SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement arrested a suspect in connection with shooting at officers and a standoff at a home in Topeka.

Just after 5:00 p.m. Thursday police&nbsp;responded to an accident investigation in the area of the Expocentre,&nbsp;1 Expocentre Drive in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Jason Schumacher.

During the investigation officers were led to the 1500 Block of SW Shunga Drive where one individual from the accident was located in a residence. While officers were continuing their investigation an individual fired shots from inside a residence. No officers were injured.

Just after 12:30.m. Friday, police took&nbsp; Marvin L. Park, 57, of Topeka into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer., Criminal Threat, Battery and Duty of Driver to report an Accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730468688589.png" alt="Park-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Park-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement arrested a suspect in connection with shooting at officers and a standoff at a home in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730457533801.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Friday 1`WIBW" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Friday 1`WIBW</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 5:00 p.m. Thursday police&nbsp;responded to an accident investigation in the area of the Expocentre,&nbsp;1 Expocentre Drive in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Jason Schumacher.During the investigation officers were led to the 1500 Block of SW Shunga Drive where one individual from the accident was located in a residence. While officers were continuing their investigation an individual fired shots from inside a residence. No officers were injured.Just after 12:30.m. Friday, police took&nbsp; Marvin L. Park, 57, of Topeka into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer., Criminal Threat, Battery and Duty of Driver to report an Accident.

Police: Kansas man fired shots at officers after late night crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old dead&nbsp;issued a Felony Pick-Up for the arrest of Jermall Campbell, according to Wichita Police.

Just after 10:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Officers discovered evidence of a shooting and the convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.

The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.

Initial investigations reveal that a disturbance occurred in the QuikTrip parking lot, leading to the suspect firing at a crowd, which tragically resulted in injuries to the two victims.

If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact our investigators at 316-268-4407 or call 911. To remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or scan the QR code provided. Your assistance is vital in helping us bring this case to a resolution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730567909379.png" alt="Campbell photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Campbell photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old dead&nbsp;issued a Felony Pick-Up for the arrest of Jermall Campbell, according to Wichita Police.Just after 10:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730455429350.png" alt="Police on the scene Thursday evening -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Thursday evening -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers discovered evidence of a shooting and the convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.Initial investigations reveal that a disturbance occurred in the QuikTrip parking lot, leading to the suspect firing at a crowd, which tragically resulted in injuries to the two victims.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730567974750.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact our investigators at 316-268-4407 or call 911. To remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or scan the QR code provided. Your assistance is vital in helping us bring this case to a resolution.

Search for suspect in killing of 13-year-old Kan. boy on Halloween

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Washington state man accused of leading a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American reservation that killed thousands of eagles and hawks to sell on the black market was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in prison.

The trafficking ring operated for years on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana, exploiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/golden-eagles-shooting-powwows-feathers-4994822dc54da0b3b94a1a2e2c286768">high demand</a>&nbsp;among tribal members for feathers and other bird parts that are used in powwows and sacred ceremonies.

The defendant and others killed at least 118 eagles, 107 hawks and as many as 3,600 birds overall, prosecutors said.

Juvenile golden eagles in particular were targeted because their black and white feathers are highly desired among Native Americans, officials said.

The poaching operation centered on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana, which researchers say has some of the highest concentrations of eagles and other birds of prey in the U.S. Members of the trafficking ring would set out carcasses of elk, calves and deer, and then shoot eagles that came to feed on them, officials said.

They would also shoot hawks opportunistically off of power poles and other perches.

Travis John Branson, 49, of Cusick, Washington,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-shot-trafficking-feathers-black-market-d290b0d4d537904c885a11d3baf6e5a3">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in March to charges of conspiracy and wildlife trafficking.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula said during his sentencing hearing that the killing of birds by Branson was calculated, extensive and carried out with full knowledge that he was breaking the law.

“If you had not been caught you’d still be doing it today,” the judge said. Christensen ordered Branson to pay $777,250 in restitution — $5,000 for each eagle killed and $1,750 for each hawk.

The sentence was at the upper end of federal sentencing guidelines.

Prior to being sentenced, Branson apologized to the court and his family.

“It’s my own fault,” he said. “I know what I did was wrong.”

In text messages obtained by investigators and presented at the sentencing hearing, Branson wrote of killing birds since the 1980s.

“So many I can’t remember anymore LOL,” Branson said in one text.

Other texts described eagles being shot in Nevada and Idaho and instances of dozens of birds being shot on a single weekend.

“This is just a small glimpse of the killing that was happening,” U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Mona Iannelli said during the hearing.

A second defendant in the case told authorities that the trafficking ring had been operating since 2009, killing 300 to 400 birds annually.

Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office have said others were also involved.

But Branson was described during Thursday’s hearing as the organizer of the trafficking ring — instructing others on where and when to shoot birds, and then arranging for the sale of their feathers and parts.

“His lack of respect for the sanctity of these protected birds was driven by only one thing: greed,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said following the hearing.

Laslovich added that those who purchased the feathers shared responsibility for the killings. The prosecutor said he wanted to put buyers on notice that their conduct is a federal crime.

Prosecutors had asked the judge to impose a “significant” prison sentence and order Branson to pay restitution.

He faced up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. His public defender asked for a sentence of probation and claimed that prosecutors overstated the number of birds killed.

Federal Defender Andrew Nelson also disputed the restitution amount, saying it was too high for the eagles and the hawks should not be counted.

Branson had no prior criminal history, according to Nelson. He grew up on the Flathead reservation, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Because of the criminal charges, he lost his job as a maintenance supervisor for the Kalispel Tribe in Washington and suffered a stroke in April, Nelson said.

The large numbers of birds killed in the case underscores the persistence of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-c4d7a7d43a0a4fa3b4dbeefc2347aeb9">thriving illegal trade</a>&nbsp;in eagle feathers despite law enforcement efforts over the past decade that netted dozens of criminal indictments across the U.S. West and Midwest.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman Mike Dolson said the loss of so many birds of prey from the Flathead Reservation will be felt for years to come. Eagles are important to the reservation’s ecosystem and also the cultural and spiritual practices of tribal members, he said.

“We hope this helps put a stop to illegal poaching on our homelands,” Dolson said.

Bald eagles, once highly imperiled by the pesticide DDT, have bounced back in recent decades and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bald-eagle-population-soars-united-states-70982fdda4b8f12ce7736ea5df0b9122">now abundant</a>. The recovery of golden eagles has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-wyoming-eagles-climate-and-environment-294161a39e84ac1e102d22a4c342b298">more tenuous</a>&nbsp;and researchers have warned that the population is on the brink of decline due to shootings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-animals-birds-bald-eagles-8aa5cb2aa77fe3d045cd72a724376e3c">poisonings</a>, electrocutions on power lines,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dead-eagles-wind-turbines-enforcement-biden-53ce35355433e18a27324f9254a2475a">collisions with wind turbines</a>&nbsp;and other threats.

It’s illegal to buy or sell eagle feathers or other parts. The government has sought to offset strong demand for feathers among Native Americans by providing them for free from a government repository. But they’re unable to keep up with demand and the repository has a yearslong backlog.

Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 selling bald and golden eagle parts illegally, court records said.

Christensen allowed Branson to remain out of custody until he reports for prison. The defendant made an obscene gesture to reporters as he left the courthouse without commenting further.

He waived his right to appeal Thursday’s sentence, under a plea deal that included the dismissal of additional charges.

The second defendant, Simon Paul, of St. Ignatius, Montana,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-killed-indictment-black-market-b09d23ff49f338c9415240bd933642a0">remains at large</a>. A federal judge issued an arrest warrant for Paul in December after he failed to show up for an initial court hearing. Court documents have suggested he fled to Canada.

Federally recognized tribes can apply for permits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take a bald or golden eagle for religious purposes. Enrolled tribal members can apply for feathers and other bird parts from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fws.gov/program/national-eagle-repository" target="_blank">National Eagle Repository</a>&nbsp;in Colorado and non-government repositories in Oklahoma and Arizona.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730492674717.png" alt="Photo courtesy U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Washington state man accused of leading a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American reservation that killed thousands of eagles and hawks to sell on the black market was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in prison.The trafficking ring operated for years on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana, exploiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/golden-eagles-shooting-powwows-feathers-4994822dc54da0b3b94a1a2e2c286768">high demand</a>&nbsp;among tribal members for feathers and other bird parts that are used in powwows and sacred ceremonies.The defendant and others killed at least 118 eagles, 107 hawks and as many as 3,600 birds overall, prosecutors said.Juvenile golden eagles in particular were targeted because their black and white feathers are highly desired among Native Americans, officials said.The poaching operation centered on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana, which researchers say has some of the highest concentrations of eagles and other birds of prey in the U.S. Members of the trafficking ring would set out carcasses of elk, calves and deer, and then shoot eagles that came to feed on them, officials said.They would also shoot hawks opportunistically off of power poles and other perches.Travis John Branson, 49, of Cusick, Washington,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-shot-trafficking-feathers-black-market-d290b0d4d537904c885a11d3baf6e5a3">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in March to charges of conspiracy and wildlife trafficking.U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula said during his sentencing hearing that the killing of birds by Branson was calculated, extensive and carried out with full knowledge that he was breaking the law.“If you had not been caught you’d still be doing it today,” the judge said. Christensen ordered Branson to pay $777,250 in restitution — $5,000 for each eagle killed and $1,750 for each hawk.The sentence was at the upper end of federal sentencing guidelines.Prior to being sentenced, Branson apologized to the court and his family.“It’s my own fault,” he said. “I know what I did was wrong.”ADVERTISEMENTIn text messages obtained by investigators and presented at the sentencing hearing, Branson wrote of killing birds since the 1980s.“So many I can’t remember anymore LOL,” Branson said in one text.Other texts described eagles being shot in Nevada and Idaho and instances of dozens of birds being shot on a single weekend.“This is just a small glimpse of the killing that was happening,” U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Mona Iannelli said during the hearing.A second defendant in the case told authorities that the trafficking ring had been operating since 2009, killing 300 to 400 birds annually.Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office have said others were also involved.But Branson was described during Thursday’s hearing as the organizer of the trafficking ring — instructing others on where and when to shoot birds, and then arranging for the sale of their feathers and parts.“His lack of respect for the sanctity of these protected birds was driven by only one thing: greed,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said following the hearing.Laslovich added that those who purchased the feathers shared responsibility for the killings. The prosecutor said he wanted to put buyers on notice that their conduct is a federal crime.ADVERTISEMENTProsecutors had asked the judge to impose a “significant” prison sentence and order Branson to pay restitution.He faced up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. His public defender asked for a sentence of probation and claimed that prosecutors overstated the number of birds killed.Federal Defender Andrew Nelson also disputed the restitution amount, saying it was too high for the eagles and the hawks should not be counted.Christensen rejected the arguments.Branson had no prior criminal history, according to Nelson. He grew up on the Flathead reservation, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.Because of the criminal charges, he lost his job as a maintenance supervisor for the Kalispel Tribe in Washington and suffered a stroke in April, Nelson said.The large numbers of birds killed in the case underscores the persistence of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-c4d7a7d43a0a4fa3b4dbeefc2347aeb9">thriving illegal trade</a>&nbsp;in eagle feathers despite law enforcement efforts over the past decade that netted dozens of criminal indictments across the U.S. West and Midwest.Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman Mike Dolson said the loss of so many birds of prey from the Flathead Reservation will be felt for years to come. Eagles are important to the reservation’s ecosystem and also the cultural and spiritual practices of tribal members, he said.“We hope this helps put a stop to illegal poaching on our homelands,” Dolson said.Bald eagles, once highly imperiled by the pesticide DDT, have bounced back in recent decades and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bald-eagle-population-soars-united-states-70982fdda4b8f12ce7736ea5df0b9122">now abundant</a>. The recovery of golden eagles has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-wyoming-eagles-climate-and-environment-294161a39e84ac1e102d22a4c342b298">more tenuous</a>&nbsp;and researchers have warned that the population is on the brink of decline due to shootings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-animals-birds-bald-eagles-8aa5cb2aa77fe3d045cd72a724376e3c">poisonings</a>, electrocutions on power lines,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dead-eagles-wind-turbines-enforcement-biden-53ce35355433e18a27324f9254a2475a">collisions with wind turbines</a>&nbsp;and other threats.It’s illegal to buy or sell eagle feathers or other parts. The government has sought to offset strong demand for feathers among Native Americans by providing them for free from a government repository. But they’re unable to keep up with demand and the repository has a yearslong backlog.Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 selling bald and golden eagle parts illegally, court records said.Christensen allowed Branson to remain out of custody until he reports for prison. The defendant made an obscene gesture to reporters as he left the courthouse without commenting further.He waived his right to appeal Thursday’s sentence, under a plea deal that included the dismissal of additional charges.The second defendant, Simon Paul, of St. Ignatius, Montana,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-killed-indictment-black-market-b09d23ff49f338c9415240bd933642a0">remains at large</a>. A federal judge issued an arrest warrant for Paul in December after he failed to show up for an initial court hearing. Court documents have suggested he fled to Canada.Federally recognized tribes can apply for permits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take a bald or golden eagle for religious purposes. Enrolled tribal members can apply for feathers and other bird parts from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fws.gov/program/national-eagle-repository" target="_blank">National Eagle Repository</a>&nbsp;in Colorado and non-government repositories in Oklahoma and Arizona.

Man who killed hundreds of eagles and sold them is going to prison

Denton Loudermill, falsely accused on social media of being the shooter on Feb. 14 has once again sued state Sens. Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins and Nick Schroer for defamation and invasion of privacy

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Three Republican Missouri state senators — including one running for secretary of state — are once again being sued by the man they incorrectly identified in social media posts as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-d9f4466b69cbb2dfe0f007414aebe730" target="_blank">being the shooter</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory celebration.

Denton Loudermill of Olathe, Kansas, filed lawsuits Thursday against state Sens. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg, Rick Brattin of Harrisonville and Nick Schroer of Defiance. In the individual lawsuits, each is accused of violating Loudermill’s privacy and libeling him with their posts.&nbsp;

Hoskins is the GOP nominee for secretary of state. Brattin is seeking re-election in the 31st Senate District. Schroer, who won his seat in the Senate in 2022, is not on the ballot this year.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Similar lawsuits against all three men&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/21/judge-dismisses-case-against-missouri-senators-over-chiefs-parade-shooting-posts/">were dismissed Oct. 21</a>&nbsp;in Kansas federal court when U.S. District Judge John Broomes ruled he did not have jurisdiction over Brattin, Hoskins and Schroer.

In the more than nine months since the Feb. 14 victory parade and pep rally, people have not stopped making him feel uncomfortable, Loudermill said in a news conference with one of his attorneys, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders.

“They come through looking at me, on video on their phone, saying ‘yeah, that’s him,” he said. “That worries me sometimes.”

In an interview with The Independent, Lassiter Saunders said she believes the jurisdictional issue is solved with the new filing. It was important to refile the cases quickly, she said, because the legal nuances could be missed by a public that has only heard the cases were dismissed.

“It’s reported that the case gets tossed, then they’re thinking, there’s some merit to the Missouri senators position,” Lassiter Saunders said.

Hoskins, reached via text message, declined to respond to the new filing.

“I have not been served and I have no comment at this time,” he said.

Brattin and Schroer did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Like thousands of other regional residents, Loudermill went to Union Station in Kansas City for the pep rally that followed the Chiefs’ victory parade after this year’s Super Bowl. As the crowd was departing, an argument in the crowd resulted in gunfire.

The shooting at the end of the victory celebration left one person dead and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/17/kansas-city-super-bowl-rally-shooting-victims-pick-up-pieces-but-gun-violence-haunts-their-lives/">at least 24 people injured</a>.

Loudermill, who was born in Kansas and lives there now, was detained briefly because he was too slow to leave the area of the shooting, he told The Independent earlier this year.

A photo of him, seated, with his hands restrained behind his back, was posted on X, formally known as Twitter, by an account with the name Deep Truth Intel. That post incorrectly identified him with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68353305" target="_blank">name associated with misinformation</a>&nbsp;posted after other shootings and said he was an undocumented immigrant.

Soon after that initial social media post, the Missouri Freedom Caucus, Hoskins, Brattin, Schroer and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, posted their own versions, some with the photo, some without. Burchett’s post said he was one of the shooters and referred to him as an “illegal alien.”

Burchett later deleted the tweet but included a screenshot of it&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/timburchett/status/1759645965445636470?s=20" target="_blank">that is still visible</a>&nbsp;in a separate post.

A lawsuit filed against Burchett in Kansas was also dismissed because of jurisdictional issues. Lassiter Saunders said Thursday that she is working with attorneys in the Washington, D.C., area to refile the case against Burchett.

“He is not off the hook,” she said.&nbsp;

Hoskins’ version on social media shared a screenshot of the initial anonymous post and blamed President Joe Biden and political leaders of Kansas City for making the shooting possible.

Brattin’s first post linking Loudermill to the shooting, since deleted, demanded “#POTUS CLOSE THE BORDER” and incorporated the deleted anonymous post that kicked everything off.

Schroer was the least certain post about the immigration and arrest status of Loudermill among the three.

Schroer’s post included a link to one from Burchett stating, over Loudermill’s photo, that “One of the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade shooters has been identified as an illegal Alien.”

“Can we get any confirmation or denial of this from local officials or law enforcement?” Schroer wrote. “I’ve been sent videos or stills showing at least 6 different people arrested from yesterday but officially told only 3 still in custody. The people deserve answers.”

In the complaint filed against Brattin, attorneys wrote that the lawmakers had no reason to make the comments directed at Loudermill.

“The publication of the false representation that plaintiff was an ‘illegal alien’ and a ‘shooter’ was not made in good faith nor was it made by (Brattin) with any legitimate interest in making or duty to make such assertions,” the filing states.

In the Kansas cases, the lawmakers were represented by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who raised both the jurisdictional objections and claims that the senators were acting in their official capacity when they made their posts on social media. Therefore, the filings stated, they are protected by “legislative immunity.”&nbsp;

When the case was dismissed, Bailey put out a statement saying it was a victory for keeping “questions of Missouri law…in Missouri courts.”

Bailey’s office did not respond immediately to an email asking if the office would again provide representation. Lassiter Saunders said the attorney general should not take the case again.

“I would hope not, but given the track record of the attorney general doing as he pleases, it’s a possibility,” Lassiter Saunders said.

Bailey’s participation in the case generated its own dispute. In a May letter to the commissioner of the Office of Administration, the state agency that certifies payments from Missouri’s legal expense fund, Gov. Mike Parson wrote that no payments related to the lawsuits should be certified “without my approval or a court order.”

Bailey’s claim of legislative immunity is based in the Missouri Constitution’s provisions on legislative privileges. Along with being immune from arrest for minor offenses while the General Assembly is in session, members also “<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++19&amp;bid=36212&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">shall not be questioned</a>&nbsp;for any speech or debate in either house in any other place.”

Social media posts are not statements or speeches made during debates in the chambers, Lassiter Saunders said.

“It wasn’t legitimate legislative activity,” she said. “They were following this story like hundreds of thousands of other people seeing tweets, retweeting, and we don’t believe it was the same.

The lawsuit seeks to vindicate a core American principle, the right to be let alone, Lassiter Saunders said.

“I would like to refocus the attention from politics to the principle of, private citizens should have the right to live their lives privately,” she said. “The elected officials need to be mindful and do a better job of not just speaking out because they have the authority to do so.”

The lawsuit states that because of the hostility of some people in the public, Loudermill has “injuries and actual damages including mental distress, sleeplessness, anxiety, and agitation.”

“I’m just getting all the attention still,” he said. “ I just want them to pay for that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730420656214.png" alt="Denton Loudermill, right, appears with his attorney, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders, at an online news conference held Thursday to discuss his new defamation lawsuits against three Missouri state senators. (Screenshot via Zoom)" />
 <figcaption>Denton Loudermill, right, appears with his attorney, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders, at an online news conference held Thursday to discuss his new defamation lawsuits against three Missouri state senators. (Screenshot via Zoom)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Denton Loudermill, falsely accused on social media of being the shooter on Feb. 14 has once again sued state Sens. Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins and Nick Schroer for defamation and invasion of privacy</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Three Republican Missouri state senators — including one running for secretary of state — are once again being sued by the man they incorrectly identified in social media posts as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-d9f4466b69cbb2dfe0f007414aebe730" target="_blank">being the shooter</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory celebration.Denton Loudermill of Olathe, Kansas, filed lawsuits Thursday against state Sens. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg, Rick Brattin of Harrisonville and Nick Schroer of Defiance. In the individual lawsuits, each is accused of violating Loudermill’s privacy and libeling him with their posts.&nbsp;Hoskins is the GOP nominee for secretary of state. Brattin is seeking re-election in the 31st Senate District. Schroer, who won his seat in the Senate in 2022, is not on the ballot this year.The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Similar lawsuits against all three men&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/21/judge-dismisses-case-against-missouri-senators-over-chiefs-parade-shooting-posts/">were dismissed Oct. 21</a>&nbsp;in Kansas federal court when U.S. District Judge John Broomes ruled he did not have jurisdiction over Brattin, Hoskins and Schroer.In the more than nine months since the Feb. 14 victory parade and pep rally, people have not stopped making him feel uncomfortable, Loudermill said in a news conference with one of his attorneys, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders.Loudermill works at a car wash.“They come through looking at me, on video on their phone, saying ‘yeah, that’s him,” he said. “That worries me sometimes.”In an interview with The Independent, Lassiter Saunders said she believes the jurisdictional issue is solved with the new filing. It was important to refile the cases quickly, she said, because the legal nuances could be missed by a public that has only heard the cases were dismissed.“It’s reported that the case gets tossed, then they’re thinking, there’s some merit to the Missouri senators position,” Lassiter Saunders said.Hoskins, reached via text message, declined to respond to the new filing.“I have not been served and I have no comment at this time,” he said.Brattin and Schroer did not respond to messages seeking comment.Like thousands of other regional residents, Loudermill went to Union Station in Kansas City for the pep rally that followed the Chiefs’ victory parade after this year’s Super Bowl. As the crowd was departing, an argument in the crowd resulted in gunfire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707939847272.png" alt="Image from online coverage of the victory parade" />
 <figcaption>Image from online coverage of the victory parade</figcaption>
 </figure>The shooting at the end of the victory celebration left one person dead and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/17/kansas-city-super-bowl-rally-shooting-victims-pick-up-pieces-but-gun-violence-haunts-their-lives/">at least 24 people injured</a>.Loudermill, who was born in Kansas and lives there now, was detained briefly because he was too slow to leave the area of the shooting, he told The Independent earlier this year.A photo of him, seated, with his hands restrained behind his back, was posted on X, formally known as Twitter, by an account with the name Deep Truth Intel. That post incorrectly identified him with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68353305" target="_blank">name associated with misinformation</a>&nbsp;posted after other shootings and said he was an undocumented immigrant.Soon after that initial social media post, the Missouri Freedom Caucus, Hoskins, Brattin, Schroer and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, posted their own versions, some with the photo, some without. Burchett’s post said he was one of the shooters and referred to him as an “illegal alien.”Burchett later deleted the tweet but included a screenshot of it&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/timburchett/status/1759645965445636470?s=20" target="_blank">that is still visible</a>&nbsp;in a separate post.A lawsuit filed against Burchett in Kansas was also dismissed because of jurisdictional issues. Lassiter Saunders said Thursday that she is working with attorneys in the Washington, D.C., area to refile the case against Burchett.“He is not off the hook,” she said.&nbsp;Hoskins’ version on social media shared a screenshot of the initial anonymous post and blamed President Joe Biden and political leaders of Kansas City for making the shooting possible.Brattin’s first post linking Loudermill to the shooting, since deleted, demanded “#POTUS CLOSE THE BORDER” and incorporated the deleted anonymous post that kicked everything off.Schroer was the least certain post about the immigration and arrest status of Loudermill among the three.Schroer’s post included a link to one from Burchett stating, over Loudermill’s photo, that “One of the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade shooters has been identified as an illegal Alien.”“Can we get any confirmation or denial of this from local officials or law enforcement?” Schroer wrote. “I’ve been sent videos or stills showing at least 6 different people arrested from yesterday but officially told only 3 still in custody. The people deserve answers.”In the complaint filed against Brattin, attorneys wrote that the lawmakers had no reason to make the comments directed at Loudermill.“The publication of the false representation that plaintiff was an ‘illegal alien’ and a ‘shooter’ was not made in good faith nor was it made by (Brattin) with any legitimate interest in making or duty to make such assertions,” the filing states.In the Kansas cases, the lawmakers were represented by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who raised both the jurisdictional objections and claims that the senators were acting in their official capacity when they made their posts on social media. Therefore, the filings stated, they are protected by “legislative immunity.”&nbsp;When the case was dismissed, Bailey put out a statement saying it was a victory for keeping “questions of Missouri law…in Missouri courts.”Bailey’s office did not respond immediately to an email asking if the office would again provide representation. Lassiter Saunders said the attorney general should not take the case again.“I would hope not, but given the track record of the attorney general doing as he pleases, it’s a possibility,” Lassiter Saunders said.Bailey’s participation in the case generated its own dispute. In a May letter to the commissioner of the Office of Administration, the state agency that certifies payments from Missouri’s legal expense fund, Gov. Mike Parson wrote that no payments related to the lawsuits should be certified “without my approval or a court order.”Bailey’s claim of legislative immunity is based in the Missouri Constitution’s provisions on legislative privileges. Along with being immune from arrest for minor offenses while the General Assembly is in session, members also “<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++19&amp;bid=36212&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">shall not be questioned</a>&nbsp;for any speech or debate in either house in any other place.”Social media posts are not statements or speeches made during debates in the chambers, Lassiter Saunders said.“It wasn’t legitimate legislative activity,” she said. “They were following this story like hundreds of thousands of other people seeing tweets, retweeting, and we don’t believe it was the same.The lawsuit seeks to vindicate a core American principle, the right to be let alone, Lassiter Saunders said.“I would like to refocus the attention from politics to the principle of, private citizens should have the right to live their lives privately,” she said. “The elected officials need to be mindful and do a better job of not just speaking out because they have the authority to do so.”The lawsuit states that because of the hostility of some people in the public, Loudermill has “injuries and actual damages including mental distress, sleeplessness, anxiety, and agitation.”He rarely goes out, Loudermill said.“I’m just getting all the attention still,” he said. “ I just want them to pay for that.”

Defamation case against lawmakers over Chiefs parade shooting posts refiled in Missouri

RENO COUNTY — A man with a previous murder conviction is back in jail after an arrest in Reno County.

Early Wednesday, members of the Reno County SWAT team assisted with the execution of a drug related search warrant at 315 ½ N. Cleveland Street in Hutchinson, according to a media release from the Reno County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;

As a result of the search, deputies found 115 grams of K2 inside of the residence. Deputies arrested 52-year-old Ky Sayapheth who lives at the address on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana, Distribution of Marijuana or Analog thereof, Drug Paraphernalia with intent to distribute, Possession of methamphetamine, Interference with Law Enforcement, Unlawful acts involving proceeds derived from Drug Transactions and Drug Paraphernalia with intent to use.

The second occupant of the residence, Andrew Avena, age 37, was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana, Probation Violation, Distribution of Marijuana or Analog thereof, Drug Paraphernalia with intent to distribute, Possession of methamphetamine, Interference with Law Enforcement, and Drug Paraphernalia with intent to use.

Sayapheth has previous convictions for 2nd degree murder in Ford County in 1997. He also has two convictions for aggravated assault, two convictions aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and two for aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was released from prison in 2014, according to online records.

The Hutchinson Police Department, South Hutchinson Police Department, Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and Hutchinson Fire Department assisted with the case and the warrant service

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730380703583.png" alt="Sayapheth has previous convictions for 2nd degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Sayapheth has previous convictions for 2nd degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A man with a previous murder conviction is back in jail after an arrest in Reno County.Early Wednesday, members of the Reno County SWAT team assisted with the execution of a drug related search warrant at 315 ½ N. Cleveland Street in Hutchinson, according to a media release from the Reno County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;As a result of the search, deputies found 115 grams of K2 inside of the residence. Deputies arrested 52-year-old Ky Sayapheth who lives at the address on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana, Distribution of Marijuana or Analog thereof, Drug Paraphernalia with intent to distribute, Possession of methamphetamine, Interference with Law Enforcement, Unlawful acts involving proceeds derived from Drug Transactions and Drug Paraphernalia with intent to use.The second occupant of the residence, Andrew Avena, age 37, was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana, Probation Violation, Distribution of Marijuana or Analog thereof, Drug Paraphernalia with intent to distribute, Possession of methamphetamine, Interference with Law Enforcement, and Drug Paraphernalia with intent to use.Sayapheth has previous convictions for 2nd degree murder in Ford County in 1997. He also has two convictions for aggravated assault, two convictions aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and two for aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was released from prison in 2014, according to online records.The Hutchinson Police Department, South Hutchinson Police Department, Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and Hutchinson Fire Department assisted with the case and the warrant service

Kan. man with a previous murder conviction accused of selling drugs 

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary on a college campus and have made an arrest.

On Wednesday, police were involved in an investigation with Benedictine College Security focusing on the theft of wine bottles from Ferrell Hall,&nbsp;1020 N 2nd Street in Atchison on the Benedictine College Campus, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 It was determined the theft occurred around 2a.m. on Sunday.&nbsp;

Just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday, police took a student identified as 22-year-old Matthew Hockel of Brentwood, California, into custody on campus.&nbsp; Hockel is being held in the Atchison County jail on requested charges of burglary and theft, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730384618556.png" alt="Hockel photo Atchison Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Hockel photo Atchison Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary on a college campus and have made an arrest.On Wednesday, police were involved in an investigation with Benedictine College Security focusing on the theft of wine bottles from Ferrell Hall,&nbsp;1020 N 2nd Street in Atchison on the Benedictine College Campus, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. It was determined the theft occurred around 2a.m. on Sunday.&nbsp;Just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday, police took a student identified as 22-year-old Matthew Hockel of Brentwood, California, into custody on campus.&nbsp; Hockel is being held in the Atchison County jail on requested charges of burglary and theft, according to Wilson.

Student took bottles of wine in burglary on Kan. college campus

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in a deadly gunfight on Father's Day in Kansas who cut his ankle monitor following his arrest and fled to Mexico is back in a Kansas jail.

On Wednesday, deputies booked&nbsp;33-year-old Eric Gonzalez-Gutierrez into the Sedgwick County Jail.

On October 15, the U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Gonzalez-Gutierrez&nbsp; in Mexico, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.

On June 16, police originally arrested Gonzalez-Gutierrez on requested charges including first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Aron Lara.

Just after 8:30p.m. on Father's Day, police responded to a shooting incident in the 1900 block of N. Jackson Street in Wichita, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

While working to gather further information, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate upgraded dispatch of officers to the scene.

First responders discovered Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sedgwick County EMS provided initial critical care at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.

Another victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the arm and was privately transported to St. Francis Hospital.

The incident occurred during a neighborhood barbecue in observance of Father's Day. According to preliminary reports, Lara, was involved in a verbal altercation with the Gonzales-Gutierrez earlier in the evening.&nbsp; Gonzales-Gutierrez allegedly returned home, retrieved a rifle, and fired upon the victim, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

It is believed that two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in injuries to the second victim.&nbsp; &nbsp;On June 21,&nbsp;Gonzalez-Gutierrez cut his ankle monitor and left for Mexico.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=748837&amp;currentInmatesOnly=True"> He is being held on bonds</a> totaling $3 million dollars, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730371257170.png" alt="Gonzalez-Gutierrez-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Gonzalez-Gutierrez-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in a deadly gunfight on Father's Day in Kansas who cut his ankle monitor following his arrest and fled to Mexico is back in a Kansas jail.On Wednesday, deputies booked&nbsp;33-year-old Eric Gonzalez-Gutierrez into the Sedgwick County Jail.On October 15, the U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Gonzalez-Gutierrez&nbsp; in Mexico, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.On June 16, police originally arrested Gonzalez-Gutierrez on requested charges including first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Aron Lara.Just after 8:30p.m. on Father's Day, police responded to a shooting incident in the 1900 block of N. Jackson Street in Wichita, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.While working to gather further information, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate upgraded dispatch of officers to the scene.First responders discovered Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sedgwick County EMS provided initial critical care at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.Another victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the arm and was privately transported to St. Francis Hospital.The incident occurred during a neighborhood barbecue in observance of Father's Day. According to preliminary reports, Lara, was involved in a verbal altercation with the Gonzales-Gutierrez earlier in the evening.&nbsp; Gonzales-Gutierrez allegedly returned home, retrieved a rifle, and fired upon the victim, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.It is believed that two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in injuries to the second victim.&nbsp; &nbsp;On June 21,&nbsp;Gonzalez-Gutierrez cut his ankle monitor and left for Mexico.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=748837&amp;currentInmatesOnly=True"> He is being held on bonds</a> totaling $3 million dollars, according to online jail records.

Kansas murder suspect captured in Mexico is back in a Kan. jail

JOHNSON COUNTY — An Emporia State University placed&nbsp; on administrative leave following an arrest for alleged child sex crimes is due back in court Wednesday.

Last week, 72-year-old Howard Pitler was booked into the Johnson County jail on requested charges of&nbsp; electronic solicitation of a child under 14 years old, according to online jail records. He met the requirements of a $25,000 bond and is no longer in&nbsp; custody.

According to Emporia State, "Upon being made aware of the arrest of Howard Pitler, the university responded immediately and placed Pitler on administrative leave. With our rich tradition as a premier Teachers College, the care and safety of students of all ages is of the utmost importance. Pitler taught fully online master’s level courses as an associate professor of School Leadership, Middle &amp; Secondary Teacher Education in The Teachers College. He has been at ESU since 2018. Emporia State will cooperate fully with authorities. We cannot comment further on an ongoing investigation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729898976418.png" alt="Pitler-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Pitler-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY — An Emporia State University placed&nbsp; on administrative leave following an arrest for alleged child sex crimes is due back in court Wednesday.Last week, 72-year-old Howard Pitler was booked into the Johnson County jail on requested charges of&nbsp; electronic solicitation of a child under 14 years old, according to online jail records. He met the requirements of a $25,000 bond and is no longer in&nbsp; custody.According to Emporia State, "Upon being made aware of the arrest of Howard Pitler, the university responded immediately and placed Pitler on administrative leave. With our rich tradition as a premier Teachers College, the care and safety of students of all ages is of the utmost importance. Pitler taught fully online master’s level courses as an associate professor of School Leadership, Middle &amp; Secondary Teacher Education in The Teachers College. He has been at ESU since 2018. Emporia State will cooperate fully with authorities. We cannot comment further on an ongoing investigation."

Emporia State professor due in court for alleged child sex crime

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 400 block of Walters Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release.

&nbsp;It was reported a 53-year-old man identified as Marcus Washington of Manhattan stabbed a 39-year-old victim with a knife. The victim is being treated for his injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.

Police arrested Washington on requested charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery. He is being held on a bond of $250,000.

Police also arrested 41-year-old Alvin Love of and 26-year-old Nichole Cochrun both Manhattan on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and obstructing apprehension of prosecution in connection with the stabbing, according to the RCPD. Both are being held on separate $10,000 bonds.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery in the 400 block of Walters Dr in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Wednesday.

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 400 block of Walters Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release.&nbsp;It was reported a 53-year-old man identified as Marcus Washington of Manhattan stabbed a 39-year-old victim with a knife. The victim is being treated for his injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.Police arrested Washington on requested charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery. He is being held on a bond of $250,000.Police also arrested 41-year-old Alvin Love of and 26-year-old Nichole Cochrun both Manhattan on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and obstructing apprehension of prosecution in connection with the stabbing, according to the RCPD. Both are being held on separate $10,000 bonds.---------------RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery in the 400 block of Walters Dr in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Wednesday.

Police: 3 in custody after violent knife attack in Manhattan

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

Just before 5p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; Riley County Police arrested 29-year-old Damion Huff of Overland Park on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation. 

Huff was issued no bond and remains confined in the Riley County Jail at the time of this report.&nbsp; On Monday, he was jailed in Johnson County for on a requested charge that included interference with a law enforcement officer, according to online jail records.&nbsp; On Oct. 6, he was jailed in Johnson County for alleged battery of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp; April he was jailed for alleged domestic violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is scheduled to make a court appearance in Johnson County Wednesday, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730302699866.png" alt="Huff photo from an arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Huff photo from an arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 5p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; Riley County Police arrested 29-year-old Damion Huff of Overland Park on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation. Huff was issued no bond and remains confined in the Riley County Jail at the time of this report.&nbsp; On Monday, he was jailed in Johnson County for on a requested charge that included interference with a law enforcement officer, according to online jail records.&nbsp; On Oct. 6, he was jailed in Johnson County for alleged battery of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp; April he was jailed for alleged domestic violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is scheduled to make a court appearance in Johnson County Wednesday, according to online jail records.

Kansas man with a history of violent crime jailed in Riley County

SALINE COUNTY —A high-speed vehicle pursuit in rural Saline County ended in a violent confrontation and a man from Little River turning himself in on multiple requested charges including attempted second-degree murder, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

Just after 1a.m. on Oct. 13, a Saline County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted to stop a Chevrolet Silverado clocked at nearly 80 mph in a 45-mph zone on Old 40 and State Street west of Salina.&nbsp;

The deputy turned around and tried to stop the driver but the truck fled from the attempted traffic stop, according to Soldan.&nbsp; "When the pickup approached Crawford street, the driver turned west.&nbsp; The deputy tried to follow the pickup for about a mile. There was so much dust, the deputy called off the chase.

Approximately 15 minutes later, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a man who said he was assaulted and run over by the driver of the pickup. According to Soldan, the victim had been a passenger in the vehicle during the attempted stop and asked the driver to be let out. When the driver refused, an altercation occurred.

“The suspect later identified as told him he was going to kill him and then actually physically ran over him with the truck,” Soldan said.

The 51-year-old victim from Ellinwood told deputies the suspect later identified as&nbsp;30-year-old Wyatt Stimatze  of Little River, ran over him near the 2500 block of South Muir Road.&nbsp; He also reported having tire tracks on his back. The victim managed to escape by hiding in a field while Stimatze briefly left the scene before returning to search for the victim.

The victim did sustain injuries and was taken to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment, according to Soldan.

Stimatze and the victim were acquaintances through work.

Deputies searched the roadways in the immediate area for Stimatze, but were unable to locate him. On Thursday, Oct. 24, after a warrant was issued for his arrest, Stimatze turned himself in at the Saline County Jail.

Initially charged with aggravated battery, Stimatze now faces additional charges, including attempted second-degree murder, kidnapping, criminal threat, and reckless driving.

A judge set his bond at $250,000. Stimatze's next court appearance, a scheduling hearing, is set for Nov. 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730228869413.png" alt="Stimatze-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Stimatze-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A high-speed vehicle pursuit in rural Saline County ended in a violent confrontation and a man from Little River turning himself in on multiple requested charges including attempted second-degree murder, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.Just after 1a.m. on Oct. 13, a Saline County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted to stop a Chevrolet Silverado clocked at nearly 80 mph in a 45-mph zone on Old 40 and State Street west of Salina.&nbsp;The deputy turned around and tried to stop the driver but the truck fled from the attempted traffic stop, according to Soldan.&nbsp; "When the pickup approached Crawford street, the driver turned west.&nbsp; The deputy tried to follow the pickup for about a mile. There was so much dust, the deputy called off the chase.Approximately 15 minutes later, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a man who said he was assaulted and run over by the driver of the pickup. According to Soldan, the victim had been a passenger in the vehicle during the attempted stop and asked the driver to be let out. When the driver refused, an altercation occurred.“The suspect later identified as told him he was going to kill him and then actually physically ran over him with the truck,” Soldan said.The 51-year-old victim from Ellinwood told deputies the suspect later identified as&nbsp;30-year-old Wyatt Stimatze of Little River, ran over him near the 2500 block of South Muir Road.&nbsp; He also reported having tire tracks on his back. The victim managed to escape by hiding in a field while Stimatze briefly left the scene before returning to search for the victim.The victim did sustain injuries and was taken to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment, according to Soldan.Stimatze and the victim were acquaintances through work.Deputies searched the roadways in the immediate area for Stimatze, but were unable to locate him. On Thursday, Oct. 24, after a warrant was issued for his arrest, Stimatze turned himself in at the Saline County Jail.Initially charged with aggravated battery, Stimatze now faces additional charges, including attempted second-degree murder, kidnapping, criminal threat, and reckless driving.A judge set his bond at $250,000. Stimatze's next court appearance, a scheduling hearing, is set for Nov. 4.

Sheriff: Pickup ran over Kan. man during high speed chase

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A former principal at a Christian boarding school in Missouri that closed in March amid abuse allegations has been charged with sex crimes involving a former student.

Craig Wesley Smith Jr. was charged by the prosecutor in Wayne County in September with forcible sodomy and attempted forcible rape, court records show. He is accused of forcing a teenage girl to perform sex acts in the late 2000s when she was a student at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">Lighthouse Christian Academy</a>&nbsp;in Piedmont, about 130 miles south of St. Louis.

A probable cause statement alleged that Smith told the girl he would kill her and “make it look like she committed suicide” if she told anyone.

Smith faces a hearing Thursday in Wayne County. Messages were left Tuesday with Smith and his attorney.

ABM Ministries operated the school, which claimed success in helping students who were troubled, learning-impaired or dealing with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or other disorders. Lighthouse Christian Academy closed after state criminal charges were filed against the husband-and-wife owners, Larry and Carmen Musgrave, along with a teacher, Caleb Sandoval.

The Musgraves were charged with first-degree kidnapping for allegedly locking a student in a room, but a Wayne County judge on Oct. 15 dismissed the charges. It wasn't immediately clear why. Prosecuting Attorney Ginger Koller Joyner declined comment.

Sandoval was charged with abuse or neglect of a child, accused of injuring a 15-year-old boy while boxing. He pleaded guilty in July and was placed on probation for five years.

A federal lawsuit in 2009 accused Smith of sex acts with an unnamed female student. It wasn't clear if it was the same girl cited in the criminal case. Court records show that ABM Ministries and the Musgraves agreed to pay $750,000 in a settlement, and Smith agreed to pay $100,000.

Other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">Christian boarding schools in Missouri</a>&nbsp;have faced abuse allegations in both criminal charges and lawsuits.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-stockton-missouri-education-6d4bc69348f4349249e49b3ec7c29172">Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;in Stockton closed in 2023 after years of investigations and allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Criminal cases are still pending against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor</a>, who is charged with several sex crimes.

Circle of Hope Girls' Ranch near Humansville closed in 2020. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">former owner</a>, Stephanie Householder, is scheduled to go to trial next year on child abuse counts. Her husband, Boyd Householder, was charged with nearly 80 counts of abuse but died in June.

The schools were unrelated and were not affiliated with any particular Christian denomination.

Abuse allegations at Agape and Circle of Hope&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">prompted a state law in 2021</a>&nbsp;requiring stricter rules for such facilities. Missouri previously had virtually no oversight for religious boarding schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730227626873.png" alt="This photo provided by David Clohessy shows the entrance of ABM Ministries, a Christian boarding school in Piedmont, Mo. The owners of ABM Ministries were arrested over the weekend and charged with kidnapping. The arrest followed allegations of abuse by several former students who attended the school (David Clohessy via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This photo provided by David Clohessy shows the entrance of ABM Ministries, a Christian boarding school in Piedmont, Mo. The owners of ABM Ministries were arrested over the weekend and charged with kidnapping. The arrest followed allegations of abuse by several former students who attended the school (David Clohessy via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —A former principal at a Christian boarding school in Missouri that closed in March amid abuse allegations has been charged with sex crimes involving a former student.Craig Wesley Smith Jr. was charged by the prosecutor in Wayne County in September with forcible sodomy and attempted forcible rape, court records show. He is accused of forcing a teenage girl to perform sex acts in the late 2000s when she was a student at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">Lighthouse Christian Academy</a>&nbsp;in Piedmont, about 130 miles south of St. Louis.A probable cause statement alleged that Smith told the girl he would kill her and “make it look like she committed suicide” if she told anyone.Smith faces a hearing Thursday in Wayne County. Messages were left Tuesday with Smith and his attorney.ABM Ministries operated the school, which claimed success in helping students who were troubled, learning-impaired or dealing with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or other disorders. Lighthouse Christian Academy closed after state criminal charges were filed against the husband-and-wife owners, Larry and Carmen Musgrave, along with a teacher, Caleb Sandoval.The Musgraves were charged with first-degree kidnapping for allegedly locking a student in a room, but a Wayne County judge on Oct. 15 dismissed the charges. It wasn't immediately clear why. Prosecuting Attorney Ginger Koller Joyner declined comment.Sandoval was charged with abuse or neglect of a child, accused of injuring a 15-year-old boy while boxing. He pleaded guilty in July and was placed on probation for five years.A federal lawsuit in 2009 accused Smith of sex acts with an unnamed female student. It wasn't clear if it was the same girl cited in the criminal case. Court records show that ABM Ministries and the Musgraves agreed to pay $750,000 in a settlement, and Smith agreed to pay $100,000.Other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">Christian boarding schools in Missouri</a>&nbsp;have faced abuse allegations in both criminal charges and lawsuits.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-stockton-missouri-education-6d4bc69348f4349249e49b3ec7c29172">Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;in Stockton closed in 2023 after years of investigations and allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Criminal cases are still pending against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor</a>, who is charged with several sex crimes.Circle of Hope Girls' Ranch near Humansville closed in 2020. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">former owner</a>, Stephanie Householder, is scheduled to go to trial next year on child abuse counts. Her husband, Boyd Householder, was charged with nearly 80 counts of abuse but died in June.The schools were unrelated and were not affiliated with any particular Christian denomination.Abuse allegations at Agape and Circle of Hope&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">prompted a state law in 2021</a>&nbsp;requiring stricter rules for such facilities. Missouri previously had virtually no oversight for religious boarding schools.

Former principal at Mo. Christian school accused of abusing a student

KANSAS CITY – Two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, with one of the men also charged with possessing six machine gun conversion devices, according to the U.S. State's Attorney.

Kal J. Nay, 21, of Oak Grove, Mo., and Robert J. Turnage, 20, of Blue Springs, Mo., were charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury last week. Nay was arrested and had his initial court appearance. Turnage has not yet been arrested.

The federal indictment charges Nay and Turnage with participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. They are also charged together in one count of distributing fentanyl from May 2 to June 11, 2024.

Additionally, Nay is charged with two counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of possessing machine guns. The indictment alleges that Nay was in possession of six machine gun conversion devices, commonly referred to as “switches,” on June 18, 2024.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

KANSAS CITY – Two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, with one of the men also charged with possessing six machine gun conversion devices, according to the U.S. State's Attorney.Kal J. Nay, 21, of Oak Grove, Mo., and Robert J. Turnage, 20, of Blue Springs, Mo., were charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury last week. Nay was arrested and had his initial court appearance. Turnage has not yet been arrested.The federal indictment charges Nay and Turnage with participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. They are also charged together in one count of distributing fentanyl from May 2 to June 11, 2024.Additionally, Nay is charged with two counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of possessing machine guns. The indictment alleges that Nay was in possession of six machine gun conversion devices, commonly referred to as “switches,” on June 18, 2024.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Indicted KC fentanyl dealer is still at large

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two cases of alleged domestic violence in Manhattan.

Just after 2a.m. Monday. officers filed a report for aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint and criminal deprivation of property in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 35-year-old woman reported a 32-year-old man hit her causing significant injury, restrained her and withheld property from her. &nbsp;Kaleb Murphy, 32, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery, criminal restraint, domestic battery, and criminal deprivation of property. Murphy is being held on a $10,000 bond.

Just before 11p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for aggravated domestic battery, robbery, violation of a protection order, and theft in Manhattan, according to&nbsp; the Riley County Police Department Activity Report.

 A 36-year-old woman reported a 39-year-old man violated a protection order, battered her, and took her property by force. &nbsp;Evan Lied, 39, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery, robbery, violation of a protection order, and theft. Lied is being held on a $20,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two cases of alleged domestic violence in Manhattan.Just after 2a.m. Monday. officers filed a report for aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint and criminal deprivation of property in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 35-year-old woman reported a 32-year-old man hit her causing significant injury, restrained her and withheld property from her. &nbsp;Kaleb Murphy, 32, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery, criminal restraint, domestic battery, and criminal deprivation of property. Murphy is being held on a $10,000 bond.Just before 11p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for aggravated domestic battery, robbery, violation of a protection order, and theft in Manhattan, according to&nbsp; the Riley County Police Department Activity Report. A 36-year-old woman reported a 39-year-old man violated a protection order, battered her, and took her property by force. &nbsp;Evan Lied, 39, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery, robbery, violation of a protection order, and theft. Lied is being held on a $20,000 bond.

2 jailed in separate violent attacks on women in Manhattan

RAWLINS COUNTY — Law enforcement in northwest Kansas are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after fight at a hospital,&nbsp; a firearm and a stolen vehicle.

Just before 5:30p.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to report of a fight involving two men and a woman at the Rawlins County Hospital, 707 Grant Street in Atwood, according to Sheriff&nbsp;Catlyn Wahrman.

At the hospital, deputies learned the fight began at another location and&nbsp;involved a firearm.&nbsp; Deputies took one man into custody immediately and transported him to the Thomas County Jail.

According to Sheriff Wahrman, Security cameras show the altercation at the hospital.

Just before 8p.m. Friday, 33-year-old Evan Tipton was booked into jail on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon and Battery, according to online jail records.

After an investigation, deputies arrested the other man 26-year-old Chandler Johnson and and 33-year-old Amy Ross and recovered a stolen vehicle from Colorado.

Just after 9:30 p.m. deputies booked Johnson on requested charges of&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship and Criminal damage to property, according to online jail records.

On Saturday morning, deputies booked&nbsp; Ross into jail on requested charges that include&nbsp;Obstructing apprehension of prosecution; Committed or charged with felony and Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked.

Tipton is expected to face additional charges in connection with the firearm.

According to Sheriff Wahrman in a statement, “Acts of violence of this nature are rare in our community. I am thankful for my staff, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in bringing a quick resolution to the situation. My main priority is always the safety of Rawlins County and its people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730126925211.png" alt="Tipton photo Thomas Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tipton photo Thomas Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>RAWLINS COUNTY — Law enforcement in northwest Kansas are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after fight at a hospital,&nbsp; a firearm and a stolen vehicle.Just before 5:30p.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to report of a fight involving two men and a woman at the Rawlins County Hospital, 707 Grant Street in Atwood, according to Sheriff&nbsp;Catlyn Wahrman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730125843069.png" alt="Johnson-photo Thomas Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Thomas Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>At the hospital, deputies learned the fight began at another location and&nbsp;involved a firearm.&nbsp; Deputies took one man into custody immediately and transported him to the Thomas County Jail.According to Sheriff Wahrman, Security cameras show the altercation at the hospital.Just before 8p.m. Friday, 33-year-old Evan Tipton was booked into jail on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon and Battery, according to online jail records.After an investigation, deputies arrested the other man 26-year-old Chandler Johnson and and 33-year-old Amy Ross and recovered a stolen vehicle from Colorado.Just after 9:30 p.m. deputies booked Johnson on requested charges of&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship and Criminal damage to property, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730126582762.png" alt="Ross photo Thomas Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ross photo Thomas Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday morning, deputies booked&nbsp; Ross into jail on requested charges that include&nbsp;Obstructing apprehension of prosecution; Committed or charged with felony and Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked.Tipton is expected to face additional charges in connection with the firearm.According to Sheriff Wahrman in a statement, “Acts of violence of this nature are rare in our community. I am thankful for my staff, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in bringing a quick resolution to the situation. My main priority is always the safety of Rawlins County and its people.”

Suspects arrested after fight at NW Kansas hospital

KANSAS CITY—Police are now towing spectators vehicles at sideshows, thanks to a new ordinance in Kansas City.

On Sunday night across Kansas City, officers continued their enforcement of illegal sideshows and street racing, according to a social media report from KCPD.

Officers towed 10 vehicles and arrested four people, including participants spectators,&nbsp;and issued 16 citations and recovered one stolen vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730199413516.png" alt="Photos KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Police are now towing spectators vehicles at sideshows, thanks to a new ordinance in Kansas City.On Sunday night across Kansas City, officers continued their enforcement of illegal sideshows and street racing, according to a social media report from KCPD.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730199129843.jpeg" alt="Photos KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers towed 10 vehicles and arrested four people, including participants spectators,&nbsp;and issued 16 citations and recovered one stolen vehicle.

KCPD now towing spectator vehicles in crackdown of illegal sideshows

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident with the driver of a stolen vehicle just after 12:30p.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Katelyn Elizabeth&nbsp;Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in&nbsp; traveling in the inside lane.

The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730153232453.png" alt="Police near the crash investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police near the crash investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident with the driver of a stolen vehicle just after 12:30p.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Katelyn Elizabeth&nbsp;Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in&nbsp; traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was&nbsp; pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center and she was arrested.On Monday morning, officers located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.Around noon, the vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while another female suspect, later identified as Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with the Chevy Cobalt.