Buchanan County authorities have identified the woman whose body was found discarded in a bag alongside a road in southern Buchanan County.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett identifies the woman as 21-year-old Arial Anne-Rae Starcher of Independence.

A road crew with the Missouri Department of Transportation spotted the bag in a Vincent Road ditch south of Faucett Tuesday afternoon. When it appeared suspicious, the workers called the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office. Deputies confirmed the bag contained the body of a woman.

The sheriff’s office has declined to release details of the homicide. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding Arial Starcher, her known friends or associates, or areas Arial is known to frequent should contact the Investigations Division at 816-236-8845 or 816-238-TIPS (8477).

Buchanan County authorities have identified the body found stuffed inside a bag left in a ditch alongside a road in southern Buchanan County.

The identity is being withheld from the public until relatives have been notified.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett has released only that the woman was 22 years old.

A road crew with the Missouri Department of Transportation spotted the bag alongside Vincent Road south of Faucett Tuesday afternoon. When it appeared suspicious, the workers called the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies confirmed the bag contained the body of a woman.

An autopsy was ordered. The investigation continues.

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Mo. —A bag spotted by a highway worker at the side of a Buchanan County road led to a shocking discovery by Buchanan County deputies:&nbsp; a body.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office reports it received a call from a Missouri Department of Transportation worker who saw a bag in the ditch beside Vincent Road Tuesday afternoon near Faucett, approximately 40 miles north of Kansas City. When he decided to get a closer look, it appeared a body was inside.

Deputies confirmed the discovery and say the bag contained the body of a woman, approximately 40 to 55 years old.

An autopsy has been ordered. A suspicious death investigation is underway

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County authorities have identified the woman whose body was found discarded in a bag alongside a road in southern Buchanan County.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett identifies the woman as 21-year-old Arial Anne-Rae Starcher of Independence.A road crew with the Missouri Department of Transportation spotted the bag in a Vincent Road ditch south of Faucett Tuesday afternoon. When it appeared suspicious, the workers called the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office. Deputies confirmed the bag contained the body of a woman.The sheriff’s office has declined to release details of the homicide. The investigation is ongoing.Anyone with information regarding Arial Starcher, her known friends or associates, or areas Arial is known to frequent should contact the Investigations Division at 816-236-8845 or 816-238-TIPS (8477).------------By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County authorities have identified the body found stuffed inside a bag left in a ditch alongside a road in southern Buchanan County.The identity is being withheld from the public until relatives have been notified.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett has released only that the woman was 22 years old.A road crew with the Missouri Department of Transportation spotted the bag alongside Vincent Road south of Faucett Tuesday afternoon. When it appeared suspicious, the workers called the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies confirmed the bag contained the body of a woman.An autopsy was ordered. The investigation continues.-------------------By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBUCHANAN COUNTY, Mo. —A bag spotted by a highway worker at the side of a Buchanan County road led to a shocking discovery by Buchanan County deputies:&nbsp; a body.The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office reports it received a call from a Missouri Department of Transportation worker who saw a bag in the ditch beside Vincent Road Tuesday afternoon near Faucett, approximately 40 miles north of Kansas City. When he decided to get a closer look, it appeared a body was inside.Deputies confirmed the discovery and say the bag contained the body of a woman, approximately 40 to 55 years old.An autopsy has been ordered. A suspicious death investigation is underway

Update: Police release identity of body stuffed in bag near Kansas City

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson police were able to resolve an incident with an armed subject near 2nd and Taylor shortly before 5 p.m. Friday. It started around 2:30 p.m.

"We originally got a call of a suicidal subject, then as officers were responding to the call, we had a second report of shots fired inside the home," Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper said. "When the original officers came on scene, they made entry. The subject had retreated into a bedroom. As officers were attempting to work their way into that part of the house, they heard a second gunshot and so they backed out of the house and secured the area and called in our Emergency Response Team."

Approximately a four-block radius was blocked off during the incident.

"We were really lucky, obviously we resolved it with a peaceful resolution," Hooper said. "Our hostage negotiators got on scene. We had contact with the subject off and on. We were able to also work with his family members to kind of get him to calm down. He walked out of the house peacefully and gave up."

Hooper said police are familiar with the man, but offered no other specifics on his identity.

"We don't know for sure if he shot directly at our officers or he fired into the ceiling," Hooper said. "Our officers retreated. We'll ascertain the situation. First and foremost, we're concerned for his safety and his wellbeing. They'll check his mental state out and then we'll determine if we have any criminal charges."

A search warrant was executed Friday on the residence to determine exactly what happened.

HUTCHINSON — Police asked the public to avoid the area near 2nd and Taylor Streets in Hutchinson Friday afternoon as an armed subject has barricaded himself in a house there.

A text went out advising the public of the situation shortly after 3 p.m. Police blocked off the area between 1st and 3rd from Scott to Taylor.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582320432009.jpeg" alt="Police on the scene Friday afternoon in Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Friday afternoon in Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson police were able to resolve an incident with an armed subject near 2nd and Taylor shortly before 5 p.m. Friday. It started around 2:30 p.m."We originally got a call of a suicidal subject, then as officers were responding to the call, we had a second report of shots fired inside the home," Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper said. "When the original officers came on scene, they made entry. The subject had retreated into a bedroom. As officers were attempting to work their way into that part of the house, they heard a second gunshot and so they backed out of the house and secured the area and called in our Emergency Response Team."Approximately a four-block radius was blocked off during the incident."We were really lucky, obviously we resolved it with a peaceful resolution," Hooper said. "Our hostage negotiators got on scene. We had contact with the subject off and on. We were able to also work with his family members to kind of get him to calm down. He walked out of the house peacefully and gave up."Hooper said police are familiar with the man, but offered no other specifics on his identity."We don't know for sure if he shot directly at our officers or he fired into the ceiling," Hooper said. "Our officers retreated. We'll ascertain the situation. First and foremost, we're concerned for his safety and his wellbeing. They'll check his mental state out and then we'll determine if we have any criminal charges."A search warrant was executed Friday on the residence to determine exactly what happened.---------HUTCHINSON — Police asked the public to avoid the area near 2nd and Taylor Streets in Hutchinson Friday afternoon as an armed subject has barricaded himself in a house there.A text went out advising the public of the situation shortly after 3 p.m. Police blocked off the area between 1st and 3rd from Scott to Taylor.&nbsp;There are no injuries reportd.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police: Standoff with armed suspect in Hutchinson ends peacefully

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a Thursday afternoon raid at a home in Great Bend.

Just after 3:30 p.m., the Great Bend Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence located at 3222 18th Street in Great Bend as part of an on-going narcotics investigation, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

During the execution of the search warrant, resident Tina Smittle, 43, and another individual identified as Lucas Webster,&nbsp; 39, were located inside of the residence.

During a search of the residence, methamphetamine, marijuana, and items of illegal drug paraphernalia were located.

Webster was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and illegal drug paraphernalia, in addition to multiple arrest warrants for probation violation. He has four previous convictions for theft and two for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Smittle was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, illegal drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582316365943.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tina SmittleBARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a Thursday afternoon raid at a home in Great Bend.Just after 3:30 p.m., the Great Bend Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence located at 3222 18th Street in Great Bend as part of an on-going narcotics investigation, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.During the execution of the search warrant, resident Tina Smittle, 43, and another individual identified as Lucas Webster,&nbsp; 39, were located inside of the residence.During a search of the residence, methamphetamine, marijuana, and items of illegal drug paraphernalia were located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582316388463.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lucas WebsterWebster was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and illegal drug paraphernalia, in addition to multiple arrest warrants for probation violation. He has four previous convictions for theft and two for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Smittle was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, illegal drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and no drug tax stamp.&nbsp;

Deputies locate wanted felon during search of Kansas home

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The largest community college in Kansas has voted to censure a member, saying she spread damaging, false accusations about the college.

The Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees took the action Thursday after Angeliina Lawson secretly emailed a few state lawmakers in the fall, questioning how the college manages it assets. She also said in the email that the board lacked strong oversight.

The email was eventually passed on to college officials across the state, and then to JCCC board members, who have said Lawson’s comments were filled with inaccuracies and misrepresented the college.

The board in December voted to start a fact-finding process to investigate Lawson’s actions. The fact-finder also disputed nearly every allegation in Lawson’s email, finding the majority of statements to be misinterpretations or “flatly wrong.”

Lawson has called the process a “witch hunt,” arguing she is being penalized for asking questions and passing along constituents’ concerns. She said the main issue she is trying to address is the college board’s lack of transparency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582296472135.png" alt="Angeliina Lawson photo courtesy JCCC Board of Trustees" />
 <figcaption>Angeliina Lawson photo courtesy JCCC Board of Trustees</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The largest community college in Kansas has voted to censure a member, saying she spread damaging, false accusations about the college.The Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees took the action Thursday after Angeliina Lawson secretly emailed a few state lawmakers in the fall, questioning how the college manages it assets. She also said in the email that the board lacked strong oversight.The email was eventually passed on to college officials across the state, and then to JCCC board members, who have said Lawson’s comments were filled with inaccuracies and misrepresented the college.The board in December voted to start a fact-finding process to investigate Lawson’s actions. The fact-finder also disputed nearly every allegation in Lawson’s email, finding the majority of statements to be misinterpretations or “flatly wrong.”Lawson has called the process a “witch hunt,” arguing she is being penalized for asking questions and passing along constituents’ concerns. She said the main issue she is trying to address is the college board’s lack of transparency.

Kansas community college votes to censure board member

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating several cases of alleged suspicious activity involving a mini van have located the 2006 Ford Freestar along with a 21-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman associated with the vehicle.

On Thursday evening, police located them at a motel in the 8200 Block of East Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

The couple also has an infant child and a 1-year-old, according to Davidson.&nbsp; "It appears the couple was asking individuals for assistance for their children which is not a crime. The children are healthy and had their needs met."

Police are now working with the couple to provide avenues of resourses if they need it for the children, according to Davidson.

Police were also contacted by several individuals who had contact with the couple and the van after the original report in the media. Officers are working to learn what happened in each instance.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases of suspicious activity involving&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 4p.m.&nbsp; Monday, officers responded to a suspicious character call at businesses in the 7700 block of East Kellogg, in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

A 54-year-old woman reported that an unknown male driver and unknown woman passenger approached her 16-year-old son and her 17-year-old daughter in a parking lot in a tan Ford Freestyle van and asked for them to help with their child.&nbsp;

The teenagers refused, no children were observed in the vehicle and the suspects fled in the van.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a suspicious character call at a business in the 10500 block of West Central in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted a 59-year-old woman who reported an unknown male driver and a woman passenger in a minivan pulled up beside her vehicle and asked if she would help with their child.&nbsp; She refused, no children were observed in the van and she left in her vehicle.&nbsp; There were no injuries in this case.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Similar incidents were also reported to have occurred at a business in the 3700 block of North Woodlawn in Andover, Kansas.

The driver is described as a dark-skinned black male in his late 20’s or early 30’s, small build and bald.&nbsp; The passenger is described as a black female in her late 20’s or early 30’s, shoulder-length hair.&nbsp; The van is a tan Ford Freestyle van with a Kansas tag&nbsp; 078 LWY.

If you are approached by these individuals in this vehicle, please call 911 so officers can respond and investigate further.&nbsp; If you have any information on these cases, the individuals or vehicle, please email Officer Lori Kimrey at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lkimrey@wichita.gov">lkimrey@wichita.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582198441180.png" alt="Photo courtesy Wichita police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Wichita police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating several cases of alleged suspicious activity involving a mini van have located the 2006 Ford Freestar along with a 21-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman associated with the vehicle.On Thursday evening, police located them at a motel in the 8200 Block of East Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;The couple also has an infant child and a 1-year-old, according to Davidson.&nbsp; "It appears the couple was asking individuals for assistance for their children which is not a crime. The children are healthy and had their needs met."Police are now working with the couple to provide avenues of resourses if they need it for the children, according to Davidson.Police were also contacted by several individuals who had contact with the couple and the van after the original report in the media. Officers are working to learn what happened in each instance.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases of suspicious activity involving&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 4p.m.&nbsp; Monday, officers responded to a suspicious character call at businesses in the 7700 block of East Kellogg, in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;A 54-year-old woman reported that an unknown male driver and unknown woman passenger approached her 16-year-old son and her 17-year-old daughter in a parking lot in a tan Ford Freestyle van and asked for them to help with their child.&nbsp;The teenagers refused, no children were observed in the vehicle and the suspects fled in the van.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a suspicious character call at a business in the 10500 block of West Central in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted a 59-year-old woman who reported an unknown male driver and a woman passenger in a minivan pulled up beside her vehicle and asked if she would help with their child.&nbsp; She refused, no children were observed in the van and she left in her vehicle.&nbsp; There were no injuries in this case.&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar incidents were also reported to have occurred at a business in the 3700 block of North Woodlawn in Andover, Kansas.The driver is described as a dark-skinned black male in his late 20’s or early 30’s, small build and bald.&nbsp; The passenger is described as a black female in her late 20’s or early 30’s, shoulder-length hair.&nbsp; The van is a tan Ford Freestyle van with a Kansas tag&nbsp; 078 LWY.If you are approached by these individuals in this vehicle, please call 911 so officers can respond and investigate further.&nbsp; If you have any information on these cases, the individuals or vehicle, please email Officer Lori Kimrey at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lkimrey@wichita.gov">lkimrey@wichita.gov</a>.

Police locate couple in report of suspicious minivan in Kansas

ELLSWORTH –A Kansas man has been convicted of four child sex-crime related charges, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Karl Van Nice, 59, Ellsworth was found guilty Thursday by an Ellsworth County jury of two counts of rape, one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of aggravated sexual battery, according to information provided by the attorney general's office. Judge Carey Hipp presided over the trial. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

The crimes were committed between September 2015 and January 2016. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Ellsworth Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582303158445.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Karl Nice -photo Ford Co.ELLSWORTH –A Kansas man has been convicted of four child sex-crime related charges, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Karl Van Nice, 59, Ellsworth was found guilty Thursday by an Ellsworth County jury of two counts of rape, one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of aggravated sexual battery, according to information provided by the attorney general's office. Judge Carey Hipp presided over the trial. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.The crimes were committed between September 2015 and January 2016. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Ellsworth Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Jury: Kansas man guilty of four child sex crime charges

TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;51-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a man who was run over earlier this week near a Topeka hiking trail.

Chad Thomas Cuevas was charged Thursday and is being held on a $1 million bond, District Attorney Mike Kagay announced.

Emerson D. Downing, 41, of Topeka, was struck and killed Monday near the Soldier Trail in north Topeka.

Police Lt. Manny Munoz heard an argument near the trail and then saw a vehicle run over Downing and flee the scene, WIBW reported. Downing died at a Topeka hospital.

Police arrested Cuevas a short time after the incident.

Cuevas has a criminal history including making a terroristic threat, driving under the influence of alcohol, and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582024766991.png" alt="Cuevas photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cuevas photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;51-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a man who was run over earlier this week near a Topeka hiking trail.Chad Thomas Cuevas was charged Thursday and is being held on a $1 million bond, District Attorney Mike Kagay announced.Emerson D. Downing, 41, of Topeka, was struck and killed Monday near the Soldier Trail in north Topeka.Police Lt. Manny Munoz heard an argument near the trail and then saw a vehicle run over Downing and flee the scene, WIBW reported. Downing died at a Topeka hospital.Police arrested Cuevas a short time after the incident.Cuevas has a criminal history including making a terroristic threat, driving under the influence of alcohol, and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Kan. man charged with murder for driving over man on walking trail

Kan. dancers argue square dancing, polka should be the state’s official dances

SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent incident involving a 12-year-old girl captured on video that has gone viral on social media.





The incident reportedly took place at around 11:45 a.m. Thursday morning in the 1200 block of SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

The incident was reported to the Topeka Police Department shortly after noon Thursday.&nbsp; A 14-year-old girl was injured during the incident.


Police took the 12-year-old into custody. Following questioning and further investigation, they arrested the girl and booked her in the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections for a felony Aggravated Battery charge.

“The incident that took place Thursday is extremely unsettling not only to myself, but to the Topeka community,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “I am proud of the men and women of the Topeka Police Department for their hard work on this investigation.”

Police continue to ask witnesses and those with information to please contact them with information by emailing <a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&gt; or by calling the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at <a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&lt;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">http://www.p3tips.com/128</a>&gt;.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582284152723.png" alt="Image from the viral video courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Image from the viral video courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent incident involving a 12-year-old girl captured on video that has gone viral on social media.



The incident reportedly took place at around 11:45 a.m. Thursday morning in the 1200 block of SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.The incident was reported to the Topeka Police Department shortly after noon Thursday.&nbsp; A 14-year-old girl was injured during the incident.
Police took the 12-year-old into custody. Following questioning and further investigation, they arrested the girl and booked her in the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections for a felony Aggravated Battery charge.“The incident that took place Thursday is extremely unsettling not only to myself, but to the Topeka community,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “I am proud of the men and women of the Topeka Police Department for their hard work on this investigation.”Police continue to ask witnesses and those with information to please contact them with information by emailing <a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&gt; or by calling the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at <a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&lt;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">http://www.p3tips.com/128</a>&gt;.

Police arrest 12-year-old Kan. girl after video of attack goes viral

KANSAS CITY – Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon announced Thursday that the DEA will direct enforcement resources to methamphetamine “transportation hubs” — areas where methamphetamine is often trafficked in bulk and then distributed across the country.&nbsp;While continuing to focus on stopping drugs being smuggled across the border, DEA’s Operation Crystal Shield will ramp up enforcement to block their further distribution into America’s neighborhoods.

DEA has identified eight major methamphetamine transportation hubs where these efforts will be concentrated:&nbsp;Atlanta, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Phoenix, and the St. Louis Division. Together, these DEA Field Divisions accounted for more than 75 percent of methamphetamine seized in the U.S. in 2019.

“The superhighways of methamphetamine distribution cross Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “No drug has proven to be a greater threat to the peace, safety and health of our communities. Operation Crystal Shield is a much needed initiative to make Kansans safer.”

Operation Crystal Shield builds on existing DEA initiatives that target major drug trafficking networks, including the Mexican cartels that are responsible for the overwhelming majority of methamphetamine trafficked into and within the United States.&nbsp;From fiscal year 2017 to 2019, DEA domestic seizures of methamphetamine increased 127 percent&nbsp;from 49,507 pounds to 112,146 pounds. The St. Louis Division seizures were up 56 percent from fiscal year 2018 to 2019. During the same timeframe, the number of DEA arrests related to methamphetamine rose nearly 20 percent.

“For decades, methamphetamine has been a leading cause of violence and addiction – a drug threat that has never gone away,” said Acting Administrator Dhillon.&nbsp;“With a 22 percent increase in methamphetamine-related overdose deaths, now is the time to act, and DEA is leading the way with a surge of interdiction efforts and resources, targeting regional transportation hubs throughout the United States. By reducing the supply of meth, we reduce the violence, addiction, and death it spreads.”

The DEA St. Louis Division covers the entire states of Missouri, Kansas and the southern portion of Illinois, which encompasses hundreds of miles of interstate roadways.&nbsp; “These roadways are routinely utilized by drug trafficking organizations to transport methamphetamine and other deadly drugs into Kansas City metropolitan area,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan. “Operation Crystal Shield will allow our DEA agents and law enforcement partners the opportunity to strengthen our enforcement strategies in an effort to interdict drugs and disrupt drug trafficking organizations causing harm to the citizens of Kansas City.”

Special Agent in Charge Callahan added, “The DEA seeks to hold methamphetamine drug traffickers accountable through multi-jurisdictional investigations which target all facets of the drug trafficking organizations, and bring them to justice by United States Attorneys in our area of operation.”

“Methamphetamine is by far the most prevalent illegal drug being sold on the streets of our community, and therefore warrants a focused plan of attack,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “Meth trafficking makes up more than 60 percent of the federal drug cases we prosecute in the Western District of Missouri. Operation Crystal Shield provides a strategy to stanch the flow of methamphetamine being smuggled into our state by the Mexican cartels. If we can reduce the supply of methamphetamine, we can reduce the violence and other criminal activity associated with drug trafficking.”

Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country. It is often found in poly-drug loads, alongside cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582233439503.png" alt="Total seizure of over 1200 pounds of meth and 100 gallons of liquid.&nbsp; The new program will focus efforts will focus on main U.S. methamphetamine trafficking transportation hubs <a href="https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2020/02/20/dea-announces-launch-operation-crystal-shield">photo courtesy DEA</a>" />
 <figcaption>Total seizure of over 1200 pounds of meth and 100 gallons of liquid.&nbsp; The new program will focus efforts will focus on main U.S. methamphetamine trafficking transportation hubs <a href="https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2020/02/20/dea-announces-launch-operation-crystal-shield">photo courtesy DEA</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon announced Thursday that the DEA will direct enforcement resources to methamphetamine “transportation hubs” — areas where methamphetamine is often trafficked in bulk and then distributed across the country.&nbsp;While continuing to focus on stopping drugs being smuggled across the border, DEA’s Operation Crystal Shield will ramp up enforcement to block their further distribution into America’s neighborhoods.DEA has identified eight major methamphetamine transportation hubs where these efforts will be concentrated:&nbsp;Atlanta, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Phoenix, and the St. Louis Division. Together, these DEA Field Divisions accounted for more than 75 percent of methamphetamine seized in the U.S. in 2019.“The superhighways of methamphetamine distribution cross Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “No drug has proven to be a greater threat to the peace, safety and health of our communities. Operation Crystal Shield is a much needed initiative to make Kansans safer.”Operation Crystal Shield builds on existing DEA initiatives that target major drug trafficking networks, including the Mexican cartels that are responsible for the overwhelming majority of methamphetamine trafficked into and within the United States.&nbsp;From fiscal year 2017 to 2019, DEA domestic seizures of methamphetamine increased 127 percent&nbsp;from 49,507 pounds to 112,146 pounds. The St. Louis Division seizures were up 56 percent from fiscal year 2018 to 2019. During the same timeframe, the number of DEA arrests related to methamphetamine rose nearly 20 percent.“For decades, methamphetamine has been a leading cause of violence and addiction – a drug threat that has never gone away,” said Acting Administrator Dhillon.&nbsp;“With a 22 percent increase in methamphetamine-related overdose deaths, now is the time to act, and DEA is leading the way with a surge of interdiction efforts and resources, targeting regional transportation hubs throughout the United States. By reducing the supply of meth, we reduce the violence, addiction, and death it spreads.”The DEA St. Louis Division covers the entire states of Missouri, Kansas and the southern portion of Illinois, which encompasses hundreds of miles of interstate roadways.&nbsp; “These roadways are routinely utilized by drug trafficking organizations to transport methamphetamine and other deadly drugs into Kansas City metropolitan area,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan. “Operation Crystal Shield will allow our DEA agents and law enforcement partners the opportunity to strengthen our enforcement strategies in an effort to interdict drugs and disrupt drug trafficking organizations causing harm to the citizens of Kansas City.”Special Agent in Charge Callahan added, “The DEA seeks to hold methamphetamine drug traffickers accountable through multi-jurisdictional investigations which target all facets of the drug trafficking organizations, and bring them to justice by United States Attorneys in our area of operation.”“Methamphetamine is by far the most prevalent illegal drug being sold on the streets of our community, and therefore warrants a focused plan of attack,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “Meth trafficking makes up more than 60 percent of the federal drug cases we prosecute in the Western District of Missouri. Operation Crystal Shield provides a strategy to stanch the flow of methamphetamine being smuggled into our state by the Mexican cartels. If we can reduce the supply of methamphetamine, we can reduce the violence and other criminal activity associated with drug trafficking.”Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country. It is often found in poly-drug loads, alongside cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.

Crystal Shield: New enforcement operation focuses on meth trafficking hubs

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The fifth of five defendants charged with killing three people in Topeka has pleaded guilty to two charges related to the case. Twenty-two-year-old Shane Andrew Mays pleaded Thursday to attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery. 

Prosecutors said the three victims were killed in March 2017 after an unproven rape allegation against 19-year-old Matthew Leavitt. 

Prosecutors say Mays was given a chance to survive if he helped to kill Leavitt, his best friend. He put a bag over Leavitt's head and held him down until another man killed Leavitt. Mays walked to the police station and reported the deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582220682546.png" alt="Shane Mays" />
 <figcaption>Shane Mays</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The fifth of five defendants charged with killing three people in Topeka has pleaded guilty to two charges related to the case. Twenty-two-year-old Shane Andrew Mays pleaded Thursday to attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery. Prosecutors said the three victims were killed in March 2017 after an unproven rape allegation against 19-year-old Matthew Leavitt. Prosecutors say Mays was given a chance to survive if he helped to kill Leavitt, his best friend. He put a bag over Leavitt's head and held him down until another man killed Leavitt. Mays walked to the police station and reported the deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Man pleads guilty in connection to Kansas triple homicide

WICHITA, KAN. –&nbsp;A former city administrator of Fredonia, Kansas, was sentenced Wednesday to 90 months in federal prison for child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Michael P. Ohrt, 40, Fredonia,&nbsp; pleaded guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. 

In his plea, he admitted using his Yahoo email account to establish a Dropbox storage account and then uploading videos of child pornography. 

Dropbox identified the material as child pornography and reported the user's information to authorities. Investigators traced the IP address to Ohrt's work and home in Fredonia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582203413751.png" alt="Michael Ohrt is being held in Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael Ohrt is being held in Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. –&nbsp;A former city administrator of Fredonia, Kansas, was sentenced Wednesday to 90 months in federal prison for child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Michael P. Ohrt, 40, Fredonia,&nbsp; pleaded guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. In his plea, he admitted using his Yahoo email account to establish a Dropbox storage account and then uploading videos of child pornography. Dropbox identified the material as child pornography and reported the user's information to authorities. Investigators traced the IP address to Ohrt's work and home in Fredonia.

Former city administrator in Kansas viewed child porn at work

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a Lawrence developer to serve three months in prison for illegal disposal of asbestos during a construction project.

Thomas S. Fritzel, 54, was also ordered to pay a $55,000 fine for violations of the Clean Air Act during remodeling work in 2016 at the former Alvamar Country Club, now known as the Jayhawk Club.

The penalty imposed by U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter comes after jurors found Fritzel guilty in July of three counts related to disposal of asbestos, a hazardous material linked cancer. Fritzel was convicted of knowingly failing to notify environmental agencies before removing the asbestos, failing to wet the asbestos before removing it and failing to dispose of it in leak-tight containers.

The judge said she based the sentence in part to a toxicologist’s analysis that showed his conduct created a “nearly infinitesimal risk of exposure.” Teeter also said that — based on Fritzel’s expressed remorse — she did not believe he would repeat the offense.

Fritzel also faces sentencing in May in a separate fraud case related to a scheme to collect more than $400,000 in fraudulent tax refunds from the city of Lawrence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582246176312.png" alt="The former Alvamar Country Club, now known as the Jayhawk Club -google image" />
 <figcaption>The former Alvamar Country Club, now known as the Jayhawk Club -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a Lawrence developer to serve three months in prison for illegal disposal of asbestos during a construction project.Thomas S. Fritzel, 54, was also ordered to pay a $55,000 fine for violations of the Clean Air Act during remodeling work in 2016 at the former Alvamar Country Club, now known as the Jayhawk Club.The penalty imposed by U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter comes after jurors found Fritzel guilty in July of three counts related to disposal of asbestos, a hazardous material linked cancer. Fritzel was convicted of knowingly failing to notify environmental agencies before removing the asbestos, failing to wet the asbestos before removing it and failing to dispose of it in leak-tight containers.The judge said she based the sentence in part to a toxicologist’s analysis that showed his conduct created a “nearly infinitesimal risk of exposure.” Teeter also said that — based on Fritzel’s expressed remorse — she did not believe he would repeat the offense.Fritzel also faces sentencing in May in a separate fraud case related to a scheme to collect more than $400,000 in fraudulent tax refunds from the city of Lawrence.

Kansas developer gets prison for illegal asbestos disposal

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City teenager has been sentenced to nine months of probation for her part in a failed $8 Xanax deal that ended in a deadly shooting.

Jordan Denny, of Olathe, Kansas, was sentenced Thursday for drug charges. She originally was charged with felony murder in the March 2019 death of 17-year-old Rowan Padgett.

The affidavit says Matthew Lee Bibee Jr., who is awaiting trial on a capital murder charge, arranged to buy the anxiety medication through Denny, who was then 16. She told authorities her supplier fell through and that she asked Padgett to leave with Bibee because her father had called police.

The affidavit says Padgett was killed after getting into the car with Bibee, who was wounded two days later in an exchange of gunfire with police.

Another teen was sentenced to more than four years in a juvenile corrections facility for helping to set up the deal.

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City teenager has been sentenced to nine months of probation for her part in a failed $8 Xanax deal that ended in a deadly shooting.Jordan Denny, of Olathe, Kansas, was sentenced Thursday for drug charges. She originally was charged with felony murder in the March 2019 death of 17-year-old Rowan Padgett.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578656299375.png" alt="Rowan Padgett photo <a href="https://www.penwellgabelkc.com/Obituary/170460/Rowan-Padgett/Olathe-KS">courtesy Penwell Gable&nbsp;</a>" />
 <figcaption>Rowan Padgett photo <a href="https://www.penwellgabelkc.com/Obituary/170460/Rowan-Padgett/Olathe-KS">courtesy Penwell Gable&nbsp;</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The affidavit says Matthew Lee Bibee Jr., who is awaiting trial on a capital murder charge, arranged to buy the anxiety medication through Denny, who was then 16. She told authorities her supplier fell through and that she asked Padgett to leave with Bibee because her father had called police.The affidavit says Padgett was killed after getting into the car with Bibee, who was wounded two days later in an exchange of gunfire with police.Another teen was sentenced to more than four years in a juvenile corrections facility for helping to set up the deal.

Kansas teen sentenced in failed $8 Xanax deal killing

WICHITA COUNTY&nbsp; — One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Wichita County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford pickup driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus Anatonio&nbsp; Subdiaz-Aguilar, 35, Leoti, was&nbsp;northbound on 3 Rd&nbsp; at miles North of Kansas 96.

The pickup drove off the west side of roadway, traveled over a culvert/bridge, rolled, landed on the roof, bounced and rolled towards drivers side landing on back on the wheels.

&nbsp;EMS transported Subdiaz-Aguilar and passengers Carlos Enrique&nbsp;Gonzales, 36, and Jose Manual Medina, 29, both of Leoti, to the Wichita County Hospital in Leoti where Gonzales died. 

All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

WICHITA COUNTY&nbsp; — One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Wichita County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford pickup driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus Anatonio&nbsp; Subdiaz-Aguilar, 35, Leoti, was&nbsp;northbound on 3 Rd&nbsp; at miles North of Kansas 96.The pickup drove off the west side of roadway, traveled over a culvert/bridge, rolled, landed on the roof, bounced and rolled towards drivers side landing on back on the wheels.&nbsp;EMS transported Subdiaz-Aguilar and passengers Carlos Enrique&nbsp;Gonzales, 36, and Jose Manual Medina, 29, both of Leoti, to the Wichita County Hospital in Leoti where Gonzales died. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, 2 hospitalized after violent pickup crash

KANSAS CITY(AP) — An African American medical technician at a Kansas City hospital alleges in a lawsuit that a white co-worker called him “boy" and referred to another black employee as “Aunt Jemima."

Trevor Baston accuses St. Luke’s Physician Group and St. Luke’s Health System of race, color and sex discrimination, harassment and retaliation in a lawsuit that was moved last week from state to federal court.

St. Luke's Health System said in a statement that it couldn't comment on pending litigation but stressed that it was committed to a “culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all."

Baston, who began working at St. Luke's Hospital in 2017, said a co-worker who called him “boy" persisted in doing so even after Baston explained how that was offensive to a black man. He asked the woman to call him by his name. She allegedly responded: “You don’t know what you are talking about boy, be quiet boy.”

When Baston reported this to his manager, she told him that he was “looking at it incorrectly” and that the employee didn’t mean it. The manager told him there was nothing she could do, the lawsuit says.

The suit also alleges that a white nurse practitioner asked Baston to stand in the room with her while she was with a patient she called “creepy.” The patient, a black man about the same size as Baston, appeared normal to him, the lawsuit said.

After the nurse finished interacting with the patient — faster than usual — she thanked Baston for standing with her and said: “Sometimes I am afraid of big black men especially ones that look like the guy that killed my brother,” the lawsuit says. Baston then asked her if she was afraid of him and if she realized he was also a “big black man.” She didn’t answer, instead shushing Baston and walking away, according to the lawsuit.

Baston filed a complaint last March with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, despite a manager telling him to keep quiet, the suit said.

Several months later, St. Luke’s held an unconscious bias training session. At the end, Baston’s supervisor’s boss told staff: “What I want you all to do is just get over it and let the past be the past,” the suit said.

Baston, who felt the comment was directed at him and another black employee, went on medical leave because “of the stress and anxiety” that caused him, the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit asks for economic and emotional distress damages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582232997489.png" alt="Photo courtesy Saint Luke's Health System" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Saint Luke's Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — An African American medical technician at a Kansas City hospital alleges in a lawsuit that a white co-worker called him “boy" and referred to another black employee as “Aunt Jemima."Trevor Baston accuses St. Luke’s Physician Group and St. Luke’s Health System of race, color and sex discrimination, harassment and retaliation in a lawsuit that was moved last week from state to federal court.St. Luke's Health System said in a statement that it couldn't comment on pending litigation but stressed that it was committed to a “culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all."Baston, who began working at St. Luke's Hospital in 2017, said a co-worker who called him “boy" persisted in doing so even after Baston explained how that was offensive to a black man. He asked the woman to call him by his name. She allegedly responded: “You don’t know what you are talking about boy, be quiet boy.”When Baston reported this to his manager, she told him that he was “looking at it incorrectly” and that the employee didn’t mean it. The manager told him there was nothing she could do, the lawsuit says.The suit also alleges that a white nurse practitioner asked Baston to stand in the room with her while she was with a patient she called “creepy.” The patient, a black man about the same size as Baston, appeared normal to him, the lawsuit said.After the nurse finished interacting with the patient — faster than usual — she thanked Baston for standing with her and said: “Sometimes I am afraid of big black men especially ones that look like the guy that killed my brother,” the lawsuit says. Baston then asked her if she was afraid of him and if she realized he was also a “big black man.” She didn’t answer, instead shushing Baston and walking away, according to the lawsuit.Baston filed a complaint last March with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, despite a manager telling him to keep quiet, the suit said.Several months later, St. Luke’s held an unconscious bias training session. At the end, Baston’s supervisor’s boss told staff: “What I want you all to do is just get over it and let the past be the past,” the suit said.Baston, who felt the comment was directed at him and another black employee, went on medical leave because “of the stress and anxiety” that caused him, the lawsuit says.The lawsuit asks for economic and emotional distress damages.

Suit: Woman at KC hospital called black co-workers 'boy,' 'Aunt Jemima'

SEWARD COUNTY — A snow plow driver avoided serious injury after a rollover accident on Thursday in Seward County.

Just before 9a.m.,&nbsp;&nbsp;officers were dispatched to the 2400 block of West Pancake Boulevard in Liberal for a reported accident involving a snow plow, according to Police Captain Patrick McClurg.

 Responding officers found a Kansas Department of Transportation snow plow on its side in the eastbound lane in front of the Toot N Totum convenience store.

According to investigators, a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by a 30-year-old man was westbound on Pancake Boulevard throwing sand when the vehicle lost traction on the ice under the snow and began to slide.&nbsp; The vehicle slid across the eastbound lanes and struck the curb and flipped onto its side when the tires caught the curb.

The vehicle and a decorative horse statue in front of the business suffered extensive damage. The driver, whose name was not released, was not injured, according to McClurg.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582231033922.png" alt="Thursday morning rollover accident in southwest Kansas<a href="https://www.kscbnews.net/liberal-police-work-rollover-accident/"> photo courtesy KSCB </a>" />
 <figcaption>Thursday morning rollover accident in southwest Kansas<a href="https://www.kscbnews.net/liberal-police-work-rollover-accident/"> photo courtesy KSCB </a></figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY — A snow plow driver avoided serious injury after a rollover accident on Thursday in Seward County.Just before 9a.m.,&nbsp;&nbsp;officers were dispatched to the 2400 block of West Pancake Boulevard in Liberal for a reported accident involving a snow plow, according to Police Captain Patrick McClurg. Responding officers found a Kansas Department of Transportation snow plow on its side in the eastbound lane in front of the Toot N Totum convenience store.According to investigators, a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by a 30-year-old man was westbound on Pancake Boulevard throwing sand when the vehicle lost traction on the ice under the snow and began to slide.&nbsp; The vehicle slid across the eastbound lanes and struck the curb and flipped onto its side when the tires caught the curb.The vehicle and a decorative horse statue in front of the business suffered extensive damage. The driver, whose name was not released, was not injured, according to McClurg.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Police: KDOT snowplow overturns on the ice in SW Kansas

Kansas bill lowers pot possession penalty, releases inmates early

KANSAS CITY (AP) —&nbsp; A firearms dealer who sold a gun used in a deadly Kansas City shooting will stop selling guns as part of a settlement with the parents of the victim.

Green Tip Arms also agreed to surrender its federal firearms license to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the agreement that a Jackson County judge approved Tuesday.

Alvino and Beverly Crawford filed the wrongful death lawsuit in June in Jackson County Circuit Court on behalf of their son, Alvino Dwight Crawford Jr. The suit alleged that Green Tip Arms had reason to be suspicious that a frequent customer, James Samuels, was an unlicensed gun dealer. One of the weapons was used to kill Crawford two months after it was purchased in 2016.

The lawsuit accused Jimenez Arms, the manufacturer of the gun, of aiding and abetting the gun trafficking ring. The lawsuit did not say how the weapon moved to Green Tip Arms. Jimenez Arms, which filed for bankruptcy this month, was not part of the settlement.

“Dwight’s life was precious and priceless, and Green Tips Arms fell short of a moral compass about the potential impact of its decisions," Crawford's parents said in a written statement. “To protect other families from experiencing the enduring pain of loss as we have, we hope this action conveys a message to other gun dealers who chose to conduct business irresponsibly and without regard for human life.”

Michael Brown, an attorney for Green Tip Arms, originally based in Missouri but now based in Arizona, declined to comment.

Lawyers with Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, an umbrella group of gun control advocacy organizations funded by billionaire presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg, helped to represent Crawford's family.

Jerome Walker, 41, and Devon Davis, who was 16 at the time, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing. Prosecutors alleged that Walker struck Crawford with a baseball bat and, as Crawford stumbled away, Davis shot and killed him.

Samuels, a former fire captain who is accused of facilitating the sale of the gun used in Crawford's killing, faces a June trial on charges that he knowingly supplied weapons to felons.

Joe Picerno, an attorney for Samuels, said Thursday that his client has entered a not guilty plea and “denies that he did any wrongdoing or anything illegal."

The settlement with Green Tip Arms was reached less than a month after Kansas City and Everyytown filed a lawsuit alleging that several businesses and individuals trafficked firearms in the region while willfully ignoring evidence that the guns were being sold illegally.

The lawsuit, which Everytown said was the first of its kind filed in 10 years, alleges that the gun trafficking created a public nuisance in Kansas City, which has one of the highest homicide rates in the U.S. That suit also named Jimenez Arms.

Joseph Roper, an attorney for Jimenez, didn't immediately return a phone message.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582215629955.png" alt="Kansas City Fire Captain James Samuels (L) allegedly sold guns to felons, including one used in a 2016 murder. Photo shows Samuels during a recognition event courtesy Greater Kansas City Firefighter's Assn.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Fire Captain James Samuels (L) allegedly sold guns to felons, including one used in a 2016 murder. Photo shows Samuels during a recognition event courtesy Greater Kansas City Firefighter's Assn.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —&nbsp; A firearms dealer who sold a gun used in a deadly Kansas City shooting will stop selling guns as part of a settlement with the parents of the victim.Green Tip Arms also agreed to surrender its federal firearms license to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the agreement that a Jackson County judge approved Tuesday.Alvino and Beverly Crawford filed the wrongful death lawsuit in June in Jackson County Circuit Court on behalf of their son, Alvino Dwight Crawford Jr. The suit alleged that Green Tip Arms had reason to be suspicious that a frequent customer, James Samuels, was an unlicensed gun dealer. One of the weapons was used to kill Crawford two months after it was purchased in 2016.The lawsuit accused Jimenez Arms, the manufacturer of the gun, of aiding and abetting the gun trafficking ring. The lawsuit did not say how the weapon moved to Green Tip Arms. Jimenez Arms, which filed for bankruptcy this month, was not part of the settlement.“Dwight’s life was precious and priceless, and Green Tips Arms fell short of a moral compass about the potential impact of its decisions," Crawford's parents said in a written statement. “To protect other families from experiencing the enduring pain of loss as we have, we hope this action conveys a message to other gun dealers who chose to conduct business irresponsibly and without regard for human life.”Michael Brown, an attorney for Green Tip Arms, originally based in Missouri but now based in Arizona, declined to comment.Lawyers with Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, an umbrella group of gun control advocacy organizations funded by billionaire presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg, helped to represent Crawford's family.Jerome Walker, 41, and Devon Davis, who was 16 at the time, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing. Prosecutors alleged that Walker struck Crawford with a baseball bat and, as Crawford stumbled away, Davis shot and killed him.Samuels, a former fire captain who is accused of facilitating the sale of the gun used in Crawford's killing, faces a June trial on charges that he knowingly supplied weapons to felons.Joe Picerno, an attorney for Samuels, said Thursday that his client has entered a not guilty plea and “denies that he did any wrongdoing or anything illegal."The settlement with Green Tip Arms was reached less than a month after Kansas City and Everyytown filed a lawsuit alleging that several businesses and individuals trafficked firearms in the region while willfully ignoring evidence that the guns were being sold illegally.The lawsuit, which Everytown said was the first of its kind filed in 10 years, alleges that the gun trafficking created a public nuisance in Kansas City, which has one of the highest homicide rates in the U.S. That suit also named Jimenez Arms.Joseph Roper, an attorney for Jimenez, didn't immediately return a phone message.

Dealer who sold weapon used in KC killing to stop selling guns

SEDGWICK COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Stephen W. Gaskins, 44, Worthington, MN., was northbound on Interstate 135 in central Wichita.

The semi struck a Ford F750 working on the shoulder. The impact pushed the truck into an FL70 streetsweeper.

DeCarlo L Bell, 31, Wichita, was outside the vehicles and thrown into the canal, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department.

Crews worked to remove Bell&nbsp; from the canal and he was transported to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; Gaskins and another member of the streetsweeper crew Jim R. Turner, 62, Wichita, were not injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582216974183.png" alt="Wednesday night rescue photo courtesy Wichita Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday night rescue photo courtesy Wichita Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Stephen W. Gaskins, 44, Worthington, MN., was northbound on Interstate 135 in central Wichita.The semi struck a Ford F750 working on the shoulder. The impact pushed the truck into an FL70 streetsweeper.DeCarlo L Bell, 31, Wichita, was outside the vehicles and thrown into the canal, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department.Crews worked to remove Bell&nbsp; from the canal and he was transported to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; Gaskins and another member of the streetsweeper crew Jim R. Turner, 62, Wichita, were not injured.

Kan. man on streetsweeper crew hospitalized after thrown into canal

GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) — A Florida woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday in the deaths of a Kansas couple who were killed after a carnival worker ordered their deaths as part of a fictitious&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b5ea31614994ceea97715a034cf9787">“carnival mafia”</a>&nbsp;initiation.

Kimberly Younger, of McIntosh, Florida, is facing six charges, including capital murder, in the July 2018 deaths of Alfred and Pauline Carpenter, of Wichita.

Authorities said the Carpenters were working as vendors at the Barton County Fair when they were killed, driven to Arkansas and buried in a national forest near Van Buren.

During Wednesday’s arraignment, prosecutors said they would not seek the death penalty against Younger, KWCH reported. She is also charged with first-degree premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder, solicitation to commit first-degree premeditated murder and felony theft.

Police in Arkansas alleged that a Kansas carnival worker posed as a member of a mafia group and ordered fellow workers to kill the couple as part of an initiation. Investigators have said a “carnival mafia” does not exist.

Two other people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c86989a1b9184ccdb268edbe3ea91303">pleaded</a>&nbsp;guilty to first-degree murder in the deaths. Two others pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP)— A woman suspected in the killings of a Kansas couple who were working as carnival vendors pleaded not guilty to several charges. 

Kimberly Younger, of McIntosh, Florida, entered the plea Wednesday in the death of Alfred and Pauline Carpenter, who were working as vendors at the Barton County Fair in July 2018 when they were killed, driven to Arkansas and buried. She is charged with six counts, including capital murder. 

KWCH-TV reports that during Wednesday's arraignment, prosecutors said they would not pursue the death penalty against Younger. Authorities say the Carpenters were killed after one suspect posed as a carnival mafia boss and ordered the killings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582210167788.png" alt="Kimberly Younger- Barton County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Kimberly Younger- Barton County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) — A Florida woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday in the deaths of a Kansas couple who were killed after a carnival worker ordered their deaths as part of a fictitious&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b5ea31614994ceea97715a034cf9787">“carnival mafia”</a>&nbsp;initiation.Kimberly Younger, of McIntosh, Florida, is facing six charges, including capital murder, in the July 2018 deaths of Alfred and Pauline Carpenter, of Wichita.Authorities said the Carpenters were working as vendors at the Barton County Fair when they were killed, driven to Arkansas and buried in a national forest near Van Buren.During Wednesday’s arraignment, prosecutors said they would not seek the death penalty against Younger, KWCH reported. She is also charged with first-degree premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder, solicitation to commit first-degree premeditated murder and felony theft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582210805867.png" alt="Police at the scene of the murder investigation near Van Buren Arkansas -photo courtesy KFSM TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the murder investigation near Van Buren Arkansas -photo courtesy KFSM TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police in Arkansas alleged that a Kansas carnival worker posed as a member of a mafia group and ordered fellow workers to kill the couple as part of an initiation. Investigators have said a “carnival mafia” does not exist.Two other people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c86989a1b9184ccdb268edbe3ea91303">pleaded</a>&nbsp;guilty to first-degree murder in the deaths. Two others pleaded guilty to lesser charges.------GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP)— A woman suspected in the killings of a Kansas couple who were working as carnival vendors pleaded not guilty to several charges. Kimberly Younger, of McIntosh, Florida, entered the plea Wednesday in the death of Alfred and Pauline Carpenter, who were working as vendors at the Barton County Fair in July 2018 when they were killed, driven to Arkansas and buried. She is charged with six counts, including capital murder. KWCH-TV reports that during Wednesday's arraignment, prosecutors said they would not pursue the death penalty against Younger. Authorities say the Carpenters were killed after one suspect posed as a carnival mafia boss and ordered the killings.

Update: Woman pleads not guilty in deaths of vendors at Barton Co. Fair

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on fraud charges after an incident at the sheriff's office in Dickinson County.

On Wednesday, 43-year-old Karl Landon, Jr.,&nbsp;came to the sheriff's office with the intent to put money on the account of an inmate and allegedly presented a phony $100 bill as payment, according to Sheriff Gareth Hoffman.

The employee immediately recognized the bill as a fake and notified investigations.&nbsp; The Department's Investigations Unit arrested Landon for allegedly attempting to pass the phony money.

Landon is being held on requested a charge of Possession of Counterfeited Currency With the Intent to Defraud.&nbsp; 

Landon has previous convictions for sexual battery, aggravated assault, domestic battery, DUI and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582142347927.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Landon photo Dickinson CountyDICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on fraud charges after an incident at the sheriff's office in Dickinson County.On Wednesday, 43-year-old Karl Landon, Jr.,&nbsp;came to the sheriff's office with the intent to put money on the account of an inmate and allegedly presented a phony $100 bill as payment, according to Sheriff Gareth Hoffman.The employee immediately recognized the bill as a fake and notified investigations.&nbsp; The Department's Investigations Unit arrested Landon for allegedly attempting to pass the phony money.Landon is being held on requested a charge of Possession of Counterfeited Currency With the Intent to Defraud.&nbsp; Landon has previous convictions for sexual battery, aggravated assault, domestic battery, DUI and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon tried to use counterfeit cash at the sheriff's office

SHAWNEE COUNTY— A Kansas man hospitalized after a weekend hit and run accident in Shawnee County has died.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 caller reported they were transporting a victim later identified as Noah M. Thibodeau, 20, of Eskridge&nbsp; in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.

Witnesses reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in Thibodeau being dragged by a Jeep Wrangeler causing the life-threatening injuries.

Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and Thibodeau on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital in critical condition.

Thibodeau died on Wednesday, according to Sgt.&nbsp;Todd Stallbaumer with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Department.

During the altercation, the Jeep also struck two others resulting in minor injuries and left the scene, according to the witness.

Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to the sheriff's department.   Authorities have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.

Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital.

The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. Late Monday, the victim remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness.

Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to Christian.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities have not reported an arrest.

Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness. The vehicle described as a red, or dark colored 4-door Jeep wrangler sped away westbound on 4th street, according to Wanamaker.&nbsp;

Deputies asked the public for assistance locating Tyler Moore and Zachary Osborne for questioning in connection with the incident.&nbsp;

Later Sunday, deputies reported they were no longer searching for Osborne and continue to search for Moore and the vehicle.

SHAWNEE COUNTY— A Kansas man hospitalized after a weekend hit and run accident in Shawnee County has died.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 caller reported they were transporting a victim later identified as Noah M. Thibodeau, 20, of Eskridge&nbsp; in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.Witnesses reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in Thibodeau being dragged by a Jeep Wrangeler causing the life-threatening injuries.Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and Thibodeau on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital in critical condition.Thibodeau died on Wednesday, according to Sgt.&nbsp;Todd Stallbaumer with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Department.During the altercation, the Jeep also struck two others resulting in minor injuries and left the scene, according to the witness.Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to the sheriff's department. Authorities have not reported an arrest.---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital.The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. Late Monday, the victim remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness.Authorities have identified all the subjects involved, according to Christian.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities have not reported an arrest.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident that sent a victim to a hospital.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, Shawnee County deputies responded to an injury accident after a 911 call. The caller reported they were transporting a victim in a personal vehicle to a local hospital, according to Deputy Scott Wanamaker.Deputies and American Medical Response met the caller and victim on Interstate 70, transferred the victim to an ambulance for transport to a Topeka hospital with life-threatening injuries.The witness reported that there was a gathering at 151 West 4th Street in Auburn, Kansas. An altercation occurred which resulted in one man being drug by a vehicle causing the life-threatening injuries. During the altercation, the vehicle also struck two others resulting in minor injuries, according to the witness. The vehicle described as a red, or dark colored 4-door Jeep wrangler sped away westbound on 4th street, according to Wanamaker.&nbsp;Deputies asked the public for assistance locating Tyler Moore and Zachary Osborne for questioning in connection with the incident.&nbsp;Later Sunday, deputies reported they were no longer searching for Osborne and continue to search for Moore and the vehicle.