up with additional costs under the bill, 
such as costs associated with public record requests, but it did not 
provide an exact cost estimate because it’s unclear how many fatal 
shootings will happen in the coming years.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Peace Officers Association, a police advocacy group, has not yet taken a stance on the bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearly
 three years after police shot and killed her son, Couser said her 
family is still struggling to cope with the loss. She hopes that the 
bill will pass, so that families who lose their sons and daughters to 
fatal police shootings won’t have to file a lawsuit to get a full scope 
of what happened.&nbsp;“Nobody should have to go through this,” she 
said. “At least if that bill had been passed, there would have been an 
independent party that possibly could have helped me in some way.”&nbsp;Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill"> @byDanielCaudill</a>.
 The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public 
Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and 
well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.&nbsp;

Kan. could be next to release more evidence in fatal police shootings 

BUTLER COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged sexual battery involving a city administrator in Kansas.

&nbsp;Charles Hefton, 49, the city administrator of the small rural Butler County community of Benton is due in court February 26 on requested charges of sexual battery, according to the Butler County attorney's office.

A couple of months ago, a part time employee who works for the city reported inappropriate touching involving Hefton to the police chief, according to Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet.&nbsp; 

The police chief asked the sheriff's department to take over the investigation. After forwarding&nbsp; the results of the investigation to the county attorney, a warrant was issued and deputies arrested Hefton Monday.&nbsp;

He bonded out of jail and is on leave from his responsibilities with the city. Hefton was chief of police for the city and has been in the community for a number of years, according to Herzet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581422184851.png" alt="Charles Hefton photo Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Charles Hefton photo Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged sexual battery involving a city administrator in Kansas.&nbsp;Charles Hefton, 49, the city administrator of the small rural Butler County community of Benton is due in court February 26 on requested charges of sexual battery, according to the Butler County attorney's office.A couple of months ago, a part time employee who works for the city reported inappropriate touching involving Hefton to the police chief, according to Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet.&nbsp; The police chief asked the sheriff's department to take over the investigation. After forwarding&nbsp; the results of the investigation to the county attorney, a warrant was issued and deputies arrested Hefton Monday.&nbsp;He bonded out of jail and is on leave from his responsibilities with the city. Hefton was chief of police for the city and has been in the community for a number of years, according to Herzet.

Kan. court date set for city administrator facing sexual battery charge

PHILLIPSBURG - A Phillipsburg woman was arrested late Wednesday afternoon on charges of drug possession, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/plsoks/?__tn__=kC-R&amp;eid=ARC-yrTXN6A4MfI-PwjzdSJUIniwXBkXx2SzJOoSvg-eC5wm9YhqAikCtI7DPV7I3E_IqRB93xfZ0I58&amp;hc_ref=ARQPaWVnTAbT0-3_M_OptWTlLL9fY4F-UpbU6t4b-_JDerwuXEPJ2upQIfJv--YKgKA&amp;fref=nf&amp;__xts__[0]=68.ARCwla5HxTx2G8xJ4yqsiEjtwUOzGlBbqmx2t92R7IzO_O7lA3ohylQP6bx8-tP9VOCMA3yrqtJX4Js8mblqE2Gf1mX75LGnL69VO8DEvmgSegggiPEmZICg6XWTjgDjEn01ReDlAMDRDxn-Mw2gNoFmUivdtnDg7Qkj6xjAGSPP8XkWjSdd8qPrfPhN7i52ASiez70MZDGS8rbMRaj8G40CDO2nlva8PNrm0XAmWnZIpkYJaV9TSX6B2T3Wis3ayFr3a5rLJf4xw-6D-46OMNWyxNzbR5iCUTEShqiDhfAL14fC5SVWtBxf21nxzmPRLxRnYqym4SL5f02prwFXrkcKMrnawTTP6vEPlXcvJdjy6_Ri3qwxjxnZ_fg">social media post&nbsp;</a>by the Phillips County Sheriff's Office.

At approximately 4:15 p.m. the Phillips County Sheriff's Office, assisted by the Rooks County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at 107 F Street in Phillipsburg.

Shannon L. Plummer, 45, Phillipsburg, was taken into custody with charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp. She remains in custody pending bail.

All persons involved are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581590290264.jpeg" alt="shannon plummer.jpg" />
 <figcaption>shannon plummer.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPSBURG - A Phillipsburg woman was arrested late Wednesday afternoon on charges of drug possession, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/plsoks/?__tn__=kC-R&amp;eid=ARC-yrTXN6A4MfI-PwjzdSJUIniwXBkXx2SzJOoSvg-eC5wm9YhqAikCtI7DPV7I3E_IqRB93xfZ0I58&amp;hc_ref=ARQPaWVnTAbT0-3_M_OptWTlLL9fY4F-UpbU6t4b-_JDerwuXEPJ2upQIfJv--YKgKA&amp;fref=nf&amp;__xts__[0]=68.ARCwla5HxTx2G8xJ4yqsiEjtwUOzGlBbqmx2t92R7IzO_O7lA3ohylQP6bx8-tP9VOCMA3yrqtJX4Js8mblqE2Gf1mX75LGnL69VO8DEvmgSegggiPEmZICg6XWTjgDjEn01ReDlAMDRDxn-Mw2gNoFmUivdtnDg7Qkj6xjAGSPP8XkWjSdd8qPrfPhN7i52ASiez70MZDGS8rbMRaj8G40CDO2nlva8PNrm0XAmWnZIpkYJaV9TSX6B2T3Wis3ayFr3a5rLJf4xw-6D-46OMNWyxNzbR5iCUTEShqiDhfAL14fC5SVWtBxf21nxzmPRLxRnYqym4SL5f02prwFXrkcKMrnawTTP6vEPlXcvJdjy6_Ri3qwxjxnZ_fg">social media post&nbsp;</a>by the Phillips County Sheriff's Office.At approximately 4:15 p.m. the Phillips County Sheriff's Office, assisted by the Rooks County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at 107 F Street in Phillipsburg.Shannon L. Plummer, 45, Phillipsburg, was taken into custody with charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp. She remains in custody pending bail.Additional arrests are anticipated.All persons involved are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NW Kansas woman accused of meth distribution

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 7:30 p.m. February 7, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance at a residence in the 1400 block of N. Hillside in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

A 22-year-old woman at the residence reported being strangled with an object by a suspect identified as 38-year-old Anthony Peete to the point of unconsciousness.

Through the investigation, officers found the victim’s injuries to be consistent with her being strangled. 

Police arrested Peete on the scene and EMS transported the woman to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries, according to Davidson.

Additionally, Peete has previously been arrested and convicted on charges that include aggravated assault, forgery, and identity theft, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581534428633.png" alt="Peete photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Peete photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault and have a suspect in custody.Just before 7:30 p.m. February 7, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance at a residence in the 1400 block of N. Hillside in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;A 22-year-old woman at the residence reported being strangled with an object by a suspect identified as 38-year-old Anthony Peete to the point of unconsciousness.Through the investigation, officers found the victim’s injuries to be consistent with her being strangled. Police arrested Peete on the scene and EMS transported the woman to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries, according to Davidson.Additionally, Peete has previously been arrested and convicted on charges that include aggravated assault, forgery, and identity theft, according to Davidson.

Police: Kansas felon accused of violent attack on woman

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a man has been taken into custody at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas, after a standoff that led to a temporary lockdown at the indoor water park and hotel.

Police said in a news release that officers responded shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday to reports of an armed disturbance when the man refused to leave.

After efforts to negotiate with him failed, a special operations unit went into the room and took him into custody. During the standoff, the wing of the hotel where the man barricaded himself was evacuated and all other guests were asked to stay in their rooms.

No one was hurt. The name of the man wasn’t immediately released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581533036774.png" alt="Police on the scene of the standoff -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the standoff -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a man has been taken into custody at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas, after a standoff that led to a temporary lockdown at the indoor water park and hotel.Police said in a news release that officers responded shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday to reports of an armed disturbance when the man refused to leave.After efforts to negotiate with him failed, a special operations unit went into the room and took him into custody. During the standoff, the wing of the hotel where the man barricaded himself was evacuated and all other guests were asked to stay in their rooms.No one was hurt. The name of the man wasn’t immediately released.

Man arrested after standoff at Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A federal judge has thrown out a free-speech&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9ea53dc1c74a4bc6bd0d8950a4f20602">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>against a former police detective filed by a man who was arrested while questioning a speaker at the Kansas City Public Library in 2016.

Chief Judge Beth Phillips ruled that Brent Parsons, a Kansas City Police detective at that time, had probable cause to arrest Jeremy Rothe-Kushel. The judge said Parsons also had qualified immunity from civil action.

Rothe-Kushel, of Lawrence, Kansas, was arrested on May 9, 2016, as he questioned Middle East expert and diplomat Dennis Ross. Rothe-Kushel alleged in his lawsuit that his right to free speech was violated by the arrest.

A video of the incident shows Ross answering one of Rothe-Kushel’s questions. When Rothe-Kushel tries to ask another question, a private security guard grabs his arm, followed by Parsons, who was off duty and working for a private firm at the event.

In her order issued in January, Phillips said Rothe-Kushel argued with Ross after his question was answered and continued speaking after a guard told him he was “done" and another person approached the microphone to ask a question.

When Parsons determined Rothe-Kushel should be arrested, Rothe-Kushel pushed back and refused to “give up his hands,” according to police.

Rothe-Kushel was issued citations for trespassing and obstructing or resisting an officer. The citations were ultimately dismissed.

On Tuesday, Rothe-Kushel, 41, said he believed he was arrested and charged because of his political views.

“I believe that this has to do with the rights of all Americans protected under virtually all of the First Amendment,” he said. “This had to do with speech rights, press rights, assembly rights, even religious conscience rights.”

In her order, the judge said Rothe-Kushel said Ross' right to ask questions was “not limitless.”

“He could not ask so many questions that other audience members were deprived of the opportunity,” she wrote, “and he had no right to argue with Ambassador Ross.”

Steve Woolfolk, director of public programming for the library, was also arrested when he tried to intervene. He was charged in Kansas City Municipal Court and later found not guilty of obstruction, interfering with an arrest and assaulting a police officer.

Sgt. Jake Becchina, a Kansas City Police Department spokesman, said the department said could not comment because the plaintiff could appeal. In past statements, police stood by the arrests.

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A federal judge has thrown out a free-speech&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9ea53dc1c74a4bc6bd0d8950a4f20602">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>against a former police detective filed by a man who was arrested while questioning a speaker at the Kansas City Public Library in 2016.Chief Judge Beth Phillips ruled that Brent Parsons, a Kansas City Police detective at that time, had probable cause to arrest Jeremy Rothe-Kushel. The judge said Parsons also had qualified immunity from civil action.Rothe-Kushel, of Lawrence, Kansas, was arrested on May 9, 2016, as he questioned Middle East expert and diplomat Dennis Ross. Rothe-Kushel alleged in his lawsuit that his right to free speech was violated by the arrest.A video of the incident shows Ross answering one of Rothe-Kushel’s questions. When Rothe-Kushel tries to ask another question, a private security guard grabs his arm, followed by Parsons, who was off duty and working for a private firm at the event.In her order issued in January, Phillips said Rothe-Kushel argued with Ross after his question was answered and continued speaking after a guard told him he was “done" and another person approached the microphone to ask a question.When Parsons determined Rothe-Kushel should be arrested, Rothe-Kushel pushed back and refused to “give up his hands,” according to police.Rothe-Kushel was issued citations for trespassing and obstructing or resisting an officer. The citations were ultimately dismissed.On Tuesday, Rothe-Kushel, 41, said he believed he was arrested and charged because of his political views.“I believe that this has to do with the rights of all Americans protected under virtually all of the First Amendment,” he said. “This had to do with speech rights, press rights, assembly rights, even religious conscience rights.”In her order, the judge said Rothe-Kushel said Ross' right to ask questions was “not limitless.”“He could not ask so many questions that other audience members were deprived of the opportunity,” she wrote, “and he had no right to argue with Ambassador Ross.”Steve Woolfolk, director of public programming for the library, was also arrested when he tried to intervene. He was charged in Kansas City Municipal Court and later found not guilty of obstruction, interfering with an arrest and assaulting a police officer.Sgt. Jake Becchina, a Kansas City Police Department spokesman, said the department said could not comment because the plaintiff could appeal. In past statements, police stood by the arrests.

Judge: Detective had probable cause to make arrest at Kansas City Library

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man was convicted of killing a Christian missionary from China and wounding two others while high on PCP.

Jurors found Curtrail Hudson, 20, guilty Monday of second-degree murder and five other charges in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/202e492475224211bdd485fc5bba60cc">April 2018</a>&nbsp;shooting that killed 38-year-old Xindong Hao.

Hao had arrived in the city with his wife and four young children shortly before the shooting to join fellow missionaries at the International House of Prayer, an evangelical group whose headquarters is near the neighborhood where Hao was shot. Hao was walking when he encountered Hudson, then 18, who was randomly shooting at people. Two other people were wounded before Hudson was arrested.

Hudson told police he believed Hao was an accomplice of another man he'd been arguing with moments before, according to court records. That man was taken by family to a hospital after suffering wounds in his neck and back.

Hudson then came upon Hao, who was speaking on the phone. Hudson told police he thought he heard Hao say, "He is right here." According to court records and witnesses, Hudson fired several times at Hao, then beat him with the butt of the shotgun.

A third man driving by in a truck saw Hudson shoot Hao, according to police. Hudson then fired at that man, who was grazed by a bullet.

Defense attorney Craig Napier said Hudson smoked a marijuana cigarette without knowing it had been dipped in PCP and was “in a state of psychosis from the drugs.”

Court records show that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e9f37f23100f4324b963328cbaba5e19">a previous guilty plea</a>&nbsp;by Hudson was withdrawn.

He faces up to 50 years in prison when he is sentenced April 24. Napier said he hoped that Hudson would face 20 years, saying that is what jurors indicated that they wanted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581455902609.png" alt="Hudson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hudson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man was convicted of killing a Christian missionary from China and wounding two others while high on PCP.Jurors found Curtrail Hudson, 20, guilty Monday of second-degree murder and five other charges in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/202e492475224211bdd485fc5bba60cc">April 2018</a>&nbsp;shooting that killed 38-year-old Xindong Hao.Hao had arrived in the city with his wife and four young children shortly before the shooting to join fellow missionaries at the International House of Prayer, an evangelical group whose headquarters is near the neighborhood where Hao was shot. Hao was walking when he encountered Hudson, then 18, who was randomly shooting at people. Two other people were wounded before Hudson was arrested.Hudson told police he believed Hao was an accomplice of another man he'd been arguing with moments before, according to court records. That man was taken by family to a hospital after suffering wounds in his neck and back.Hudson then came upon Hao, who was speaking on the phone. Hudson told police he thought he heard Hao say, "He is right here." According to court records and witnesses, Hudson fired several times at Hao, then beat him with the butt of the shotgun.A third man driving by in a truck saw Hudson shoot Hao, according to police. Hudson then fired at that man, who was grazed by a bullet.Defense attorney Craig Napier said Hudson smoked a marijuana cigarette without knowing it had been dipped in PCP and was “in a state of psychosis from the drugs.”Court records show that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e9f37f23100f4324b963328cbaba5e19">a previous guilty plea</a>&nbsp;by Hudson was withdrawn.He faces up to 50 years in prison when he is sentenced April 24. Napier said he hoped that Hudson would face 20 years, saying that is what jurors indicated that they wanted.

Kansas City man convicted in shooting that killed missionary

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man arrested for a November murder made his first court appearance Monday.

Ricky Price, 45, was formally charged with first-degree murder, theft and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 5p.m. Sunday November 3, police responded to a death call at a residence in the 1300 block of South Greenwood in Wichita, according to office Charley Davidson.

At the scene, a 52-year-old woman reported arriving at the home to check on 73-year-old Raymond Koob and finding him unresponsive inside.

Koob was pronounced deceased on the scene and had extensive injuries to his body.

&nbsp;On Friday, police arrested Price.&nbsp; He is being held on a $250,000 bond. He has previous convictions for theft, robbery, burglary, aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581354619062.png" alt="Ricky Price photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ricky Price photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man arrested for a November murder made his first court appearance Monday.Ricky Price, 45, was formally charged with first-degree murder, theft and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 5p.m. Sunday November 3, police responded to a death call at a residence in the 1300 block of South Greenwood in Wichita, according to office Charley Davidson.At the scene, a 52-year-old woman reported arriving at the home to check on 73-year-old Raymond Koob and finding him unresponsive inside.Koob was pronounced deceased on the scene and had extensive injuries to his body.&nbsp;On Friday, police arrested Price.&nbsp; He is being held on a $250,000 bond. He has previous convictions for theft, robbery, burglary, aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon makes first court appearance for November murder 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas&nbsp;are investigating whether four overdose cases last weekend involve Oxycodone embedded with fentanyl.&nbsp;

A 19-year-old man died after ingesting the pills, according to Wichita Police. Three other people, ages 16, 27 and 23 required medical assistance after taking the pills.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In 2019, 23 cases were investigated by the Wichita Police Department Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) involving Fentanyl, according to police.

The counterfeit pills appear from their markings to be legitimate Oxycodone pills; however, upon testing, the pills are confirmed to contain Fentanyl instead of the ingredients of authentic Oxycodone.

These pills are 30-50 times more powerful than heroin. Small amounts of Fentanyl are toxic, and people are dying because of ingesting this drug. Even just touching Fentanyl can put you at risk.

The Wichita Police Department reminds the public that any narcotic or prescription drug not purchased with a doctor’s prescription at a legitimate pharmacy should be considered unsafe and could potentially contain Fentanyl or other harmful substances.

If you believe a person has overdosed on Fentanyl, please remember:

• Call 911 immediately;• Administer naloxone (Narcan) right away if available; and• Start rescue breathing.

WPD recognizes the severity of Fentanyl in Wichita and remains committed to addressing the opioid crisis and arresting and prosecuting individuals illegally distributing narcotics. Anyone with information about the illegal use or sale of any drug is encouraged to call WPD SIB detectives at (316) 268-4171, Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111, or the See Something Say Something Hotline at (316) 519-2282. Also, those needing help with a drug addiction should call Sedgwick County COMCARE Addiction Treatment Services at (316) 660-1100.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581438940073.png" alt="Counterfeit Oxycodone -photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Counterfeit Oxycodone -photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas&nbsp;are investigating whether four overdose cases last weekend involve Oxycodone embedded with fentanyl.&nbsp;A 19-year-old man died after ingesting the pills, according to Wichita Police. Three other people, ages 16, 27 and 23 required medical assistance after taking the pills.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2019, 23 cases were investigated by the Wichita Police Department Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) involving Fentanyl, according to police.The counterfeit pills appear from their markings to be legitimate Oxycodone pills; however, upon testing, the pills are confirmed to contain Fentanyl instead of the ingredients of authentic Oxycodone.These pills are 30-50 times more powerful than heroin. Small amounts of Fentanyl are toxic, and people are dying because of ingesting this drug. Even just touching Fentanyl can put you at risk.The Wichita Police Department reminds the public that any narcotic or prescription drug not purchased with a doctor’s prescription at a legitimate pharmacy should be considered unsafe and could potentially contain Fentanyl or other harmful substances.If you believe a person has overdosed on Fentanyl, please remember:• Call 911 immediately;• Administer naloxone (Narcan) right away if available; and• Start rescue breathing.WPD recognizes the severity of Fentanyl in Wichita and remains committed to addressing the opioid crisis and arresting and prosecuting individuals illegally distributing narcotics. Anyone with information about the illegal use or sale of any drug is encouraged to call WPD SIB detectives at (316) 268-4171, Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111, or the See Something Say Something Hotline at (316) 519-2282. Also, those needing help with a drug addiction should call Sedgwick County COMCARE Addiction Treatment Services at (316) 660-1100.

Police find more counterfeit Oxycodone with Fentanyl in Kansas

Manhattan — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged criminal threat in Manhattan.

Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, officers&nbsp;filed a report for aggravated criminal threat involving a 15-year-old boy, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jason Pearson Jr., 15,&nbsp; Manhattan, is accused of making&nbsp; threats on social media. He is a student at Manhattan High School's east campus.&nbsp; The threat did not involve the school, according to police.

Police arrested him while at the Riley County Police Department on a requested charge of aggravated criminal threat.&nbsp;

Manhattan — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged criminal threat in Manhattan.Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, officers&nbsp;filed a report for aggravated criminal threat involving a 15-year-old boy, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason Pearson Jr., 15,&nbsp; Manhattan, is accused of making&nbsp; threats on social media. He is a student at Manhattan High School's east campus.&nbsp; The threat did not involve the school, according to police.Police arrested him while at the Riley County Police Department on a requested charge of aggravated criminal threat.&nbsp;Police released no additional details.

RCPD: Teen made criminal threat on social media

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on car theft charges after a chase and crash.

Just after midnight Monday,&nbsp;a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted a traffic stop near SE 27th&nbsp;Street and Adams Street for a traffic infraction, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

A 2000 Chevy Silverado, reported stolen out of Topeka, failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.&nbsp; The Silverado drove through the Hi-Crest neighborhood, east on SE 37th&nbsp;Street, and north on SE California Avenue.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the vehicle near SE 30th&nbsp;Street and California Avenue and struck a fire hydrant.&nbsp; Two occupants fled the scene but were located a short time later.&nbsp;

Deputies booked the driver of the stolen vehicle, Shaquan R. Mitchell, 18, of Topeka into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated endangering of a child, Felony flee and elude, Possession of stolen property, Leaving the scene of an accident, No driver’s license and Other traffic infractions.

A 17-year-old passenger was arrested and transported to Juvenile Detention.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581374937454.png" alt="Police at the scene of the crash photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the crash photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on car theft charges after a chase and crash.Just after midnight Monday,&nbsp;a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted a traffic stop near SE 27th&nbsp;Street and Adams Street for a traffic infraction, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.A 2000 Chevy Silverado, reported stolen out of Topeka, failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.&nbsp; The Silverado drove through the Hi-Crest neighborhood, east on SE 37th&nbsp;Street, and north on SE California Avenue.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the vehicle near SE 30th&nbsp;Street and California Avenue and struck a fire hydrant.&nbsp; Two occupants fled the scene but were located a short time later.&nbsp;Deputies booked the driver of the stolen vehicle, Shaquan R. Mitchell, 18, of Topeka into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated endangering of a child, Felony flee and elude, Possession of stolen property, Leaving the scene of an accident, No driver’s license and Other traffic infractions.A 17-year-old passenger was arrested and transported to Juvenile Detention.

Deputies arrest 2 Kansas teens after crash in stolen pickup

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas woman has been charged with sex trafficking in federal court.

Prosecutors say Kelly Lee Grounds posted dozens of ads online offering sex acts. The ads were for herself and other people offering to perform sex acts.

Grounds was arrested in September and January on suspicion of similar charges. She was initially charged in state court last fall, but those charges were dropped after she was indicted in federal court in late January.

Local prosecutors had said that Grounds posted ads on behalf of a 17-year-old who was offering to have sex in exchange for compensation.

Grounds is represented by the federal public defender’s office. Her attorney could not be reached Sunday to comment on her behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581333533364.png" alt="Kelly Grounds is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Grounds is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas woman has been charged with sex trafficking in federal court.Prosecutors say Kelly Lee Grounds posted dozens of ads online offering sex acts. The ads were for herself and other people offering to perform sex acts.Grounds was arrested in September and January on suspicion of similar charges. She was initially charged in state court last fall, but those charges were dropped after she was indicted in federal court in late January.Local prosecutors had said that Grounds posted ads on behalf of a 17-year-old who was offering to have sex in exchange for compensation.Grounds is represented by the federal public defender’s office. Her attorney could not be reached Sunday to comment on her behalf.

Prosecutor: Kansas woman used online ads offering sex acts

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

In January, police in Wichita were notified of possible sexual relations occurring between a teacher at Wichita Collegiate identified as 39-year-old Rodney Wren and a former student at Wichita Collegiate who was a teen at the time of the alleged relationship, according to officer Charley Davidson.

On Feb. 7, following the police investigation, officers arrested Wren&nbsp; for three counts of unlawful sexual relations.&nbsp;

Wichita Collegiate Officials are cooperating with the investigation and had placed Wren on administrative leave.

The case has been presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581367494229.png" alt="Rodney Wren photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rodney Wren photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teacher for alleged sex crimes.In January, police in Wichita were notified of possible sexual relations occurring between a teacher at Wichita Collegiate identified as 39-year-old Rodney Wren and a former student at Wichita Collegiate who was a teen at the time of the alleged relationship, according to officer Charley Davidson.On Feb. 7, following the police investigation, officers arrested Wren&nbsp; for three counts of unlawful sexual relations.&nbsp;Wichita Collegiate Officials are cooperating with the investigation and had placed Wren on administrative leave.The case has been presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Kan. high school teacher arrested for alleged sex with student

HUTCHINSON, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Two men are facing charges after being arrested in South Hutchinson with about 80 homemade explosive devices in their truck, law enforcement authorities said.

South Hutchinson police arrested the two 18-year-old men Saturday night after locating a truck carrying a plastic tote full of completed explosive devices and materials for unmade devices, police chief Dean Harcrow said.

Homes in the area were evacuated for several hours while police waited for federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to process the scene, The Hutchinson News reported.

Harcrow said 72 of the devices were the equivalent of a quarter stick of dynamite and 10 of them equaled a half stick of dynamite.

The suspects apparently were making the devices at a home in Reno County and selling them to individuals, he said. The men allegedly were ordering products to make the devices from the internet.

Tyler Bryce Bontrager and Andrew Hoffman were booked into the county jail on possible charges of criminal use of explosives, Harcrow said. Both men bonded out over the weekend. The Reno County District Attorney's office is awaiting police reports before determining if charges will be filed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581370788533.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Two men are facing charges after being arrested in South Hutchinson with about 80 homemade explosive devices in their truck, law enforcement authorities said.South Hutchinson police arrested the two 18-year-old men Saturday night after locating a truck carrying a plastic tote full of completed explosive devices and materials for unmade devices, police chief Dean Harcrow said.Homes in the area were evacuated for several hours while police waited for federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to process the scene, The Hutchinson News reported.Harcrow said 72 of the devices were the equivalent of a quarter stick of dynamite and 10 of them equaled a half stick of dynamite.The suspects apparently were making the devices at a home in Reno County and selling them to individuals, he said. The men allegedly were ordering products to make the devices from the internet.Tyler Bryce Bontrager and Andrew Hoffman were booked into the county jail on possible charges of criminal use of explosives, Harcrow said. Both men bonded out over the weekend. The Reno County District Attorney's office is awaiting police reports before determining if charges will be filed.

Two men arrested with 80 homemade explosives in Hutchinson

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

The Sedgwick County District attorney recently charged the case and a warrant was issued, according to Davidson.&nbsp; On Friday, police arrested 45-year-old Ricky Price. 

He is being held on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=229020">requested charges o</a>f first-degree murder, theft of property or services and criminal possession of a firearm, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581354619062.png" alt="Ricky Price photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ricky Price photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder and have a suspect in custody.Just after 5p.m. Sunday November 3, police responded to a death call at a residence in the 1300 block of South Greenwood in Wichita, according to office Charley Davidson.At the scene, a 52-year-old woman reported arriving at the home to check on 73-year-old Raymond Koob and finding him unresponsive inside.Koob was pronounced deceased on the scene and had extensive injuries to his body.The Sedgwick County District attorney recently charged the case and a warrant was issued, according to Davidson.&nbsp; On Friday, police arrested 45-year-old Ricky Price. He is being held on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=229020">requested charges o</a>f first-degree murder, theft of property or services and criminal possession of a firearm, according to online jail records.

Kan. man wanted for November murder jailed on $250,000 bond

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

On Sunday night, deputies were sent to the 100 block of East Main Street in the rural Saline County unincorporated community of Kipp after a family member of one of two girls reported Chad M. Cutbirth, 42, Kipp, fondled one of two girls and sent both obscene photos on social media, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.

Both girls age 15 and 17 are acquainted with each other and with Cutbirth, according Soldan.

Deputies arrested Cutbirth on requested charges that include indecent liberties with a child, 14 to 16 years of age; lewd fondling, Sexual exploitation of a child and Promoting obscenity to minors

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581353278843.jpeg" alt="Chad M Cutbirth photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Chad M Cutbirth photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes.On Sunday night, deputies were sent to the 100 block of East Main Street in the rural Saline County unincorporated community of Kipp after a family member of one of two girls reported Chad M. Cutbirth, 42, Kipp, fondled one of two girls and sent both obscene photos on social media, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.Both girls age 15 and 17 are acquainted with each other and with Cutbirth, according Soldan.Deputies arrested Cutbirth on requested charges that include indecent liberties with a child, 14 to 16 years of age; lewd fondling, Sexual exploitation of a child and Promoting obscenity to minors

Sheriff: Kan. man allegedly sent obscene images to girls on social media

VINITA, Okla. (AP) — A March 26 preliminary hearing has been set for a Kansas man charged in the 1999 deaths of an Oklahoma couple and the disappearance and presumed deaths of their teenage daughter and her friend.

Craig County Court records show the hearing was scheduled Friday for Ronnie Dean Busick, 68, who is charged with killing Danny Freeman and Kathy Freeman, 16-year-old Ashley Freeman and 16-year-old Lauria Bible.

Busick was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e67f5e546c015921da13b34f4b2cc7e">found competent</a>&nbsp;for trial in December. He has denied any involvement in the case or knowledge of where the girls are.

The bodies of Danny and Kathy Freeman were found in the burned rubble of their mobile home in Welch, about 70 miles northeast of Tulsa.

The two girls have never been found despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4b4ba6575e33f67906a01bddd82ec150">numerous searches.</a>

Ronnie Dean Busick, 68, of Wichita was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d4e1e525f4f0452f997c4cc62c3202f9">arrested and charged</a>&nbsp;in 2018 with four counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of arson in the case.

Authorities have said two other suspects in the case are now dead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576360772308.png" alt=" Ronnie Dean Busick photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption> Ronnie Dean Busick photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>VINITA, Okla. (AP) — A March 26 preliminary hearing has been set for a Kansas man charged in the 1999 deaths of an Oklahoma couple and the disappearance and presumed deaths of their teenage daughter and her friend.Craig County Court records show the hearing was scheduled Friday for Ronnie Dean Busick, 68, who is charged with killing Danny Freeman and Kathy Freeman, 16-year-old Ashley Freeman and 16-year-old Lauria Bible.Busick was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e67f5e546c015921da13b34f4b2cc7e">found competent</a>&nbsp;for trial in December. He has denied any involvement in the case or knowledge of where the girls are.The bodies of Danny and Kathy Freeman were found in the burned rubble of their mobile home in Welch, about 70 miles northeast of Tulsa.The two girls have never been found despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4b4ba6575e33f67906a01bddd82ec150">numerous searches.</a>Ronnie Dean Busick, 68, of Wichita was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d4e1e525f4f0452f997c4cc62c3202f9">arrested and charged</a>&nbsp;in 2018 with four counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of arson in the case.Authorities have said two other suspects in the case are now dead.

Hearing set for Kan. man in murder of 2 adults, 2 girls

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend accident on the Kansas Turnpike.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a vehicle hitting a building on the Kansas Turnpike at the east Topeka Toll Plaza, according to Deputy Andrew Mergen.&nbsp;

At the scene deputies discovered a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C 300 driven by Nathan L. Tennant, 29, had hit a building owned by the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

&nbsp;Tennant, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.&nbsp; He was cleared by medical personnel on scene and arrested for DUI and Transporting an Open Container of Liquor, according to Mergen.

The Shawnee Heights Fire Department, the City of Topeka Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581335184737.png" alt="Tennant photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Tennant photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend accident on the Kansas Turnpike.Just after 2a.m. Sunday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a vehicle hitting a building on the Kansas Turnpike at the east Topeka Toll Plaza, according to Deputy Andrew Mergen.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581335067866.png" alt="Sunday morning crash scene <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Car-hits-KTA-building-at-east-Topeka-toll-plaza-567708191.html">photo courtesy WIBW TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Sunday morning crash scene <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Car-hits-KTA-building-at-east-Topeka-toll-plaza-567708191.html">photo courtesy WIBW TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene deputies discovered a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C 300 driven by Nathan L. Tennant, 29, had hit a building owned by the Kansas Turnpike Authority.&nbsp;Tennant, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.&nbsp; He was cleared by medical personnel on scene and arrested for DUI and Transporting an Open Container of Liquor, according to Mergen.The Shawnee Heights Fire Department, the City of Topeka Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to the scene.

Driver arrested after toll plaza crash on Kansas turnpike

JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects for alleged sex crimes.

&nbsp;On February 6, deputeis arrested two men were in Holton as a result of a joint human trafficking operation conducted by deputies and detectives of the Jackson County and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Offices, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

David Andrew Graham II, 50, of Carbondale, Kansas and Bruce Dunlap Rinkes, 64, of Holton were arrested by deputies. Graham and Rinkes were booked into the Jackson County Jail on buying sexual relations and unlawful use of a communication facility. Both men were released on bond Friday.

A third man identified as David Lee Jones 69, Holton, was arrested on February 4, on a Jackson County District Court warrant on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14 years of age, and for promoting obscenity to a minor. 

The warrant was issued as a result of an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and Detectives served a search warrant on Jones’ residence located at 307 Vermont Street in Holton on January 21, 2020. Jones remains in the Jackson County Jail with bond set at $100,000.00.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581093683754.png" alt="Bruce Dunlap Rinkes photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bruce Dunlap Rinkes photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects for alleged sex crimes.&nbsp;On February 6, deputeis arrested two men were in Holton as a result of a joint human trafficking operation conducted by deputies and detectives of the Jackson County and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Offices, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581093761082.png" alt="David Andrew Graham II photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>David Andrew Graham II photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>David Andrew Graham II, 50, of Carbondale, Kansas and Bruce Dunlap Rinkes, 64, of Holton were arrested by deputies. Graham and Rinkes were booked into the Jackson County Jail on buying sexual relations and unlawful use of a communication facility. Both men were released on bond Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581093609105.png" alt="David L. Jones photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>David L. Jones photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A third man identified as David Lee Jones 69, Holton, was arrested on February 4, on a Jackson County District Court warrant on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14 years of age, and for promoting obscenity to a minor. The warrant was issued as a result of an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and Detectives served a search warrant on Jones’ residence located at 307 Vermont Street in Holton on January 21, 2020. Jones remains in the Jackson County Jail with bond set at $100,000.00.

Sheriff: 3 Kansas men arrested following sex crime investigations

MANHATTAN —A 27-year-old man is confined in the Riley County Jail after three local businesses were burglarized Friday night in Manhattan.

Just after 12:30a.m., officers arrested Oliver Henry, 27, in the 1800 Block of Claflin during an attempted burglary at Kellstrom Pharmacy. 

The Shop Quik located in the 1100 block of Scenic Landing and Candlewood Health Mart located in the 3200 block of Kimball were burglarized a short time earlier. It is believed all three incidents are connected.&nbsp;

Henry is being held on on a $15,000 bond on requested charges that include three counts of criminal damage to property, 2 counts of burglary and attempted burglary.&nbsp;

Police also thanked the citizen who called in to 911 to report suspicious activity at Kellstroms so officers could quickly respond.

MANHATTAN —A 27-year-old man is confined in the Riley County Jail after three local businesses were burglarized Friday night in Manhattan.Just after 12:30a.m., officers arrested Oliver Henry, 27, in the 1800 Block of Claflin during an attempted burglary at Kellstrom Pharmacy. The Shop Quik located in the 1100 block of Scenic Landing and Candlewood Health Mart located in the 3200 block of Kimball were burglarized a short time earlier. It is believed all three incidents are connected.&nbsp;Henry is being held on on a $15,000 bond on requested charges that include three counts of criminal damage to property, 2 counts of burglary and attempted burglary.&nbsp;Police also thanked the citizen who called in to 911 to report suspicious activity at Kellstroms so officers could quickly respond.

Citizen's call helped RCPD catch Manhattan burglary suspect 

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) —In the wake of revelations that scores of Roman Catholic priests and religious workers credibly accused of child sexual abuse are living unsupervised in communities across the country, state officials face a quandary: Should they screen former clergy members who seek licenses for jobs that put them in contact with children? And, if so, how?

An Associated Press investigation last fall found nearly 200 accused clergy members had been granted teaching, mental health or social work licenses, with roughly six dozen still holding valid licenses to work in those fields in 2019.

Since then, at least 20 states have started using church-released lists of priests and employees who faced credible allegations to screen applicants or check for current state teaching, foster care and therapy licenses -- and, in some cases, have revoked credentials.

As part of the church’s attempt to be more transparent about its ongoing sexual abuse crisis, more than 170 dioceses and religious orders have publicly released lists of clergy members they found to be credibly accused of abuses ranging from rape to child pornography.

Over 5,300 priests, clergy members and a handful of lay employees -- more than 2,000 of them still living -- are on the lists. But because most were never convicted of a crime, the allegations of child abuse never appeared in licensing background checks, the AP’s investigation revealed.

Church and law enforcement officials have said there is little they can do to monitor or restrict the nearly 1,700 mostly former clergy members the AP found living without supervision because many voluntarily left the church or were laicized, which means they are permanently restricted from the priesthood and return to private citizenship.

For close to two decades, the group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has been advocating for church officials to report allegations to law enforcement, child protection and other state agencies, but it says state agencies haven’t figured out their role in responding to the clergy abuse scandal.

“These agencies need to refocus their priorities,” said David Clohessy, the former executive director of SNAP, who now leads the group’s St. Louis chapter. “They’re here to protect the public from predators, not to make getting a license to be a shrink or doctor easier.”

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) —In the wake of revelations that scores of Roman Catholic priests and religious workers credibly accused of child sexual abuse are living unsupervised in communities across the country, state officials face a quandary: Should they screen former clergy members who seek licenses for jobs that put them in contact with children? And, if so, how?An Associated Press investigation last fall found nearly 200 accused clergy members had been granted teaching, mental health or social work licenses, with roughly six dozen still holding valid licenses to work in those fields in 2019.Since then, at least 20 states have started using church-released lists of priests and employees who faced credible allegations to screen applicants or check for current state teaching, foster care and therapy licenses -- and, in some cases, have revoked credentials.As part of the church’s attempt to be more transparent about its ongoing sexual abuse crisis, more than 170 dioceses and religious orders have publicly released lists of clergy members they found to be credibly accused of abuses ranging from rape to child pornography.Over 5,300 priests, clergy members and a handful of lay employees -- more than 2,000 of them still living -- are on the lists. But because most were never convicted of a crime, the allegations of child abuse never appeared in licensing background checks, the AP’s investigation revealed.Church and law enforcement officials have said there is little they can do to monitor or restrict the nearly 1,700 mostly former clergy members the AP found living without supervision because many voluntarily left the church or were laicized, which means they are permanently restricted from the priesthood and return to private citizenship.For close to two decades, the group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has been advocating for church officials to report allegations to law enforcement, child protection and other state agencies, but it says state agencies haven’t figured out their role in responding to the clergy abuse scandal.“These agencies need to refocus their priorities,” said David Clohessy, the former executive director of SNAP, who now leads the group’s St. Louis chapter. “They’re here to protect the public from predators, not to make getting a license to be a shrink or doctor easier.”AP reporters called agencies in all 50 states, determining that dozens have started discussions, checked their lists of licenses for named clergy or begun using the diocesan lists released in their areas to flag applications.The license reviews and background check changes have come across all areas of state licensing -- from foster care to education boards – in states ranging from New Hampshire to Oklahoma.In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the state Department of Job and Family Services to review how county-level child service agencies and private placement agencies could incorporate the diocesan lists into background checks used to determine where children are placed. A spokesman for DeWine said the directive came after the AP published its investigation, calling the action “warranted to protect Ohio’s children.”Conducting a comprehensive review is complicated because no official national master database of accused clergy exists, meaning states have to choose how many of the more than 170 lists to consult.Pennsylvania’s education licensing department has conducted perhaps the most comprehensive search of its licensing database, checking for nearly 500 clergy members’ names that were released in three state or local grand jury reports over the last decade— including the landmark 2018 Pennsylvania attorney general’s grand jury report that looked at how abuse allegations were handled in six dioceses.The department revoked or accepted the surrender of three licenses from former clergy members and is investigating a dozen other licensees.. But the first effort did not encompass lay church employees named on diocesan lists and former priests who might have moved to Pennsylvania from other states and sought licenses.Dylan Klapmeier, spokesman for the Montana Department of Public Instruction, said his agency checked its list of credentialed teachers against the names issued by two Montana dioceses and found no matches. He lamented the lack of a national list to further consult, noting that “there are lots of places to hide here.”For many education or licensing departments, using the diocesan lists can be difficult because of state statutes governing what can be considered when deciding to issue or revoke a license. Some agencies allow only for criminal background checks, while others also permit a check of the state’s child abuse and neglect database.Most of those databases include allegations child abuse investigators found to be most likely true, even if they were not prosecuted. It’s one of the few ways allegations against a priest could appear in background checks without criminal charges, though it was unclear from the diocesan lists if all church-related allegations were reported to state child abuse officials.Joseph Smack, spokesman for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, said his department is looking at the allegations against the priests listed by the Wilmington Diocese to determine if any of them should be placed on the Child Protection Registry. Once on that registry, a background check would indicate the accused priest was unsuitable to become a foster parent.The AP investigation found a handful of accused priests who adopted or fostered children, even after accusations drove them from active ministry – a group that is likely larger since, to protect the privacy of children in the system, there is no searchable database for foster care licenses.A half-dozen child and family services departments responsible for licensing and screening foster parents -- including those in New Hampshire, Oklahoma and New Mexico – told the AP that they have checked the local diocesan lists to see if any former priests were approved foster care providers.Debra Johnson, director of communications for the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Family, said her department is in the process of overhauling how it performs background checks on potential foster parents and may now include the issue of former priests in the equation.“It’s concerning that there is no system — that these individuals do not have some level of monitoring that would protect other children from being harmed or potentially being harmed,” she said.Among license-providers, it’s easiest for state education departments to use the lists to remove licenses or background new applicants.At least 20 state educational licensing agencies the AP contacted had checked the credibly accused clergy lists released in their states against the rosters of licensed school workers, with at least eight finding former priests with active or expired licenses. Many of those states have acted to remove those licenses or put holds on them to prevent their renewal.Most states declined to name the individuals they had asked to surrender licenses or to say whether any would be revoked, citing privacy statutes for disciplinary processes.The advocacy group Stop Educator Sexual Abuse Misconduct and Exploitation, also known as SESAME, has been advocating for stricter state laws that would require reporting of sexual abuse, grooming behaviors and other misconduct by school employees and contractors to prevent them from jumping to new positions in different districts or states without unprosecuted allegations against them being known.SESAME President Terri Miller said she sees similarities between how abusive priests were transferred between parishes and the movements of accused educators her group is trying to prevent.“It makes complete sense that priests who abused children would migrate to other areas where they can access youth and, unless we pass laws that mandate reporting of any sexual misconduct and stop the passing of trash to other districts, we aren’t going to be able to guarantee that children are safe,” she said.Massachusetts is among more than 30 states that don’t require a conviction to launch disciplinary investigations into the past actions of teachers, guidance counselors or others licensed to work in public schools.Jacqueline Reis, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, said people named on diocesan lists are investigated when those lists are provided to the department.“For instance, when we learned that one of our employees was among those listed by the St. Louis Archdiocese, we checked the other names on that list, too,” Reis said.Keith Westrich, the state’s former associate commissioner for college, career and technical education, was named by the St. Louis Archdiocese last year as having a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor made against him when he was a priest there in the early 1980s. Shortly after, Massachusetts’ education department placed Westrich on leave and launched an investigation. He has since retired, and a message left at a phone number listed for him was not returned.It is much harder for mental health, social worker or psychology licensing boards to consider unprosecuted allegations during background checks or for removing a license. Only a handful of the boards that responded to the AP’s questions said they could consider the diocesan lists as part of a background check.“With no conviction, I don’t believe our administrative rules would allow us,” said Tony Alden, executive for the boards of behavioral science and social work in Iowa.But staff at several mental health professional licensing boards said they could investigate a complaint alleging previous child sexual abuse to decide whether to remove or sanction a licensed professional. Many said lying on an application that asked candidates to self-report previous allegations would be cause for removal.While most states have not yet considered law changes, at least 20 state attorneys general are conducting investigations of how church officials handled abuse allegations, including reporting them to civil law enforcement, largely in the wake of Pennsylvania’s 2018 grand jury report.In its 50-state review, the AP asked the attorneys general if they had considered how states could use the lists of credibly accused clergy members to better protect children.Some said they wanted to focus on investigating any possible criminal charges, but others said they have started to consider the role they could play in eliminating the gray area for people who have been credibly accused but not prosecuted. The AP investigation published in October explored the case of former priest Roger Sinclair, who had been accused of abuse in at least two other states but who had never been criminally charged when he moved to Oregon, where he was arrested and convicted for abusing a vulnerable adult.Oregon’s attorney general, Ellen Rosenblum, said her office was looking at appropriate next steps.“This AP story … sheds light on an important aspect of clergy sexual abuse horrors—how easy it has been to continue the abuse in other states from where the initial offending conduct occurred,” Rosenblum said. “That is absolutely unacceptable, and the fact that the Sinclair case occurred right here in Oregon drives home the importance of addressing this issue.”___