By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A 22-year-old Russell man was arrested in two separate incidents in Hays within the same week.
Lt. Brandon Hauptman said Lorenzo Odel Phillips inserted himself into a reported domestic disturbance about 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 23 at the Econo Lodge, 3503 Vine St.
Hauptman said officers located 26-year-old Andrew Brian Corley, 29-year-old Sarah Rachel Tomasino and 19-year-old Justice Lee Cole inside a hotel room.
Hauptman said during the investigation, officers learned a child had been in the room with the group and was exposed to methamphetamine. This led to the arrest of the child’s mother, Tomasino.
Hauptman said Tomasino contacted a friend to pick up the child, and the friend arrived at the scene with Phillips. Officers told them not to enter the hotel room, but Phillips allegedly attempted to go inside anyway.
Hauptman said Phillips became upset, was allegedly yelling and allegedly interfered with the investigation. He was arrested for alleged interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
All other suspects were arrested for alleged possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and aggravated child endangerment. Corley was also charged with alleged domestic battery.
The child was placed in protective custody with no EMS treatment needed.
On Feb. 28, officers initiated a traffic stop for an improper turn at Seventh and Park streets near the Fort Hays State University campus. Hauptman said Tomasino was driving the vehicle, and Phillips was the passenger.
Hauptman said officers observed an alleged open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. During a search, officers allegedly found a handgun under Phillips’ seat that was allegedly stolen out of Russell County.
Hauptman said Phillips admitted to possessing the gun.
Phillips was arrested for the alleged possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and transporting an open container. Tomasino was not arrested in this incident, Hauptman said.