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.

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.

<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.”

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.”

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.”___

States use Catholic clergy abuse lists to screen applicants

KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp;– A Kansas man was sentenced this week to 192 months in federal prison on drug and firearms changes, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Bryan K. Quinley,&nbsp;39, Leavenworth, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

In his plea, Quinley admitted he had more than a pound of methamphetamine and two handguns when Leavenworth police stopped his car on March 1, 2018. Police also found cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills in the car.

On April 19, 2018, federal marshals arrested Quinley again. They found him at a hotel in Mission, Kan., with almost a pound of methamphetamine. They also found cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills in the hotel room.

On May 29, 2018, Quinley was under supervision by the Kansas Department of Corrections when an officer found 66 grams of methamphetamine at the residence where Quinley was living.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580852601359.png" alt="Bryan Quinley photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Bryan Quinley photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp;– A Kansas man was sentenced this week to 192 months in federal prison on drug and firearms changes, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Bryan K. Quinley,&nbsp;39, Leavenworth, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.In his plea, Quinley admitted he had more than a pound of methamphetamine and two handguns when Leavenworth police stopped his car on March 1, 2018. Police also found cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills in the car.On April 19, 2018, federal marshals arrested Quinley again. They found him at a hotel in Mission, Kan., with almost a pound of methamphetamine. They also found cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills in the hotel room.On May 29, 2018, Quinley was under supervision by the Kansas Department of Corrections when an officer found 66 grams of methamphetamine at the residence where Quinley was living.

Federal Marshals found Kan. man with a pound of meth at hotel

WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– Federal charges were filed Friday against three Kansas men in connection with an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton that ended with a chase and crash in Salina, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Jeremiah Urias, 18;&nbsp;Rico Montes, 27, and&nbsp;Jorge Correa, 25, all of Wichita,&nbsp; were charged with committing a robbery Feb. 4 at EZ Trip, 100 S. Main in Newton.

A criminal complaint filed in the case alleges two robbers entered the store before 6 a.m. One of the robbers in a red hoodie pointed a handgun at a clerk and demanded money, which the clerk gave him. Then a second robber carrying a military style rifle demanded more money. While waiting for the money, the second robber walked around the store firing shots into the ceiling and into an ATM.

Investigators used surveillance footage to identify a license tag number of the getaway vehicle. After a high speed pursuit, the Kansas Highway Patrol arrested the three defendants. Urias was driving. Montes was wearing a red hoodie and sitting in the front passenger seat. Correa was sitting in the back seat with a rifle.

If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581099764567.png" alt="Correa photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Correa photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– Federal charges were filed Friday against three Kansas men in connection with an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton that ended with a chase and crash in Salina, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581099698077.png" alt="Montes / photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Montes / photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeremiah Urias, 18;&nbsp;Rico Montes, 27, and&nbsp;Jorge Correa, 25, all of Wichita,&nbsp; were charged with committing a robbery Feb. 4 at EZ Trip, 100 S. Main in Newton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581099636176.png" alt="Urias / photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Urias / photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A criminal complaint filed in the case alleges two robbers entered the store before 6 a.m. One of the robbers in a red hoodie pointed a handgun at a clerk and demanded money, which the clerk gave him. Then a second robber carrying a military style rifle demanded more money. While waiting for the money, the second robber walked around the store firing shots into the ceiling and into an ATM.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580826387253.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene of the crash and arrest on Magnolia in Salina -photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene of the crash and arrest on Magnolia in Salina -photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators used surveillance footage to identify a license tag number of the getaway vehicle. After a high speed pursuit, the Kansas Highway Patrol arrested the three defendants. Urias was driving. Montes was wearing a red hoodie and sitting in the front passenger seat. Correa was sitting in the back seat with a rifle.If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000

Federal charges filed against 3 for Kansas armed robbery

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a body was found in a burning SUV in Wichita and have identified the victim as 17-year-old Elisabeth Renteria of Wichita.&nbsp;

Just before 4 a.m. on January 29, officers responded to a check shots call in the area of Battin and Osie in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Police located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames, in a grassy area near an apartment building on Elpyco.

The Wichita Fire Department (WFD) responded to assist on the call and extinguished the fire. After the fire was extinguished, Renteria’s body was found inside.&nbsp; Investigators are working with the Regional Forensic Science Center to determine the cause of death.

On January 30, police arrested Laura Branning, 30, on requested charges of arson and criminal desecration: unauthorized control of a dead body.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the investigation, investigators were able to determine Branning’s involvement in the fire of the Expedition.

The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are doing further interviews on the case. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, Branning has previously been arrested and convicted on charges that include flee/attempt to elude a law enforcement officer and possession of narcotic drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580308248333.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation January 29- photo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-investigating-burned-vehicle-in-SE-Wichita-567387361.html">courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation January 29- photo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-investigating-burned-vehicle-in-SE-Wichita-567387361.html">courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a body was found in a burning SUV in Wichita and have identified the victim as 17-year-old Elisabeth Renteria of Wichita.&nbsp;Just before 4 a.m. on January 29, officers responded to a check shots call in the area of Battin and Osie in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Police located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames, in a grassy area near an apartment building on Elpyco.The Wichita Fire Department (WFD) responded to assist on the call and extinguished the fire. After the fire was extinguished, Renteria’s body was found inside.&nbsp; Investigators are working with the Regional Forensic Science Center to determine the cause of death.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580486793874.png" alt="Laura Branning photo Sedgwick Co. " />
 <figcaption>Laura Branning photo Sedgwick Co. </figcaption>
 </figure>On January 30, police arrested Laura Branning, 30, on requested charges of arson and criminal desecration: unauthorized control of a dead body.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the investigation, investigators were able to determine Branning’s involvement in the fire of the Expedition.The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are doing further interviews on the case. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, Branning has previously been arrested and convicted on charges that include flee/attempt to elude a law enforcement officer and possession of narcotic drugs.

Police: Body found in burning SUV was 17-year-old Kan. girl

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Officers who stopped an allegedly impaired driver to end a high-speed chase along the route of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade decided not to shoot at the car or bump it until it slowed down because they feared it could swerve into fans who were already gathering for the celebration, the city’s police chief said Thursday.

Addae Doyle, of Kansas City, Kansas, was charged Thursday in Kansas City, Missouri, with one count each of resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, prosecutors said.

About three hours before the parade began Wednesday, Doyle, 42, drove through a 6-foot barrier at the start of the 2-mile route and reached speeds of up to 60 mph, even after the car’s tires were stripped bare by driving over Stop Sticks, police Chief Rick Smith said at a news conference. Officers were able to slow down the car when it turned, force it into a spin and box it in as it reached an intersection near Union Station, where the route ended and the rally was later held.

Smith and Mayor Quinton Lucas praised members of the Kansas City and Independence police departments and the Clay County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office for their decision-making and restraint when stopping the car before anyone got injured, including Doyle and a passenger in his car.

Smith said many officers along the route were pushing people out of the way and several wanted to intervene to stop the car “but we were terrified that car would veer off the course, go through the security fence and hit pedestrians that were lining either side of the street.” He also said several officers, including snipers along the route, considered shooting the driver.

“We were very fortunate this ended when it did and how it did,” Smith said. “I can’t thank these officers enough for their decision-making, their abilities, their skill to get this ended correctly. They did a helluva job.”

Officers found what turned out to be methamphetamine in the car, and preliminary toxicology results showed that Doyle tested positive for meth and cocaine, prosecutors said in a news release, noting that further charges were likely. Prosecutors didn’t release the name of the the passenger who was arrested or say whether that person faces any charges.

Smith said Doyle told investigators that he didn’t remember anything that happened after he got high.

Lucas said law enforcement often makes headlines for the wrong reasons, but the officers’ actions on Wednesday was “an amazing example of what went right.” Fans cheered the officers as they arrested Doyle and the passenger at gunpoint Wednesday, and Lucas said the city was grateful to the officers for enabling it to have an “outstanding” parade without a serious incident.

The prosecutor’s office requested that Doyle’s bond be set at $75,000 and said it didn’t know whether Doyle had an attorney yet.

City officials noted that police detained only five people, including the two in the car, during a parade that drew hundreds of thousands of revelers. The other three included a person cited for disorderly conduct, a man on a horse and another man who fell out of a tree. Those two men were removed from the rally and allowed to leave.

The fire department took 24 people to the hospital, according to city spokesman Chris Hernandez, and also responded to several injuries on site, including panic attacks and intoxication.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580914723969.png" alt="Police on the scene of the chase, crash along the parade route -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the chase, crash along the parade route -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Officers who stopped an allegedly impaired driver to end a high-speed chase along the route of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade decided not to shoot at the car or bump it until it slowed down because they feared it could swerve into fans who were already gathering for the celebration, the city’s police chief said Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581003902261.png" alt="Addae J. Doyle photo Jackson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Addae J. Doyle photo Jackson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Addae Doyle, of Kansas City, Kansas, was charged Thursday in Kansas City, Missouri, with one count each of resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, prosecutors said.About three hours before the parade began Wednesday, Doyle, 42, drove through a 6-foot barrier at the start of the 2-mile route and reached speeds of up to 60 mph, even after the car’s tires were stripped bare by driving over Stop Sticks, police Chief Rick Smith said at a news conference. Officers were able to slow down the car when it turned, force it into a spin and box it in as it reached an intersection near Union Station, where the route ended and the rally was later held.Smith and Mayor Quinton Lucas praised members of the Kansas City and Independence police departments and the Clay County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office for their decision-making and restraint when stopping the car before anyone got injured, including Doyle and a passenger in his car.Smith said many officers along the route were pushing people out of the way and several wanted to intervene to stop the car “but we were terrified that car would veer off the course, go through the security fence and hit pedestrians that were lining either side of the street.” He also said several officers, including snipers along the route, considered shooting the driver.“We were very fortunate this ended when it did and how it did,” Smith said. “I can’t thank these officers enough for their decision-making, their abilities, their skill to get this ended correctly. They did a helluva job.”Officers found what turned out to be methamphetamine in the car, and preliminary toxicology results showed that Doyle tested positive for meth and cocaine, prosecutors said in a news release, noting that further charges were likely. Prosecutors didn’t release the name of the the passenger who was arrested or say whether that person faces any charges.Smith said Doyle told investigators that he didn’t remember anything that happened after he got high.Lucas said law enforcement often makes headlines for the wrong reasons, but the officers’ actions on Wednesday was “an amazing example of what went right.” Fans cheered the officers as they arrested Doyle and the passenger at gunpoint Wednesday, and Lucas said the city was grateful to the officers for enabling it to have an “outstanding” parade without a serious incident.The prosecutor’s office requested that Doyle’s bond be set at $75,000 and said it didn’t know whether Doyle had an attorney yet.City officials noted that police detained only five people, including the two in the car, during a parade that drew hundreds of thousands of revelers. The other three included a person cited for disorderly conduct, a man on a horse and another man who fell out of a tree. Those two men were removed from the rally and allowed to leave.The fire department took 24 people to the hospital, according to city spokesman Chris Hernandez, and also responded to several injuries on site, including panic attacks and intoxication.

Chief lauds officers' restraint during Chiefs' parade chase

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police have located a deceased body in remote Cowley County believed to be 50-year-old Jeffery Jones of Hutchinson, KS, stemming from an ongoing December criminal homicide investigation, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Through continued investigation and interviews, police were led to an area near 107th&nbsp;Street East and 32nd&nbsp;Street South in Cowley County, searching for Jones’ body and any other potential evidence in this case.&nbsp; 

Upon searching, officers found a deceased body in an abandoned structure in that area.&nbsp; WPD will work with the Regional Forensic Science Center to confirm the identity of the body.&nbsp;

Police previously arrested 53-year-old Jeffrey Hill of Wichita, on charges of 2nd-degree murder, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of narcotics, possession of marijuana, and resisting arrest.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 29, a 50-year-old male reported to WPD officers of Hill being involved in an alleged criminal homicide in the 2100 block of South Water earlier in the month and that the victim was taken to an unknown location outside of Wichita and buried, according to Davidson.

WPD officers and investigators began investigating the case.&nbsp; The investigation revealed the victim was 50-year-old Jeffery Jones of Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; The examination of evidence and witness interviews led to Hill’s arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579023472311.png" alt="Hill photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hill photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police have located a deceased body in remote Cowley County believed to be 50-year-old Jeffery Jones of Hutchinson, KS, stemming from an ongoing December criminal homicide investigation, according to officer Charley Davidson.Through continued investigation and interviews, police were led to an area near 107th&nbsp;Street East and 32nd&nbsp;Street South in Cowley County, searching for Jones’ body and any other potential evidence in this case.&nbsp; Upon searching, officers found a deceased body in an abandoned structure in that area.&nbsp; WPD will work with the Regional Forensic Science Center to confirm the identity of the body.&nbsp;Police previously arrested 53-year-old Jeffrey Hill of Wichita, on charges of 2nd-degree murder, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of narcotics, possession of marijuana, and resisting arrest.At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 29, a 50-year-old male reported to WPD officers of Hill being involved in an alleged criminal homicide in the 2100 block of South Water earlier in the month and that the victim was taken to an unknown location outside of Wichita and buried, according to Davidson.WPD officers and investigators began investigating the case.&nbsp; The investigation revealed the victim was 50-year-old Jeffery Jones of Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; The examination of evidence and witness interviews led to Hill’s arrest.&nbsp;

Police: Body of possible Kansas murder victim located 

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged abuse of a dependent adult at a nursing home in Cowley County.

On December 16, police were dispatched for a report of a dependent adult who allegedly had been&nbsp;neglected in Medicalodges of Arkansas City, 203 E. Osage Avenue, according to a media release from police.

Officers were assisted by Medicalodges staff, who had conducted interviews of employees. Those employees found to be responsible for the abuse were separated from employment at the nursing home.

Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that a resident had suffered weight loss, and is dependent upon a feeding tube for feedings and medications, according to Police Chief Dan Ward.

Police also identified 56-year-old Kathy Lynne Hale as a suspect in the case. She was out of state during the initial&nbsp;investigation, but police applied for and were granted a warrant for her arrest upon her return to Kansas.

When Hale eventually returned to her residence in January, she was contacted and brought to the Arkansas City Police Department for questioning. She later was taken into custody without incident on a requested charge of&nbsp;&nbsp;felony&nbsp; mistreatment of a dependent adult (deprivation of treatment).

She was booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $15,000 bond through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City.

The case has been forwarded to the Cowley County Attorney’s Office for the consideration of additional charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580931484792.png" alt="Kathy L. Hale photo Cowley Co." />
 <figcaption>Kathy L. Hale photo Cowley Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged abuse of a dependent adult at a nursing home in Cowley County.On December 16, police were dispatched for a report of a dependent adult who allegedly had been&nbsp;neglected in Medicalodges of Arkansas City, 203 E. Osage Avenue, according to a media release from police.Officers were assisted by Medicalodges staff, who had conducted interviews of employees. Those employees found to be responsible for the abuse were separated from employment at the nursing home.Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that a resident had suffered weight loss, and is dependent upon a feeding tube for feedings and medications, according to Police Chief Dan Ward.Police also identified 56-year-old Kathy Lynne Hale as a suspect in the case. She was out of state during the initial&nbsp;investigation, but police applied for and were granted a warrant for her arrest upon her return to Kansas.When Hale eventually returned to her residence in January, she was contacted and brought to the Arkansas City Police Department for questioning. She later was taken into custody without incident on a requested charge of&nbsp;&nbsp;felony&nbsp; mistreatment of a dependent adult (deprivation of treatment).She was booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $15,000 bond through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City.The case has been forwarded to the Cowley County Attorney’s Office for the consideration of additional charges.

Employees fired, woman accused of abuse at Kan. nursing home

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just after 12:40p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched at&nbsp; the 1600 block of Beverly Drive in Salina after receiving a report that a wanted felon identified as David Eklund, 20, of Salina, was there, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Eklund was known to have an outstanding probation violation warrant from Saline County District Court.

As officers neared the Beverly Drive address, they were notified that Eklund had changed locations and was at the nearby Ambassador Hotel, 1616 West Crawford Street. As officers located Eklund there, he saw them and took off running west along the fence line of the Golden Spur Mobile Home Park just north and northwest of the hotel.

Eklund eventually was intercepted in the 1600 block of Beverly Drive and a short struggle ensued before he was taken into custody, according to Forrester.

 When Eklund was arrested, a syringe was found underneath where Eklund had been on the ground. Additionally, narcotics were found in a backpack found in Eklund's possession.

According to Forrester, Eklund was arrested on the warrant and on suspicion of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia. He has previous convictions for theft and burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581009926465.jpeg" alt="David Eklund mugshot.JPG" />
 <figcaption>David Eklund mugshot.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just after 12:40p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched at&nbsp; the 1600 block of Beverly Drive in Salina after receiving a report that a wanted felon identified as David Eklund, 20, of Salina, was there, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Eklund was known to have an outstanding probation violation warrant from Saline County District Court.As officers neared the Beverly Drive address, they were notified that Eklund had changed locations and was at the nearby Ambassador Hotel, 1616 West Crawford Street. As officers located Eklund there, he saw them and took off running west along the fence line of the Golden Spur Mobile Home Park just north and northwest of the hotel.Eklund eventually was intercepted in the 1600 block of Beverly Drive and a short struggle ensued before he was taken into custody, according to Forrester. When Eklund was arrested, a syringe was found underneath where Eklund had been on the ground. Additionally, narcotics were found in a backpack found in Eklund's possession.According to Forrester, Eklund was arrested on the warrant and on suspicion of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia. He has previous convictions for theft and burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police arrest wanted Kansas felon after chase, struggle 

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Special agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating after an officer involved shooting occurred Wednesday morning in downtown Topeka and have identified the man shot, according to a media release from the KBI.

Gaston A. Nava-Saucedo, 33, Topeka, was shot during the incident. He died Wednesday from his injuries, according to the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that just before 11 a.m. Wednesday, a KHP trooper conducted a traffic stop on a red Pontiac G6 for a traffic violation in the area of First and SE Madison in Topeka. During the traffic stop, the trooper attempted to arrest the male driver, who briefly exited his vehicle before resisting arrest and getting back in his car to flee. In an effort to prevent the driver from leaving, the trooper ended up partially inside the Pontiac, and was dragged by the fleeing car. During the struggle, the trooper fired multiple shots at the subject, who was struck.

EMS responded and transported both the driver and the trooper to Stormont Vail Hospital. The trooper was treated for his injuries and was released from the hospital.&nbsp;

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;&nbsp;Special agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) are investigating after an officer involved shooting occurred Wednesday morning in downtown Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) requested KBI assistance at approximately 11:10 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

Preliminary information indicates that on Wednesday, Feb. 5, just before 11 a.m., a KHP trooper conducted a traffic stop on a red Pontiac G6 for a traffic violation in the area of 1st&nbsp;St. and SE Madison St. in Topeka. During the traffic stop, the trooper attempted to arrest the male driver, who briefly exited his vehicle before resisting arrest and getting back in his car to flee. In an effort to prevent the driver from leaving, the Trooper ended up partially inside the Pontiac, and was dragged by the fleeing car. During the struggle, the trooper fired multiple shots at the subject, who was struck.

EMS responded and transported both the driver and the trooper to Stormont Vail Hospital. The trooper was treated for his injuries and was released from the hospital. We expect to update on the condition of the driver soon.

The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review. This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper shot the male driver of a car he had just stopped Wednesday near downtown Topeka, and both of them were taken to a local hospital, authorities said.

Their conditions weren't immediately available, but the injured trooper was not shot, said Melissa Underwood, spokeswoman for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Kansas Highway Patrol Lt. Adam Winters said the trooper stopped a red Pontiac G6 car and that the incident involved shots being fired by the trooper.

“Details are really sketchy right now,” Winters said at the scene. “We're still trying to piece everything together.”

The incident unfolded shortly before 11 a.m. near E. 1st and Madison streets, an industrial area that sees little vehicle traffic. The Pontiac ended up against a power pole in a grassy area.

The KBI will take the lead in investigating the officer-involved shooting.

Other details were not immediately available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581006029671.png" alt="Nava-Saucedo / photo Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Nava-Saucedo / photo Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Special agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating after an officer involved shooting occurred Wednesday morning in downtown Topeka and have identified the man shot, according to a media release from the KBI.Gaston A. Nava-Saucedo, 33, Topeka, was shot during the incident. He died Wednesday from his injuries, according to the KBI.Preliminary information indicates that just before 11 a.m. Wednesday, a KHP trooper conducted a traffic stop on a red Pontiac G6 for a traffic violation in the area of First and SE Madison in Topeka. During the traffic stop, the trooper attempted to arrest the male driver, who briefly exited his vehicle before resisting arrest and getting back in his car to flee. In an effort to prevent the driver from leaving, the trooper ended up partially inside the Pontiac, and was dragged by the fleeing car. During the struggle, the trooper fired multiple shots at the subject, who was struck.EMS responded and transported both the driver and the trooper to Stormont Vail Hospital. The trooper was treated for his injuries and was released from the hospital.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580940702301.png" alt="Authorities on the scene of the officer-involved shooting- photo <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Shooting-in-central-Topeka-567587971.html">courtesy WIBW TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Authorities on the scene of the officer-involved shooting- photo <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Shooting-in-central-Topeka-567587971.html">courtesy WIBW TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;&nbsp;Special agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) are investigating after an officer involved shooting occurred Wednesday morning in downtown Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) requested KBI assistance at approximately 11:10 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.Preliminary information indicates that on Wednesday, Feb. 5, just before 11 a.m., a KHP trooper conducted a traffic stop on a red Pontiac G6 for a traffic violation in the area of 1st&nbsp;St. and SE Madison St. in Topeka. During the traffic stop, the trooper attempted to arrest the male driver, who briefly exited his vehicle before resisting arrest and getting back in his car to flee. In an effort to prevent the driver from leaving, the Trooper ended up partially inside the Pontiac, and was dragged by the fleeing car. During the struggle, the trooper fired multiple shots at the subject, who was struck.EMS responded and transported both the driver and the trooper to Stormont Vail Hospital. The trooper was treated for his injuries and was released from the hospital. We expect to update on the condition of the driver soon.The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review. This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.-------TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper shot the male driver of a car he had just stopped Wednesday near downtown Topeka, and both of them were taken to a local hospital, authorities said.Their conditions weren't immediately available, but the injured trooper was not shot, said Melissa Underwood, spokeswoman for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Kansas Highway Patrol Lt. Adam Winters said the trooper stopped a red Pontiac G6 car and that the incident involved shots being fired by the trooper.“Details are really sketchy right now,” Winters said at the scene. “We're still trying to piece everything together.”The incident unfolded shortly before 11 a.m. near E. 1st and Madison streets, an industrial area that sees little vehicle traffic. The Pontiac ended up against a power pole in a grassy area.The KBI will take the lead in investigating the officer-involved shooting.Other details were not immediately available.

UPDATE: Suspect shot by trooper during traffic stop dies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —A Kansas man has been charged in connection with the car chase with law enforcement vehicles through the secured Chiefs Celebration Parade on Wednesday, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Addae J. Doyle, 42, Kansas City, Kan., faces charges of resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, according to Baker.

Just after 8:13 a.m. Wednesday, law enforcement officers working the Chiefs parade celebration had secured the parade route from Riverfront Road to Pershing Road to Grand Boulevard near Union Station, according to court records.

A green Ford Taurus approached barricaded portions of the parade route near Front Street and Riverfront Road. Doyle failed to stop and knocked down multiple barricades.

A marked police car with lights and sirens began pursuing the defendant’s vehicle. Police said Doyle accelerated to approximately 60 mph, driving in the closed parade route. More emergency vehicles pursued the defendant. Officers along the route deployed stop sticks, deflating the tires on the defendant’s vehicle. 

At Pershing and Grand Boulevard, officers deployed a TVI (tactical vehicle intervention) to disable the defendant’s vehicle. Officers removed Doyle from the driver’s seat. Officers found substances in the vehicle that tested positive for methamphetamine. Preliminary toxicology results showed the defendant tested positive for the presence of amphetamines and cocaine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581003902261.png" alt="Addae J. Doyle / photo Jackson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Addae J. Doyle / photo Jackson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. —A Kansas man has been charged in connection with the car chase with law enforcement vehicles through the secured Chiefs Celebration Parade on Wednesday, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Addae J. Doyle, 42, Kansas City, Kan., faces charges of resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, according to Baker.Just after 8:13 a.m. Wednesday, law enforcement officers working the Chiefs parade celebration had secured the parade route from Riverfront Road to Pershing Road to Grand Boulevard near Union Station, according to court records.A green Ford Taurus approached barricaded portions of the parade route near Front Street and Riverfront Road. Doyle failed to stop and knocked down multiple barricades.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580914723969.png" alt="Police on the scene of the chase, crash on the Chiefs parade -route photo courtesy KWCh" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the chase, crash on the Chiefs parade -route photo courtesy KWCh</figcaption>
 </figure>A marked police car with lights and sirens began pursuing the defendant’s vehicle. Police said Doyle accelerated to approximately 60 mph, driving in the closed parade route. More emergency vehicles pursued the defendant. Officers along the route deployed stop sticks, deflating the tires on the defendant’s vehicle. At Pershing and Grand Boulevard, officers deployed a TVI (tactical vehicle intervention) to disable the defendant’s vehicle. Officers removed Doyle from the driver’s seat. Officers found substances in the vehicle that tested positive for methamphetamine. Preliminary toxicology results showed the defendant tested positive for the presence of amphetamines and cocaine.The case remains under investigation and other charges likely will be filed, according Baker. He is being held on a bond of $75,000.