COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a standoff at the police department Sunday in Arkansas City.

Just before 1p.m., a suspect later identified as Douglas R. Gleaves, 38, rural Cowley County entered the lobby of the police department and struck the interior door to the secured part of the police department with a long-handled ax, according to Police Chief Dan Ward.

Officers responding to the incident saw Gleaves outside with the ax, yelling at them, so they called for backup and secured an outer perimeter. Downtown was cordoned off for two blocks in each direction.

Officers attempted to talk Gleaves down for quite some time as other agencies arrived to assist, according to Ward.

At 3:14 p.m., Gleaves exited the building and was subdued using a Taser. Nobody was injured during the arrest, according to Ward.

Gleaves was treated and released at the scene by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department and then transported by police to South Central Kansas Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.

Ward said requested charges against Gleaves&nbsp; will include aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property and criminal threat.

South Central Kansas SWAT, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the standoff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586167961680.png" alt="Gleaves had 3 previous convictions for DUI, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Gleaves had 3 previous convictions for DUI, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a standoff at the police department Sunday in Arkansas City.Just before 1p.m., a suspect later identified as Douglas R. Gleaves, 38, rural Cowley County entered the lobby of the police department and struck the interior door to the secured part of the police department with a long-handled ax, according to Police Chief Dan Ward.Officers responding to the incident saw Gleaves outside with the ax, yelling at them, so they called for backup and secured an outer perimeter. Downtown was cordoned off for two blocks in each direction.Officers attempted to talk Gleaves down for quite some time as other agencies arrived to assist, according to Ward.At 3:14 p.m., Gleaves exited the building and was subdued using a Taser. Nobody was injured during the arrest, according to Ward.Gleaves was treated and released at the scene by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department and then transported by police to South Central Kansas Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.Ward said requested charges against Gleaves&nbsp; will include aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property and criminal threat.South Central Kansas SWAT, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the standoff.

Man jailed after ax standoff at Kansas police department

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old D’Angelo L. Payne of Topeka.

Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Police located Payne who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

Police located an adult male who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Ekis did not release the victim's name or additional details early Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586089549173.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old D’Angelo L. Payne of Topeka.Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Police located Payne who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Police located an adult male who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Ekis did not release the victim's name or additional details early Sunday.

Update: Police ID Kan. man who died after shooting, vehicle crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects&nbsp;following a car stop, brief vehicle pursuit and search early Friday.

Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;2 a.m., a Sheriff’s Office deputy made contact with a 2006 Chrysler 300 near SE Blair Street and SE 25th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

During the investigation, the driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. The deputy chased the suspect who quickly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver was identified as Tyrik A. Akpabio, 27, of Topeka and had multiple felony warrants for his arrest, according to Christian.

Through the investigation, it was determined that Akpabio had connections with a residence in the 2400 block of SE Alamar Road. A search of the residence lead to the location and arrest of Akpabio for three felony warrants and multiple other charges.

Deputies also arrested Dinah J. Koeppen, 57, of Topeka was arrested for obstructing apprehension or prosecution of a felony suspect.

Akpabio and Koeppen were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586051026220.png" alt="Koeppen-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Koeppen-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects&nbsp;following a car stop, brief vehicle pursuit and search early Friday.Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;2 a.m., a Sheriff’s Office deputy made contact with a 2006 Chrysler 300 near SE Blair Street and SE 25th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. The deputy chased the suspect who quickly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver was identified as Tyrik A. Akpabio, 27, of Topeka and had multiple felony warrants for his arrest, according to Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586050896412.png" alt="Akpabio" />
 <figcaption>Akpabio</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the investigation, it was determined that Akpabio had connections with a residence in the 2400 block of SE Alamar Road. A search of the residence lead to the location and arrest of Akpabio for three felony warrants and multiple other charges.Deputies also arrested Dinah J. Koeppen, 57, of Topeka was arrested for obstructing apprehension or prosecution of a felony suspect.Akpabio and Koeppen were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Kansas woman accused of preventing arrest of a felony suspect

NEW YORK (AP) — Despite state and local limits on public gatherings, some faith leaders have persisted in holding in-person services -- a matter of religious freedom, they say, as the nation approached its fourth Sunday battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The most high-profile clash over in-person worship – and crowd limits designed to stop the virus’ spread -- came in Florida, where Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested Monday for violating a county order by hosting a large number of congregants at his Tampa church.

Howard-Browne said after his release he would move future worship online, but the county later ended its effort to apply limits on large gatherings to religious services after a statewide order described religious gatherings as essential.

Law enforcement officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3248693c8b52f19c3a40625eb1a754ec">in Louisiana</a>&nbsp;and Maryland took separate action this week against pastors who continue to hold in-person services in the face of stay-home orders in most states.

But more than a half-dozen of those state orders provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f43faf0dbb54cbda06564fe34b100301">a degree of exemption</a>&nbsp;for religious activity, underscoring the political sensitivity of the decisions being made by states and localities. Vice President Mike Pence said this week that churches should not host groups bigger than 10 people.

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would be watching Palm Sunday services broadcast from Riverside, Calif., from a laptop. “People are watching on computers and laptops,” Trump said. “It’s sad.”

Trump said he asked about endorsing the idea of people being able to gather outside for services on Easter Sunday if they practice social distancing, but recalled being told “Do we want to take a chance on doing that when we have been doing so well?” Trump earlier said that “my biggest disappointment is that churches can’t meet in a time of need.”

The application of guidance on the ground has raised questions for some faith leaders.

Pastor Alvin Gwynn Sr., of Baltimore’s Friendship Baptist Church, said that police tried to halt services at his church on Sunday even though he had limited in-person attendance to 10 people.

Gwynn said in an interview that he still plans to hold in-person Easter services, citing the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of worship and assembly. Baltimore has “been through a lot” in recent years, said Gwynn, who leads a local ministers’ group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e56d41e0113643dd9871d49133cd4e3f">that criticized</a>&nbsp;the city’s police department leadership in 2015 following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.

“Which is safer, in the church with potential virus, or go out the door and catch a bullet?” Gwynn said.

Instructions for church gatherings in Maryland have been issued piecemeal. State guidance dated Monday described houses of worship as non-essential under a stay-home order issued by Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan that allowing them only to conduct “minimal operations.” But&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-09.pdf" target="_blank">follow-up guidance</a>&nbsp;dated Wednesday states that “in-person services” can be held with 10 or fewer people.

In Florida, attorneys at the Christian legal nonprofit representing Howard-Browne&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/040220-hillsborough-county-reverses-and-recognizes-churches-as-essential" target="_blank">tabled their plans</a>&nbsp;to file a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the county order used against him after the county reversed course.

“Instead of using a scalpel to address this, they’re using a chainsaw,” said Liberty Counsel founder Mathew Staver, who added that executive orders designed to limit gatherings during the pandemic were “flying off printers and being signed by government officials with no constitutional readiness.”

On Wednesday, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-91-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">stay-home order</a>&nbsp;describing religious services as essential, followed by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-92.pdf" target="_blank">second order</a>&nbsp;that overrides any localities’ conflicting guidelines — an edict that could impede local attempts to shut down future large worship services.

Elsewhere, Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott also described religious services as essential in his order to limit gatherings during the pandemic. In Georgia, where some of the state’s worst virus outbreaks have been linked to large religious services, GOP Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday issued a stay-home order that states no faith-based gathering can occur with more than 10 people unless they keep a six-foot distance.

While some faith leaders who continue to hold in-person services have pointed to their First Amendment rights, including Ohio’s Solid Rock megachurch, it’s not clear that their activity during the pandemic would be legally protected.

State or local governments would be “constitutionally justified” in including houses of worship in their closure orders during a public health emergency as long as those orders are “generally applicable,” said John Inazu, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis who studies the First Amendment.

But the burden shifts if a government attempts to stop a church from holding services with less than 10 people while allowing secular businesses to operate under the same conditions, Inazu added: “There, I think there’s a very plausible religious freedom claim.”

Before issuing his order, Kemp held two calls with hundreds of clergy from across Georgia, urging houses of worship to stream services online or implement other social distancing measures, like holding drive-up services where people listen from their cars.

Most religious services across the country have already moved online.

“We’re making the best of a bad situation. It’s going to be devastating in the short term,” said Todd Gaddis, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia, referring to the loss of donations from in-person services. “But I’m confident there will be spiritual dividends in the long run.”

And the Trump administration’s entreaties for churches to stop meeting in person extended beyond the White House. Sam Brownback, the president’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.”

Brownback, a Catholic, said that he’s skipped Mass for “several weeks, and it’s the longest period I’ve gone without going to Mass. And I think people should be doing this to stop the spread of the virus.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586052372246.png" alt="Former Kansas governor Sam Brownback, President Trump’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.” -photo courtesy U.S. State Department" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas governor Sam Brownback, President Trump’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.” -photo courtesy U.S. State Department</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Despite state and local limits on public gatherings, some faith leaders have persisted in holding in-person services -- a matter of religious freedom, they say, as the nation approached its fourth Sunday battling the coronavirus pandemic.The most high-profile clash over in-person worship – and crowd limits designed to stop the virus’ spread -- came in Florida, where Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested Monday for violating a county order by hosting a large number of congregants at his Tampa church.Howard-Browne said after his release he would move future worship online, but the county later ended its effort to apply limits on large gatherings to religious services after a statewide order described religious gatherings as essential.Law enforcement officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3248693c8b52f19c3a40625eb1a754ec">in Louisiana</a>&nbsp;and Maryland took separate action this week against pastors who continue to hold in-person services in the face of stay-home orders in most states.But more than a half-dozen of those state orders provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f43faf0dbb54cbda06564fe34b100301">a degree of exemption</a>&nbsp;for religious activity, underscoring the political sensitivity of the decisions being made by states and localities. Vice President Mike Pence said this week that churches should not host groups bigger than 10 people.President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would be watching Palm Sunday services broadcast from Riverside, Calif., from a laptop. “People are watching on computers and laptops,” Trump said. “It’s sad.”Trump said he asked about endorsing the idea of people being able to gather outside for services on Easter Sunday if they practice social distancing, but recalled being told “Do we want to take a chance on doing that when we have been doing so well?” Trump earlier said that “my biggest disappointment is that churches can’t meet in a time of need.”The application of guidance on the ground has raised questions for some faith leaders.Pastor Alvin Gwynn Sr., of Baltimore’s Friendship Baptist Church, said that police tried to halt services at his church on Sunday even though he had limited in-person attendance to 10 people.Gwynn said in an interview that he still plans to hold in-person Easter services, citing the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of worship and assembly. Baltimore has “been through a lot” in recent years, said Gwynn, who leads a local ministers’ group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e56d41e0113643dd9871d49133cd4e3f">that criticized</a>&nbsp;the city’s police department leadership in 2015 following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.“Which is safer, in the church with potential virus, or go out the door and catch a bullet?” Gwynn said.Instructions for church gatherings in Maryland have been issued piecemeal. State guidance dated Monday described houses of worship as non-essential under a stay-home order issued by Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan that allowing them only to conduct “minimal operations.” But&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-09.pdf" target="_blank">follow-up guidance</a>&nbsp;dated Wednesday states that “in-person services” can be held with 10 or fewer people.In Florida, attorneys at the Christian legal nonprofit representing Howard-Browne&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/040220-hillsborough-county-reverses-and-recognizes-churches-as-essential" target="_blank">tabled their plans</a>&nbsp;to file a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the county order used against him after the county reversed course.“Instead of using a scalpel to address this, they’re using a chainsaw,” said Liberty Counsel founder Mathew Staver, who added that executive orders designed to limit gatherings during the pandemic were “flying off printers and being signed by government officials with no constitutional readiness.”On Wednesday, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-91-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">stay-home order</a>&nbsp;describing religious services as essential, followed by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-92.pdf" target="_blank">second order</a>&nbsp;that overrides any localities’ conflicting guidelines — an edict that could impede local attempts to shut down future large worship services.Elsewhere, Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott also described religious services as essential in his order to limit gatherings during the pandemic. In Georgia, where some of the state’s worst virus outbreaks have been linked to large religious services, GOP Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday issued a stay-home order that states no faith-based gathering can occur with more than 10 people unless they keep a six-foot distance.While some faith leaders who continue to hold in-person services have pointed to their First Amendment rights, including Ohio’s Solid Rock megachurch, it’s not clear that their activity during the pandemic would be legally protected.State or local governments would be “constitutionally justified” in including houses of worship in their closure orders during a public health emergency as long as those orders are “generally applicable,” said John Inazu, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis who studies the First Amendment.But the burden shifts if a government attempts to stop a church from holding services with less than 10 people while allowing secular businesses to operate under the same conditions, Inazu added: “There, I think there’s a very plausible religious freedom claim.”Before issuing his order, Kemp held two calls with hundreds of clergy from across Georgia, urging houses of worship to stream services online or implement other social distancing measures, like holding drive-up services where people listen from their cars.Most religious services across the country have already moved online.“We’re making the best of a bad situation. It’s going to be devastating in the short term,” said Todd Gaddis, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia, referring to the loss of donations from in-person services. “But I’m confident there will be spiritual dividends in the long run.”And the Trump administration’s entreaties for churches to stop meeting in person extended beyond the White House. Sam Brownback, the president’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.”Brownback, a Catholic, said that he’s skipped Mass for “several weeks, and it’s the longest period I’ve gone without going to Mass. And I think people should be doing this to stop the spread of the virus.”—-

New coronavirus limits bring new religious freedom tension

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after an early morning traffic stop.

Just after 1 a.m. Friday, a Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a 2003 Dodge Neon near SE Burton Street and SE 34th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The vehicle had two occupants inside. Deputies arrested Gregory S. Raby, 29, of Topeka for driving while license suspended, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 requiring individuals to remain in their residence.

Colby R. Allen (34) of Topeka was arrested for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 requiring individuals to remain in their residence.

Both were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586049002165.png" alt="Raby photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Raby photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after an early morning traffic stop.Just after 1 a.m. Friday, a Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a 2003 Dodge Neon near SE Burton Street and SE 34th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The vehicle had two occupants inside. Deputies arrested Gregory S. Raby, 29, of Topeka for driving while license suspended, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 requiring individuals to remain in their residence.Colby R. Allen (34) of Topeka was arrested for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 requiring individuals to remain in their residence.Both were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections

Sheriff: Kan. man jailed on drug charge, violation of stay-at-home order 

COWLEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a fatal shooting and are asking the public for help to locate the suspect.

The victim in the shooting&nbsp; identified as Jonathan Martinez, 28, Arkansas City,&nbsp; died from the gunshot wound he sustained after being transported by air ambulance Friday afternoon to a Wichita hospital.

The investigation has identified the shooting suspect as Christopher Robert Henry, 37, of Wichita, according Police Chief Dan Ward.

“We believe Henry is no longer in our community and is likely in the Wichita area,” said Ward. 

“A warrant for Hentry's arrest has been obtained and we are working with the Wichita Police department to locate him. Henry should be considered armed and dangerous.”

Henry and Martinez knew each other, and Ward said this was not a random shooting or “road rage.”

The Arkansas City Police Department was able to identify Henry quickly due to the teamwork and assistance of the public and several other law enforcement agencies, including the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Wichita Police Department. He has a previous conviction for aggravated battery in Lyon County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Anyone with information on Henry’s whereabouts should immediately contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586041806433.png" alt="Henry- photo Arkansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Henry- photo Arkansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a fatal shooting and are asking the public for help to locate the suspect.The victim in the shooting&nbsp; identified as Jonathan Martinez, 28, Arkansas City,&nbsp; died from the gunshot wound he sustained after being transported by air ambulance Friday afternoon to a Wichita hospital.The investigation has identified the shooting suspect as Christopher Robert Henry, 37, of Wichita, according Police Chief Dan Ward.“We believe Henry is no longer in our community and is likely in the Wichita area,” said Ward. “A warrant for Hentry's arrest has been obtained and we are working with the Wichita Police department to locate him. Henry should be considered armed and dangerous.”Henry and Martinez knew each other, and Ward said this was not a random shooting or “road rage.”The Arkansas City Police Department was able to identify Henry quickly due to the teamwork and assistance of the public and several other law enforcement agencies, including the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Wichita Police Department. He has a previous conviction for aggravated battery in Lyon County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Anyone with information on Henry’s whereabouts should immediately contact police.

Police ask for help to locate wanted Kan. felon for fatal shooting

SCOTT COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a second man in connection with alleged criminal threat involving coronavirus in Scott County.

Just before 10:30 a.m. Thursday, police with the assistance of the Scott County Sheriff's Office arrested Dominic Daniel Edson, 19, with Conspiracy to commit terrorism, criminal threat and assault.

This arrest was due to his involvement at the incident on March 31, at Dollar General involving a man telling an 11-year-old girl he was going to give her corona and coughed in her face, according to Police Chief David Post.

Just before 11p.m.&nbsp; Monday, officers arrested Chance Archie Seamans, 31, Scott City for Terrorism and Criminal Threat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Edson and Seamans remain jailed in Scott County. Edson is being held on a bond of $100,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585969636955.png" alt="Edson -photo Scott Co." />
 <figcaption>Edson -photo Scott Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a second man in connection with alleged criminal threat involving coronavirus in Scott County.Just before 10:30 a.m. Thursday, police with the assistance of the Scott County Sheriff's Office arrested Dominic Daniel Edson, 19, with Conspiracy to commit terrorism, criminal threat and assault.This arrest was due to his involvement at the incident on March 31, at Dollar General involving a man telling an 11-year-old girl he was going to give her corona and coughed in her face, according to Police Chief David Post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585749576027.png" alt="Seamans photo Scott County" />
 <figcaption>Seamans photo Scott County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 11p.m.&nbsp; Monday, officers arrested Chance Archie Seamans, 31, Scott City for Terrorism and Criminal Threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;Edson and Seamans remain jailed in Scott County. Edson is being held on a bond of $100,000.

2nd Kan. man jailed in threat to spread coronavirus to 11-year-old

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash and fire and have made an arrest.

Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, 911 dispatch was notified about a vehicle on fire, at approximately 7500 W. 101st&nbsp;Street North, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;

 Sedgwick County Sheriff Deputies arrived along with the Sedgwick County Fire Department and observed a Dodge truck on its side fully engulfed in flames. 

After the fire was extinguished, an unknown person was located in the pickup, and pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

The preliminary investigation into the accident appears the truck was originally south bound on Ridge Road, entered the field on the west side of Ridge.&nbsp; The truck hit the ditch on 101st&nbsp;Street North and the driver lost control. The truck rolled into the south ditch. The name of the passenger is not being released at this time pending positive identification and notification to family. &nbsp;

On Wednesday, deputies arrested Russeller W. Polk, 43,&nbsp; Wichita, and booked him in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility for 2nd Degree Murder, according to Easter. Authorities believe Polk was driving at the time of the crash and that the victim was still alive when Polk fled the scene.&nbsp;

Polk remains jailed on a bond of $100,000, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=37055">according to online jail records.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585864808889.png" alt="Polk photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Polk photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash and fire and have made an arrest.Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, 911 dispatch was notified about a vehicle on fire, at approximately 7500 W. 101st&nbsp;Street North, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp; Sedgwick County Sheriff Deputies arrived along with the Sedgwick County Fire Department and observed a Dodge truck on its side fully engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, an unknown person was located in the pickup, and pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;The preliminary investigation into the accident appears the truck was originally south bound on Ridge Road, entered the field on the west side of Ridge.&nbsp; The truck hit the ditch on 101st&nbsp;Street North and the driver lost control. The truck rolled into the south ditch. The name of the passenger is not being released at this time pending positive identification and notification to family. &nbsp;On Wednesday, deputies arrested Russeller W. Polk, 43,&nbsp; Wichita, and booked him in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility for 2nd Degree Murder, according to Easter. Authorities believe Polk was driving at the time of the crash and that the victim was still alive when Polk fled the scene.&nbsp;Polk remains jailed on a bond of $100,000, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=37055">according to online jail records.</a>

Kan. man accused of leaving passenger to die in crash, fire

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

Just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a residential robbery call at a home in the 3200 block of South Bluelake in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 37-year-old man and 36-year-old woman resident of the home told police they woke up and found a 17-year-old inside their home.&nbsp; 

The suspect pointed a handgun at them that he had taken while inside the house and fled on foot.&nbsp; No one was injured.

It was discovered the handgun and a wallet were missing from the home.

Through the investigation, officers learned of the 17-year-old’s involvement in the aggravated burglary.&nbsp; He was located at a home nearby was arrested without further incident on requested charges of aggravated residential burglary, theft, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Davidson. Police&nbsp;were able to recover the victim’s wallet.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a teen suspect in custody.Just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a residential robbery call at a home in the 3200 block of South Bluelake in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 37-year-old man and 36-year-old woman resident of the home told police they woke up and found a 17-year-old inside their home.&nbsp; The suspect pointed a handgun at them that he had taken while inside the house and fled on foot.&nbsp; No one was injured.It was discovered the handgun and a wallet were missing from the home.Through the investigation, officers learned of the 17-year-old’s involvement in the aggravated burglary.&nbsp; He was located at a home nearby was arrested without further incident on requested charges of aggravated residential burglary, theft, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Davidson. Police&nbsp;were able to recover the victim’s wallet.

Teen burglary suspect woke up sleeping Kansas couple 

PARSONS, Kan. (AP) — A woman is jailed after she allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence in Parsons this week. 

Police say 29-year-old William Treiber, of St. Paul, died when he was hit Wednesday night as he walked in the shoulder of a highway in Parsons. 

&nbsp;Tiffany Jakee, 29, of Parsons, is jailed in the Labette County jail on possible charges including involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. 

A Kansas Highway Patrol crash report says Jakee passed another vehicle in a no-passing zone, then drove onto the shoulder, where Treiber was struck.

LABETTE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Labette County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Tiffany N. Jakee, 29, Parsons,&nbsp; was southbound on U.S. 59 south of Larsen Boulevard.

The vehicle traveled left of center, passed another southbound vehicle in a no passing zone, drove partially off the roadway onto the northbound shoulder and struck a pedestrian identified as William A. Treiber, 29, St. Paul, Kansas, who was&nbsp;walking southbound on the northbound shoulder of U.S. 59

Treiber was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics. Jakee was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585873519973.png" alt="Jakee-photo Labette Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Jakee-photo Labette Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PARSONS, Kan. (AP) — A woman is jailed after she allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence in Parsons this week. Police say 29-year-old William Treiber, of St. Paul, died when he was hit Wednesday night as he walked in the shoulder of a highway in Parsons. The driver left the scene. &nbsp;Tiffany Jakee, 29, of Parsons, is jailed in the Labette County jail on possible charges including involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. A Kansas Highway Patrol crash report says Jakee passed another vehicle in a no-passing zone, then drove onto the shoulder, where Treiber was struck.------------LABETTE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Labette County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Tiffany N. Jakee, 29, Parsons,&nbsp; was southbound on U.S. 59 south of Larsen Boulevard.The vehicle traveled left of center, passed another southbound vehicle in a no passing zone, drove partially off the roadway onto the northbound shoulder and struck a pedestrian identified as William A. Treiber, 29, St. Paul, Kansas, who was&nbsp;walking southbound on the northbound shoulder of U.S. 59Treiber was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics. Jakee was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Arrest made in Kansas man's hit-and-run death 

CRAWFORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a man for an alleged terror threat in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, police were dispatched to Dollar Tree Store in Cuba, Mo., for the report of a man causing a disturbance, according to a media release.

An employee of the business reported the incident and told officers there had been a man inside of the store who had been purposely coughing toward other customers in the business.

 The employee also stated that the same man had written COVID on the inside of a cooler door with his fingers after breathing on it. It was also alleged the man had placed his hands down his pants and then rubbed a cooler door handle. As a result of his actions, the store was closed and sanitized. Police arrested&nbsp;John Swaller, 33, of Cuba, on requested charge of making a terrorist threat and he was being held on $25,000 bail in the Crawford County jail.

Cuba police Chief Doug Shelton said investigators don't know if Swaller has the coronavirus, but officers used protective gear while taking him to jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585827370999.png" alt="John Swaller photo Crawford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>John Swaller photo Crawford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CRAWFORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a man for an alleged terror threat in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.On Tuesday, police were dispatched to Dollar Tree Store in Cuba, Mo., for the report of a man causing a disturbance, according to a media release.An employee of the business reported the incident and told officers there had been a man inside of the store who had been purposely coughing toward other customers in the business. The employee also stated that the same man had written COVID on the inside of a cooler door with his fingers after breathing on it. It was also alleged the man had placed his hands down his pants and then rubbed a cooler door handle. As a result of his actions, the store was closed and sanitized. Police arrested&nbsp;John Swaller, 33, of Cuba, on requested charge of making a terrorist threat and he was being held on $25,000 bail in the Crawford County jail.Cuba police Chief Doug Shelton said investigators don't know if Swaller has the coronavirus, but officers used protective gear while taking him to jail.

Police: Man coughed on store shoppers, wrote COVID on cooler

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a chase and crash.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers observed a suspect later identified as 40-year-old Marshall Lane driving a silver Ford Focus with an illegal tag in the area of 25th&nbsp;Street and Grove Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

 The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Lane refused to stop, accelerated, and fled from officers.&nbsp; A traffic pursuit ensued but was discontinued shortly after due to high speeds.

Lane continued to drive erratically and collided with a Gray Mitsubishi Mirage at North Indiana Avenue and East 1st&nbsp;Street.&nbsp;

 The 49-year-old driver of the Mirage was not injured.&nbsp; Officers arrived and arrested Lane without incident.&nbsp; Lane and a 32-year-old male passenger in the Focus were also uninjured.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Lane is being held on requested charges of felony evade and elude, DUI, and a Kansas Department of Corrections Absconder warrant. He&nbsp;has been previously arrested and convicted on theft charges, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585842726546.png" alt="Lane photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lane photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a chase and crash.Just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers observed a suspect later identified as 40-year-old Marshall Lane driving a silver Ford Focus with an illegal tag in the area of 25th&nbsp;Street and Grove Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Lane refused to stop, accelerated, and fled from officers.&nbsp; A traffic pursuit ensued but was discontinued shortly after due to high speeds.Lane continued to drive erratically and collided with a Gray Mitsubishi Mirage at North Indiana Avenue and East 1st&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; The 49-year-old driver of the Mirage was not injured.&nbsp; Officers arrived and arrested Lane without incident.&nbsp; Lane and a 32-year-old male passenger in the Focus were also uninjured.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lane is being held on requested charges of felony evade and elude, DUI, and a Kansas Department of Corrections Absconder warrant. He&nbsp;has been previously arrested and convicted on theft charges, according to Davidson.

Police catch wanted Kansas felon after chase, 2-vehicle crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault involving two small children.

Just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a domestic violence (DV) disturbance with shots fired at a home in the 1000 block of South Laura in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with a 28-year-old victim a couple of blocks away from the home.&nbsp;

The victim said she was inside the house with her 7-year-old and 1-year-old sons.&nbsp; The victim stated her boyfriend 31-year-old Juan Villasenor, arrived home, was intoxicated, and became upset at wanting to find paperwork inside the home.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Villasenor fired a shotgun towards her and the children twice and made verbal threats.&nbsp; None of them were injured.&nbsp;

The victim then left the home with the children and called 911.&nbsp; Villasenor also left the residence in a vehicle but was located by officers driving in the area of Pawnee and Washington and was arrested without further incident.

Villasenor is being held on requested charges of one count of aggravated assault – domestic violence, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of child endangerment, and threats, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585771496116.png" alt="VILLASENOR-ROSALES -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>VILLASENOR-ROSALES -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated assault involving two small children.Just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a domestic violence (DV) disturbance with shots fired at a home in the 1000 block of South Laura in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers made contact with a 28-year-old victim a couple of blocks away from the home.&nbsp;The victim said she was inside the house with her 7-year-old and 1-year-old sons.&nbsp; The victim stated her boyfriend 31-year-old Juan Villasenor, arrived home, was intoxicated, and became upset at wanting to find paperwork inside the home.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Villasenor fired a shotgun towards her and the children twice and made verbal threats.&nbsp; None of them were injured.&nbsp;The victim then left the home with the children and called 911.&nbsp; Villasenor also left the residence in a vehicle but was located by officers driving in the area of Pawnee and Washington and was arrested without further incident.Villasenor is being held on requested charges of one count of aggravated assault – domestic violence, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of child endangerment, and threats, according to Davidson.

Police: Kansas man fired shotgun towards woman, 2 children

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a breakthrough on a case from 17 years ago.

According to Deputy Abigail Christian, there was a recent DNA match from a 2003 case that involved the crimes of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape against a 23 year-old victim. 

DNA evidence was collected and after all leads were thoroughly followed, the investigation went inactive.

On February 14, 2020, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received notice regarding a possible DNA match to the 2003 case. This information stemmed from a Topeka Police Department case in the fall of 2019 which required the suspect to submit DNA.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported Pernell A. Mack, 35, of Topeka to be an investigative lead.

The Sheriff’s Office completed a search warrant for Mack’s DNA.

On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s office arrested Mack in the 200 block of SW Western Avenue and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585826204166.png" alt="Pernell Mack photo Shawnee County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Pernell Mack photo Shawnee County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a breakthrough on a case from 17 years ago.According to Deputy Abigail Christian, there was a recent DNA match from a 2003 case that involved the crimes of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape against a 23 year-old victim. DNA evidence was collected and after all leads were thoroughly followed, the investigation went inactive.On February 14, 2020, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received notice regarding a possible DNA match to the 2003 case. This information stemmed from a Topeka Police Department case in the fall of 2019 which required the suspect to submit DNA.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported Pernell A. Mack, 35, of Topeka to be an investigative lead.The Sheriff’s Office completed a search warrant for Mack’s DNA.On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s office arrested Mack in the 200 block of SW Western Avenue and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape.

Kan. rape suspect jailed after breakthrough in 17-year-old case

BUFFALO, Mo. (AP) — A southwest Missouri man is facing a felony charge of making a terrorist threat after he allegedly tried to avoid being arrested by lying about possibly having the coronavirus.

Dallas County Sheriff's deputies went to Larry Moore's home in Buffalo on March 20 to investigate a disturbance report.

Moore, 47, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest but he told deputies he was awaiting results of a recent test for the coronavirus, The Springfield News-Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2020/04/01/dallas-county-man-charged-lying-coronavirus-avoid-arrest/5102966002/">reported</a>.

The documents say Moore was not arrested "for the safety of law enforcement."

He was arrested later that day at a Sonic restaurant after a witness told authorities Moore had admitted lying about the coronavirus to avoid being arrested, court documents said.

Because he had two prior felony convictions, Moore faces up to seven years in prison if he is convicted of the terrorist threat charge. Online court records don't list a defense attorney for this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585822170041.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Moore photo Dallas County SheriffBUFFALO, Mo. (AP) — A southwest Missouri man is facing a felony charge of making a terrorist threat after he allegedly tried to avoid being arrested by lying about possibly having the coronavirus.Dallas County Sheriff's deputies went to Larry Moore's home in Buffalo on March 20 to investigate a disturbance report.Moore, 47, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest but he told deputies he was awaiting results of a recent test for the coronavirus, The Springfield News-Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2020/04/01/dallas-county-man-charged-lying-coronavirus-avoid-arrest/5102966002/">reported</a>.The documents say Moore was not arrested "for the safety of law enforcement."He was arrested later that day at a Sonic restaurant after a witness told authorities Moore had admitted lying about the coronavirus to avoid being arrested, court documents said.Because he had two prior felony convictions, Moore faces up to seven years in prison if he is convicted of the terrorist threat charge. Online court records don't list a defense attorney for this case.

Police: Man lied about having coronavirus to avoid arrest

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; three suspect in connection with a gun fight.

Just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a disturbance with shots fired in the 1500 block of North Spruce.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted a 57-year-old male resident, his 32-year-old son, and the son’s 19-year-old male friend.&nbsp; The 57-year-old reported that a group of males came to his residence and began a physical disturbance with his son.

The 57-year-old reported that he retrieved a handgun in defense of his son, and the group of men then ran away.&nbsp;&nbsp; While running away, they began firing shots at him, and there was an exchange of multiple gunshots.

The 57-year-old’s home and a nearby vacant home were struck with gunshots.&nbsp; However, there were no injuries. A 16-year-old male was located by officers in the area and was arrested.&nbsp; Police also located 22-year-old David Hayes and 20-year-old Antwain Thomas both of Wichita at a nearby residence and took them into custody. All three face requested charges of charges of aggravated assault.&nbsp; Thomas is also accused of marijuana possession, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585772163847.png" alt="Hayes photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hayes photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; three suspect in connection with a gun fight.Just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a disturbance with shots fired in the 1500 block of North Spruce.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted a 57-year-old male resident, his 32-year-old son, and the son’s 19-year-old male friend.&nbsp; The 57-year-old reported that a group of males came to his residence and began a physical disturbance with his son.The 57-year-old reported that he retrieved a handgun in defense of his son, and the group of men then ran away.&nbsp;&nbsp; While running away, they began firing shots at him, and there was an exchange of multiple gunshots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585772130313.png" alt="Thomas photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The 57-year-old’s home and a nearby vacant home were struck with gunshots.&nbsp; However, there were no injuries. A 16-year-old male was located by officers in the area and was arrested.&nbsp; Police also located 22-year-old David Hayes and 20-year-old Antwain Thomas both of Wichita at a nearby residence and took them into custody. All three face requested charges of charges of aggravated assault.&nbsp; Thomas is also accused of marijuana possession, according to Davidson.

Police arrest 2 Kan. men, 16-year-old for alleged gun fight

MIAMI (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Navy ships are being moved toward Venezuela as his administration beefs up counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean following a U.S. drug indictment against Nicolás Maduro.

The announcement came at the start of the daily White House press briefing to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, which has left much of the country in lock-down and which the government warns could cause 100,000 to 240,000 deaths.

“The Venezuelan people continue to suffer tremendously due to Maduro and his criminal control over the country, and drug traffickers are seizing on this lawlessness,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper said after the president’s announcement.

The deployment is one of the largest U.S. military operations in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama to remove Gen. Manuel Noriega from power and bring him to the U.S. to face drug charges. It involves assets like Navy warships, AWACS surveillance aircraft and on-ground special forces seldom seen before in the region.

The goal is to nearly double the U.S. counter-narcotics capacity in the Western Hemisphere, with forces operating both in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Esper said the mission would be supported by 22 partner nations.

“As governments and nations focus on the coronavirus there is a growing threat that cartels, criminals, terrorists and other malign actors will try to exploit the situation for their own gain,” said Trump. “We must not let that happen.”

The enhanced mission has been months in the making but has taken on greater urgency following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d82797206561db03851e47df125c243f">last week’s indictment</a>&nbsp;of Maduro, Venezuela’s embattled socialist leader, and members of his inner circle and military. They are accused of leading a narcoterrorist conspiracy responsible for smuggling up to 250 metric tons of cocaine a year into the U.S., about half of it by sea.

"If I was just indicted for drug trafficking by the United States, with a $15 million reward for my capture, having the U.S. Navy conducting anti-drug operations off my coast would be something I would worry about,” said Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican who has been among those calling for a tougher stance against Maduro.

Maduro’s communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, called the deployment a “desperate attempt to distract attention from the tragic humanitarian crisis” in the U.S. caused by the coronavirus. In an ironic jab, he said that for “the first time” in decades the U.S. is trying to choke off the supply of cocaine, which he noted mostly comes from Colombia, a staunch U.S. ally.

Maduro has blasted the Trump administration’s offer of a $15 million reward for his arrest, calling it the work of a “racist cowboy” aimed at getting U.S. hands on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the world’s largest.

Others have faulted a U.S. plan, unveiled Tuesday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to create a five-member council without Maduro or Guaidó to govern the country until elections can be held within a year. While its the first attempt in months by the U.S. to seek a negotiated solution to Venezuela’s stalemate, coming on the heels of the indictments many say it has little hope of succeeding and likely to drive Maduro farther away from the path of dialogue.

The Trump administration has long insisted that all options are on the table for removing Maduro, including military ones. Still, there’s no indication then, or now, that any sort of U.S. invasion is being planned.

Rather, the sending of ships fits into a longstanding call by the U.S. Southern Command for additional assets to combat growing antinarcotics and other security threats in the hemisphere.

It could also be an attempt to send a message of protection for Maduro’s U.S.-backed rival, Juan Guaidó.

Maduro’s chief prosecutor ordered Guaidó to provide testimony Thursday as part of an investigation into an alleged coup attempt. Guaidó, the head of Venezuela’s congress who is recognized as his country’s legitimate leader by the U.S. and almost 60 other nations, is unlikely to show up, raising the possibility he could be arrested. The U.S. has long insisted it will not tolerate any harm against Guaido.

In January, another Navy vessel, the USS Detroit, conducted a freedom of navigation operation off the coast of Venezuela in a show of pressure against Maduro.

“That presence sends a big statement about U.S. commitment, it sends a big statement to our friends, it reassures them, and then to our adversaries that those are capable performers,” Adm. Craig Faller, the head of the U.S. military’s Southern Command, said in congressional testimony last month.

The report of the planned deployment comes two days after one of Venezuela’s naval patrol boats sank after colliding with a Portuguese-flagged cruise ship near the Venezuelan-controlled island of La Tortuga. Maduro accused the ship of acting aggressively and said it was possibly carrying “mercenaries” seeking his ouster.

“You have to be very naive to see this as an isolated incident,” Maduro said Tuesday night on state TV.

But Columbia Cruise Services, the operator of the cruise ship, said the patrol boat fired gunshots and than purposely rammed into the liner at speed. There were no passengers on board and none of its 32 crew members were injured, the company said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585823451382.png" alt="President Trump announced the operation during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announced the operation during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Navy ships are being moved toward Venezuela as his administration beefs up counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean following a U.S. drug indictment against Nicolás Maduro.The announcement came at the start of the daily White House press briefing to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, which has left much of the country in lock-down and which the government warns could cause 100,000 to 240,000 deaths.“The Venezuelan people continue to suffer tremendously due to Maduro and his criminal control over the country, and drug traffickers are seizing on this lawlessness,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper said after the president’s announcement.The deployment is one of the largest U.S. military operations in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama to remove Gen. Manuel Noriega from power and bring him to the U.S. to face drug charges. It involves assets like Navy warships, AWACS surveillance aircraft and on-ground special forces seldom seen before in the region.The goal is to nearly double the U.S. counter-narcotics capacity in the Western Hemisphere, with forces operating both in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Esper said the mission would be supported by 22 partner nations.“As governments and nations focus on the coronavirus there is a growing threat that cartels, criminals, terrorists and other malign actors will try to exploit the situation for their own gain,” said Trump. “We must not let that happen.”The enhanced mission has been months in the making but has taken on greater urgency following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d82797206561db03851e47df125c243f">last week’s indictment</a>&nbsp;of Maduro, Venezuela’s embattled socialist leader, and members of his inner circle and military. They are accused of leading a narcoterrorist conspiracy responsible for smuggling up to 250 metric tons of cocaine a year into the U.S., about half of it by sea."If I was just indicted for drug trafficking by the United States, with a $15 million reward for my capture, having the U.S. Navy conducting anti-drug operations off my coast would be something I would worry about,” said Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican who has been among those calling for a tougher stance against Maduro.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585777561924.png" alt="General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff answered questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force Media briefing" />
 <figcaption>General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff answered questions during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force Media briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>Maduro’s communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, called the deployment a “desperate attempt to distract attention from the tragic humanitarian crisis” in the U.S. caused by the coronavirus. In an ironic jab, he said that for “the first time” in decades the U.S. is trying to choke off the supply of cocaine, which he noted mostly comes from Colombia, a staunch U.S. ally.Maduro has blasted the Trump administration’s offer of a $15 million reward for his arrest, calling it the work of a “racist cowboy” aimed at getting U.S. hands on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the world’s largest.Others have faulted a U.S. plan, unveiled Tuesday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to create a five-member council without Maduro or Guaidó to govern the country until elections can be held within a year. While its the first attempt in months by the U.S. to seek a negotiated solution to Venezuela’s stalemate, coming on the heels of the indictments many say it has little hope of succeeding and likely to drive Maduro farther away from the path of dialogue.The Trump administration has long insisted that all options are on the table for removing Maduro, including military ones. Still, there’s no indication then, or now, that any sort of U.S. invasion is being planned.Rather, the sending of ships fits into a longstanding call by the U.S. Southern Command for additional assets to combat growing antinarcotics and other security threats in the hemisphere.It could also be an attempt to send a message of protection for Maduro’s U.S.-backed rival, Juan Guaidó.Maduro’s chief prosecutor ordered Guaidó to provide testimony Thursday as part of an investigation into an alleged coup attempt. Guaidó, the head of Venezuela’s congress who is recognized as his country’s legitimate leader by the U.S. and almost 60 other nations, is unlikely to show up, raising the possibility he could be arrested. The U.S. has long insisted it will not tolerate any harm against Guaido.In January, another Navy vessel, the USS Detroit, conducted a freedom of navigation operation off the coast of Venezuela in a show of pressure against Maduro.“That presence sends a big statement about U.S. commitment, it sends a big statement to our friends, it reassures them, and then to our adversaries that those are capable performers,” Adm. Craig Faller, the head of the U.S. military’s Southern Command, said in congressional testimony last month.The report of the planned deployment comes two days after one of Venezuela’s naval patrol boats sank after colliding with a Portuguese-flagged cruise ship near the Venezuelan-controlled island of La Tortuga. Maduro accused the ship of acting aggressively and said it was possibly carrying “mercenaries” seeking his ouster.“You have to be very naive to see this as an isolated incident,” Maduro said Tuesday night on state TV.But Columbia Cruise Services, the operator of the cruise ship, said the patrol boat fired gunshots and than purposely rammed into the liner at speed. There were no passengers on board and none of its 32 crew members were injured, the company said.

US to deploy Navy ships near Venezuela to deter drug smuggling

SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for an alleged criminal threat in Scott County.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Scott City Police Department received a call about an incident that happened at Dollar General involving a man telling an 11-year-old girl he was going to give her corona and coughed in her face, according to police Chief David Post.

Just before 11p.m. police arrested Chance Archie Seamans, 31, Scott City, on a requested charge of Terrorism and Criminal Threat.

He is currently incarcerated in the Scott County Jail, according to Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585749576027.png" alt="Seamans photo Scott County" />
 <figcaption>Seamans photo Scott County</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for an alleged criminal threat in Scott County.Just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Scott City Police Department received a call about an incident that happened at Dollar General involving a man telling an 11-year-old girl he was going to give her corona and coughed in her face, according to police Chief David Post.Just before 11p.m. police arrested Chance Archie Seamans, 31, Scott City, on a requested charge of Terrorism and Criminal Threat.He is currently incarcerated in the Scott County Jail, according to Post.

Kan. man accused of threatening to spread coronavirus to 11-year-old

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects arrested after an early morning traffic stop.

Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;2:30 a.m. Tuesday, a Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a 2005 Chrysler 300 on NW US 75 Highway and NW 46th Street, according to Deputy Abigail. Christian 

The vehicle had four occupants inside and two had warrants for their arrests including Michael D. Johnson, 53, of Topeka, who was arrested for a felony parole violation warrant. Deputies also arrested Megan N. Fender, 29, of Topeka was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant.

Johnson and Fender were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585697219361.png" alt="Fender photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Fender photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects arrested after an early morning traffic stop.Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;2:30 a.m. Tuesday, a Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a 2005 Chrysler 300 on NW US 75 Highway and NW 46th Street, according to Deputy Abigail. Christian The vehicle had four occupants inside and two had warrants for their arrests including Michael D. Johnson, 53, of Topeka, who was arrested for a felony parole violation warrant. Deputies also arrested Megan N. Fender, 29, of Topeka was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585697152048.png" alt="Michael Johnson photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael Johnson photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson and Fender were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.-

Deputies catch wanted Kansas felon during traffic stop

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide after a man was found in a Sedgwick County ditch with multiple stab wounds, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;

The victim identified as 26-year-old Zackary Tilson was found in the 5500 Block of west 85th Street North near Valley Center on Friday morning, according to Lt. Tim Myers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, authorities arrested Jeremy T. Shuflat, 37, for warrants and he was booked in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.&nbsp; During the investigation, authorities identified Shuflat as the suspect in Tilson's murder, according to Sheriff Easter.&nbsp; On Tuesday afternoon, authorities added&nbsp; a requested charge of first-degree murder against Shuflat. No bond is listed for him

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585685933852.png" alt="Shuflat-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Shuflat-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide after a man was found in a Sedgwick County ditch with multiple stab wounds, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;The victim identified as 26-year-old Zackary Tilson was found in the 5500 Block of west 85th Street North near Valley Center on Friday morning, according to Lt. Tim Myers.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Saturday, authorities arrested Jeremy T. Shuflat, 37, for warrants and he was booked in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.&nbsp; During the investigation, authorities identified Shuflat as the suspect in Tilson's murder, according to Sheriff Easter.&nbsp; On Tuesday afternoon, authorities added&nbsp; a requested charge of first-degree murder against Shuflat. No bond is listed for him

Sheriff: Suspect jailed for murder of man found in Kan. ditch

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating two burglaries and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 11:30a.m. March 29, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s office dispatch received a residential alarm in the 3100 block of SE 45th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

Upon arrival, deputies heard suspects in a wooded area near the residence. Multiple deputies, a Sheriff’s Office K9, Topeka Police officers, a Topeka Police Department K9 and the Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft responded to assist.

During the search, a Sheriff’s Office K9 apprehended one suspect after a brief foot pursuit. Trimaine M. Baker, 33, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of interference with law enforcement, possession of stolen property, criminal damage to property, and penalties for unlawful acts, according to Christian.

The penalties for unlawful acts stems from neglecting to obey the rules and regulations adopted by the secretary of health and environment for the prevention, suppression and control of infectious or contagious diseases, according to Christian. On March 24, the Shawnee County Health Department issued a <a href="https://www.snco.us/HD/Document/safer_at_home_release.pdf">Safer-at-home order</a> that went into effect March 26.

Through the investigation on scene, deputies were also able to develop&nbsp; Baker as a suspect in a burglary to a business in the 4100 block of SE East Edge earlier on Sunday, according to Christian.

Stolen items from the business burglary were recovered. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office recovered a stolen gold 2011 Chevy Traverse, reported through the Topeka Police Department that was used during this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585613359480.png" alt="Baker photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Baker photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating two burglaries and have a suspect in custody.Just after 11:30a.m. March 29, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s office dispatch received a residential alarm in the 3100 block of SE 45th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Upon arrival, deputies heard suspects in a wooded area near the residence. Multiple deputies, a Sheriff’s Office K9, Topeka Police officers, a Topeka Police Department K9 and the Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft responded to assist.During the search, a Sheriff’s Office K9 apprehended one suspect after a brief foot pursuit. Trimaine M. Baker, 33, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of interference with law enforcement, possession of stolen property, criminal damage to property, and penalties for unlawful acts, according to Christian.The penalties for unlawful acts stems from neglecting to obey the rules and regulations adopted by the secretary of health and environment for the prevention, suppression and control of infectious or contagious diseases, according to Christian. On March 24, the Shawnee County Health Department issued a <a href="https://www.snco.us/HD/Document/safer_at_home_release.pdf">Safer-at-home order</a> that went into effect March 26.Through the investigation on scene, deputies were also able to develop&nbsp; Baker as a suspect in a burglary to a business in the 4100 block of SE East Edge earlier on Sunday, according to Christian.Stolen items from the business burglary were recovered. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office recovered a stolen gold 2011 Chevy Traverse, reported through the Topeka Police Department that was used during this incident.

Kan. burglary suspect also accused of stay-at-home violation

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

Just after 4p.m. March 26, police responded to a burglary in progress call at a home in the 8800 block of west Bekemeyer in Wichita after an observant neighbor called 911 when seeing unknown individuals breaking into the home, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers saw a 2008 black Lincoln Towncar in the driveway with the trunk open, a broken rear window on the home, and suspects inside.&nbsp; Officers began giving verbal instructions for the suspects to exit the home, but they refused.

Two K-9 officers responded to the call to assist.&nbsp; Once they arrived, 26-year-old Alisha Collins and 36-year old Paul Crittenden exited the home and were arrested without further incident.&nbsp; The officers also learned 36-year-old Paul Jackson was still inside.&nbsp;

One of the K9s located Jackson hiding inside the home and police arrested him.&nbsp; Jackson did receive minor injuries due to a dog bite.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585326773613.png" alt="Paul Jackson received minor injuries from a dog bite by a police K9 during his arrest -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Paul Jackson received minor injuries from a dog bite by a police K9 during his arrest -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have three suspects in custody.Just after 4p.m. March 26, police responded to a burglary in progress call at a home in the 8800 block of west Bekemeyer in Wichita after an observant neighbor called 911 when seeing unknown individuals breaking into the home, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers saw a 2008 black Lincoln Towncar in the driveway with the trunk open, a broken rear window on the home, and suspects inside.&nbsp; Officers began giving verbal instructions for the suspects to exit the home, but they refused.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585326724643.png" alt="Collins -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Collins -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Two K-9 officers responded to the call to assist.&nbsp; Once they arrived, 26-year-old Alisha Collins and 36-year old Paul Crittenden exited the home and were arrested without further incident.&nbsp; The officers also learned 36-year-old Paul Jackson was still inside.&nbsp;One of the K9s located Jackson hiding inside the home and police arrested him.&nbsp; Jackson did receive minor injuries due to a dog bite.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585326847846.png" alt="Crittenden" />
 <figcaption>Crittenden</figcaption>
 </figure>Collins and Jackson are being held on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary and criminal damage to property, according to Davidson. Jackson also had and an outstanding warrant.&nbsp; Crittenden was being held on requested charges of burglary, criminal damage to property and aggravated battery-domestic violence stemming from an ongoing domestic violence investigation.Collins remained in custody Monday. He has previously been arrested and convicted on a charge of identity theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. Jackson has previous conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.