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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Tree removal to force closure of Kentucky Street on Thursday morning

Lawrence Parks and Recreation will close a section of Kentucky Street for emergency tree removal on Thursday morning. The closure will be from 15th to 19th and is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. With the closure lasting for approximately two hours.

The large tree is damaged and a large section of the tree is in danger of falling. A press release says the tree "The tree has sustained storm damage in the past and is at the point where the city feels it can no longer remain without significant pruning."

The release also suggests that motorists utilize Massachusetts Street as a detour during the closure

Westar Energy warns customers to be on alert

Westar Energy is reminding their customers to be on alert for fraudulent callers claiming to be Westar Energy employees. Several customers have contacted Westar Energy's Customer Relations center after receiving suspicious calls.

In most cases, the caller claims to be a Westar Energy Customer Service Representative and attempts to gain credit card information or other personal information, claiming a check bounced or that there is a past-due bill. When questioned, the caller has provided a call-back number that belongs to an adult entertainment business.

Westar Energy says that legitimate calls should show 316-383-8600 and Westar Energy on caller ID. Customer Service agents should always be able to provide their name and extension if requested. Calls from Westar Energy requesting payment are never made the same day as the disconnection. The customer should always have the opportunity to call Westar Energy back and verify the information.

If you receive a call that is suspicious, Westar Energy says that you should hang up and call the Westar Energy Customer Relations Center at 1-800-383-1183 or report the call to local law enforcement.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Overland Park Police seek public's assistance in attempted kidnapping

As first reported on Twitter by Operation 100 News as Police arrived on scene back on August 24th, shortly before 10 p.m.

The victim was at a car wash in the 6200 block of Foster Street when he was approached by a male carrying a gun. The suspect allegedly ordered the man into the vehicle, the man refused but, handed over his keys and his wallet. The suspect then left in the victim's vehicle, which has since been recovered.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 29 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall with a medium build, short hair on the side and at the time of the robbery was wearing two bandages on the right side of his face. Clothing was described as a white tank top and a baseball cap.

Police say that the suspect arrived at the scene in an older model, white, four door. Possibly a Ford Taurus. The driver of that car was a black man between 28 and 30 years old, thin build, bony face and was wearing a hat. That vehicle also had a white male passenger. The victim was able to see a partial license plate number of QXN. It is unclear what state the license plate belongs to.

Today, Police released a number of surveillance photos from the scene and asked for the public's assistance in identifying the people and/or vehicle shown. Anyone with information is asked to call the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS

Photo's below provided by the Overland Park Police Department

Click photo to view full size

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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Rollover accident leaves two injured in Overland Park

At 1:12 a.m. Saturday morning, the Overland Park Fire Department was dispatched to investigate a rollover traffic accident with a reported ejection on eastbound Interstate 435 between Nall Avenue and Roe Avenue.

Units arrived on scene to find a vehicle overturned which came to rest on its roof. Firefighters quickly discovered that there were two subjects injured, one is believed to have been ejected from the vehicle. Both subjects are said to have suffered serious injuries.

Initial reports indicate that the driver possibly fell asleep at the wheel and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled and the unrestrained passenger was ejected.

Two lanes of eastbound Interstate 435 were closed while emergency crews were on scene.

No information about the victims has been released as the accident remains under investigation.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Eudora cement mixer accident on K-10, August 25th

According to a preliminary accident report filed by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at approximately 3:50 p.m. in the westbound lanes of K-10 at mile marker 10.8 in Eudora.

A Tonganoxie man, 44 year-old, Richard Vandruff was driving a 2008 Mack cement mixer which blew a  tire causing Vandruff to lose control. The report states that the truck swerved onto the north shoulder then veered across lanes into the median and then rolled onto it's side while trying to veer back onto the roadway. The vehicle came to rest on its passenger side.

Eastbound and westbound lanes of K-10 were closed while emergency crews worked the scene and traffic was forced to find an alternate route, many traveling through Eudora.

The cement mixer driven by Mr. Vandruff, was the only vehicle involved and he was the lone occupant of the truck. Eudora along with Lawrence Fire Department personnel worked for approximately 45 minutes to free Vandruff from the cab of the truck.

A LifeFlight Eagle Helicopter, out of the Kansas City area, transported Vandruff to a Kansas City area trauma center. At the time of transport, his injuries were described as serious. No further updates of his condition have been made available at the time of this report.

The Kansas Highway Patrol's Commercial Vehicle Accident Reconstruction Team investigated the accident.

Information above was provided by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

All lanes of eastbound and westbound K-10 were reopened just before 10:15 p.m. after being closed for nearly six hours.

This accident was the last of three accidents in Douglas County on Thursday. For information on the other accidents, visit the Lawrence Journal World.
Three serious injury accidents in Douglas County

Lawrence Police plan DUI check lane Friday, August 26th

Lawrence Police have announced that they will be conducting a DUI check lane within in the city on Friday evening.

The Lawrence Police Department along with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office both taking part in the special enforcement effort which began August 19th and continues until Labor Day, September 5th. Law Enforcement Officers are on the lookout for anyone driving impaired, speeding and seat belt/child restraint violations.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is providing funding for overtime to allow agencies to increase patrols during the special effort.

All information provided by the Lawrence Police Department

Related Stories:
Shawnee Police announce DUI Crackdown (August 18 - September 5)
KCMO Police cracking down on Impaired Drivers (August 18 - September 5)

In the news

I was recently interviewed by Lawrence Journal World reporter, Shaun Hittle. His story can be read HERE or pick up the print edition of the paper. 


Operation 100 News, Mike Frizzell and @Operation100 on Twitter are NOT AFFILIATED, in any way, with any other Twitter accounts or individuals.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Kansas Highway Patrol joins other Law Enforcement Agencies to reduce Impaired Driving


Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign will bring more troopers to the road


Beginning last week, the Kansas Highway Patrol and many other law enforcement agencies began participation in the Kansas Department of Transportation's (KDOT) Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), which runs from August 18 through Labor Day, September 5. Troopers will be enforcing Kansas' impaired driving, occupant protection, and other laws.


The KHP is among more than 130 law enforcement agencies across the state who will participate in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. STEP campaign. In an effort to drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when alcohol is mixed with driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle, troopers across the state will be participating in saturation patrols and check lanes.


It is illegal in Kansas to drive or attempt to operate a motor vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Penalties for impaired driving include loss of driving privileges, fines, court costs, and possible jail time. The more severe consequences of drinking and driving include injuring or killing yourself, an occupant of your vehicle, or the occupants of another vehicle.
The Patrol suggests taking the following precautions:
  • If you plan to drive, do not drink.
  • If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver and give that person your keys.
  • Never ride with a driver who has been drinking.
  • Take a list of phone numbers with you for cabs or friends to call for a sober ride home.
  • If possible, plan to spend the night at the event.
  • If you are throwing a party, provide non-alcoholic alternatives, and never let guests drive drunk.
  • Report impaired drivers to your local law enforcement agency.
  • Always buckle up and properly secure children in their safety seats.

Information provided in a News Release by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Lawrence carjacking suspect arrested in Texas

The Lawrence Journal World








By George Diepenbrock

Douglas County prosecutors accuse a 26-year-old Lawrence woman wanted in connection with a July carjacking in west Lawrence with making a phone call to lure the victim to the area, according to court records.
Deondria L. Smith appeared in Douglas County District Court Monday afternoon on charges of aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. Police and prosecutors accuse Smith of conspiring with two men — Travis Brownlee, 33, and Charles Reed, 19 — the night of July 23 to rob a 28-year-old Lawrence man at gunpoint in the 2500 block of Winterbrook Drive.
Read the rest of this story on the Lawrence Journal World.
Original Operation 100 News Story, Lawrence Police seek public's assistance.

Scammers posing as Sheriff's Deputies

Johnson County Sheriff's Office News Release:

Olathe, Kan. – Scammers posing as Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputies have stolen thousands of dollars from area businesses in the last two years.  And this trend continued with at least two more scam attempts in recent weeks involving businesses in Olathe.  

The scam begins with a phone call to a business and in most cases a restaurant.  The caller then requests to speak to the manager on duty.  The caller tells the manager they are with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and one of their employees has been arrested and is in jail.  The caller usually has the name, the reason for the arrest and a very good description of the person they claim to need bail money for.  They then request the manager wire money to bond their employees out of jail.  The request is to a specific place which is always outside of the Johnson County area.  

It should be stressed that the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office does not under any circumstances request money from anyone concerning a bond.  The person making requests for bond money should be the person arrested and in need of bail.

Anyone receiving a call from anyone identifying themselves as a deputy with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office requesting bail money be wired to a location should gather as much information from the caller as they can, hang up, call 911 and report this attempted crime.   

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Restaurant employee seriously burned when SUV crashes into building

Olathe Police and Fire Department, along with Johnson County Med-Act were called to the Church's Chicken at 124 North Clairborne Road just after 12:30 p.m. Sunday on an injury accident.

Police arrived to find that a 75 year-old Overland Park woman had lost control of her 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the parking lot and struck the side of the building. The driver was the only occupant of the vehicle and was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.

Inside the building, a 21 year-old male employee from Kansas City, Kansas, sustained serious grease burns over 50 percent of his body. He was transported to an area burn center in critical condition.

The Olathe Police Department's Traffic Unit continues to investigate the cause of the accident. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at 913-971-7455 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Information provided by the Olathe Police Department.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Downed power line likely cause of overnight house fire in Overland Park

Click photo to view full size
Courtesy OPFD Media Manager - Jason Rhodes
The Overland Park Fire Department is estimating damages of $70,000 after a downed power line started an Overland Park home on fire.

Fire crews from Overland Park, Leawood and Consolidated Fire District No. 2 were dispatched to the 8200 block of Hemlock Street just before 1 a.m. this morning. Crews were across the street investigating a possible electrical problem inside a neighbors home. While investigating that someone noticed smoke from this house. A neighbor alerted and evacuated the residents. Fire crews found a downed power line in the backyard. Further investigation led firefighters to the attic where they found significant fire.

Click photo to view full size
Courtesy OPFD Media Manager - Jason Rhodes
The fire was contained to approximately one half of the house near the garage. A statement released this morning by the Overland Park Fire Department states that when the power arced a fire is believed to have started in a wall which then spread into the attic.


No injuries were reported.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

KCMO Police cracking down on impaired drivers Aug. 19-Sept. 5

PRESS RELEASE:

The sobering fact is that impaired driving contributes to nearly 30 percent of all Missouri traffic fatalities. In 2010, 234 people were killed and 957 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. In KC, 63 percent of all fatal accidents involved an impaired driver. That’s why the Kansas City Missouri Police Department will join other Missouri law enforcement agencies to crack down on drunk driving Aug. 19-Sept. 5, 2011.

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department will participate in statewide sobriety checkpoints and DWI saturation patrols enforcing Missouri’s DWI laws and keeping impaired drivers off the road.

Consequences of drunk driving include jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

“Driving drunk is simply not worth all the consequences,” Sgt. Ron Podraza said. “Our message is simple and unwavering: You Drink and Drive. You Lose.”


For more information, please visit http://www.savemolives.com/



Related Stories:
Sobriety Check Lane in Olathe, August 19th 


Shawnee Police announce DUI Crackdown (August 18 - September 5)

Sobriety Check Lane in Olathe, August 19th

The Olathe Police Department has announced that they will be conducting a Sobriety Check lane on Friday, August 19th beginning at 11:30 p.m. and running until approximately 2:30 a.m. The Johnson County Sheriff's Department along with several other local Law Enforcement agencies will be assisting in the effort.

Police say that during the course of the check lane, all motorists at the designated area will be stopped and contacted in an effort to look for signs of intoxication. Those drivers who are in violation of the intoxicating liquor laws will be arrested. Motorists will also be checked for valid drivers licenses.

The Olathe Police Department, along with surrounding agencies, will continue to operate check lanes in an effort to educate the public and remove intoxicated drivers from the roadways.

The location for upcoming check lanes is never released ahead of time by Police.

All information provided by the Olathe Police Department.

Related Story: Shawnee Police announce DUI Crackdown (August 18 - September 5)

Kansas City, Missouri Police chase ends in crash.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department was pursuing a vehicle which was believed to be stolen, into the City of Westwood, Kansas when the suspect vehicle struck a tree. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, who investigated the incident, the crash occurred at 47th Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard. The suspect vehicle was westbound on 47th Avenue, crossed Rainbow Boulevard and struck a tree.

Westwood's Police Station is located at the intersection where the accident occurred. Police from the Kansas side of the state line were notified that the pursuit was crossing into Kansas, however Kansas agencies chose not to join the pursuit and were not involved when the accident occurred.

The suspect vehicle was a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche with license plates from the state of Maine. The vehicle was occupied by two Kansas City, Missouri men, both 31 years old. Neither man was wearing a seat belt and were transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Nothing further was available at the time of this report.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Shawnee Police announce DUI Crackdown

The Shawnee Police Department is warning drivers of an upcoming DUI Crackdown for August 18th through Labor Day, September 5th. There will be additional enforcement of Kansas drunk driving and other traffic laws as 150 local agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol all participate in the crackdown. The effort is aimed at educating about impaired driving and removing impaired drivers from Kansas roadways.


Known as "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." the crackdown is underwritten by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.


Each day, 61 people are injured and 3 people are killed on Kansas roads in alcohol-related crashes. According to KDOT, if you are involved in an alcohol-related-crash, in any capacity, you are two and one half times more likely to be injured and four and one half times more likely to be seriously injured or killed than you are involved in a crash where alcohol is not determined to be a factor. The ratio of death to injury in alcohol-related crashes is nearly four times higher than the death to injury ratio for non-alcohol related crashes.


According to Sergeant Jim Baker, the enforcement effort should remind drivers of several things:


If you're going to drink when away from home do it responsibly by planning ahead and lining someone up who is not going to be drinking to get you home. Don't wait until it's time to go home to ask. Chances are, if you do that, you will wind up with a driver who thinks he's sober enough to be driving, but may not be.


Picture families you know, and then consider how it would be to wake up every day to the memory of your decision to drive after drinking – just innocently having fun – which brought injury or death to one of them.

There are any number of traffic infractions and mechanical deficiencies we can use to pull you over even if you have not crashed or are not driving erratically. If we do and we detect a hint of alcohol you will be tested. If you fail the test you’re looking at a fine of $750 - $2,500, up to one year in jail, the suspension or even permanent loss of your driver’s license, and the installation of an ignition interlock device in your car. Imagine not being able to start your car without blowing into the interlock’s alcohol sensor several times during an afternoon’s errands. Don’t take the chance.

If you see suspicious driving behaviors, take note of location and direction, as well as the vehicle description, and call 911.

You can expect this department to enforce impaired driving laws all year-round.

Finally, always remember that everyone’s best protection against a drunk driver (even themselves) is to always wear their seat belt and properly restrain their children – every trip, every time. It saves lives and it’s the law.


All information provided by the Shawnee Police Department.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Info

A more detailed Introduction to Operation 100 News


My current hours of operation are as follows; 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. daily


I am also available to be contracted by local news media outlets to provide your business, organization, and newspaper or television news outlet with direct telephone notifications of Breaking News events. News Media Notification Page.

I offer this as a 100% free service to the General Public, with more than 50 hours dedicated to its operation each week by one person. Currently funded by private funds, occasional public donations and news media contracts.

Operation 100 News has never and will never solicit anyone for any donations. This information has been made available after receiving requests from followers wanting to know how to donate to keep this going. If you wish to donate to help keep Operation 100 News an advertisement free service, the fastest, safest and easiest way of making a donation is through Paypal. You do not need a Paypal Account to be able to donate. You can use the Paypal Donate button on the left column of this page or this link, Make a donation using PaypalIf you wish to donate by another method, please email Operation100news@gmail.com with "Donate" in the subject line.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments please contact me directly by email: Operation100news@gmail.com.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Lawrence Police seek public's assistance

The Lawrence Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating three subjects in connection with an Aggravated Robbery. The robbery occurred in the 2400 block of Winterbrook Drive on July 23rd. The subjects are believed to be in the Lawrence, Topeka and/or Kansas City area and all have active warrants for their arrest. These subjects should be considered armed and dangerous.

Charles E. Reed
Born: September 19, 1991
Photo provided by Lawrence Police Department

Travis J. Brownlee
Born: February 15, 1978
Photo provided by Lawrence Police Department

Deondria Smith
Born: December 19, 1984
Photo provided by Lawrence Police Department

Police urge anyone with any information on the whereabouts of one or all of these subjects, to call the Lawrence Police Department at (785) 832-7650 or Douglas County Crime Stoppers at (785) 843-TIPS (8477). All calls to the Douglas County Crime Stoppers are anonymous and callers with information leading to arrest of one or all of these subjects may receive a cash reward of up to $1000.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Donate to Operation 100 News

Posted: August 8, 2011 - 9:02pm
Updated: November 26, 2011 - 8:36am


Operation 100 News has never and will never solicit anyone for any donations. This information is being made available after receiving requests from followers wanting to know how to donate to keep Operation 100 News running and remaining advertisement free.


This is a 100% free service to the General Public, with more than 50 hours dedicated to its operation each week by one person and funding is extremely tight. Currently funded by personal funds, occasional public donations and several news media contracts. 


If you wish to donate to help keep Operation 100 News an advertisement free service, the fastest, safest and easiest way of making a donation is through Paypal. You do not need a Paypal Account to be able to donate. You can use the Paypal Donate button on the left column of this page or this link, Make a donation using Paypal. If you wish to donate by another method, please email Operation100news@gmail.com with "Donate" in the subject line.


All donations are greatly appreciated and are used only for improving Operation 100 News. Upgrading scanner equipment and computer systems. Thank you for your continued support!


Attention News Media LINK

Overland Park apartment fire latest updates.

Posted: August 8, 2011 - 4:10am
Updated: October 26, 2011 - 4:40pm

Updated Story - October 26, 2011 - Reward offered in Overland Park apartment fire investigation

The Overland Park Fire Department has released a statement on this mornings multiple alarm fire in the 9200 block of west 79th Street. Dispatchers received the first calls about the fire just before 12:30 a.m. with callers reporting smoke and fire at the Evergreen Apartments.

A Johnson County Med-Act Ambulance was the first to arrive on scene and immediately reported heavy fire from the roof of the two story apartment building. Overland Park Fire crews arrived and reported they were seeing active fire from the basement all the way up through the roof. Within minutes the fire was upgraded to a two alarm response.

Overland Park Police and Fire crews assisted several residents out of the building. Shortly after those evacuations were completed, fire crews were forced from the building due to a partial collapse of the roof. Aerial ladders were setup around the building and crews on the ground fought the fire from the exterior. The fire was contained to an area of the building between two firewalls. The firewalls did what they are in place to do and prevented the fire from expanding to a larger section of the building.

A statement released by Overland Park Fire states that six units were destroyed and crews were able to save the majority of the building. The fire was reported under control just after 3:15 a.m. No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Kansas City Power & Light cut power to approximately 1,500 customers as crews battled the blaze to allow for aerial ladders to be extended near the power lines.

Attention News Media LINK

Sunday, August 7, 2011

August 6th K-10 Fatality Accident Update

The Kansas Highway Patrol has released the names of the two drivers that were involved in Saturday morning's deadly accident on K-10 in Lenexa. The accident occurred on K-10 between Interstate 435 and Renner Road or at the 29.5 milemarker, four tenths of a mile west of I-435.

Troopers say 23-year-old Ezequiel Gallardo-Moncallo of Kansas City, Kansas was driving his 2001 Mazda 626 eastbound in the westbound lanes of K-10 when his vehicle struck a pickup truck head-on, killing Mr. Gallardo-Moncallo and pinning him inside of the vehicle. According to the accident report, he was wearing his seat belt and required extrication from the vehicle.

The truck was driven by 28-year-old Brian Ingalls of Olathe, Kansas. Ingalls was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected from his 2002 Ford F-150. His injuries were determined to be in critical by Johnson County Med-Act and he was transported to Overland Park Regional where at last check he remains. Mr. Ingalls condition was not being released as of Sunday morning.

Why Mr. Gallardo-Moncallo was driving into oncoming traffic has not been confirmed by Kansas Highway Patrol investigators. As initially reported here Saturday morning, a reliable source close to the investigation tells Operation 100 News that it appears one of the drivers involved in the accident was "in the middle of typing a text message when the accident occurred." That same source was not willing to comment on whether it was the wrong-way driver who was texting.

The accident remains under further investigation pending toxicology results.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

One killed in Head-On Crash on K-10 in Lenexa

UPDATED information available as of Sunday morning. READ MORE.

Lenexa Police and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating after a head-on crash kills one and critically injures another just before 2 a.m. Saturday morning.

The crash occurred in the westbound lanes of the highway just east of Renner Road. Initial reports indicate that one vehicle was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when the accident occurred.

The name of the victim who has died has not been released and is pending notification to next of kin.

A reliable source close to the investigation tells Operation 100 News that it appears one of the drivers involved in the accident was "in the middle of typing a text message when the accident occurred." That source was not willing to comment on whether it was the wrong-way driver who was texting or how that driver began traveling on the wrong side of the highway.

The deceased driver did need to be extricated from the vehicle after the accident. The other driver was ejected from the vehicle according to initial reports

Westbound lanes of K-10 were closed for an extended period and reopened just before 6 a.m. Saturday Morning.

Lenexa Police, July 15-31st Activity Summary

The Lenexa Police Department has released a summary of selected criminal trends. This does not reflect all police activity.

Police state that over the past two weeks, Lenexa officers have documented 668 incidents with reports and made 179 arrests.

Friday, July 22nd the Lenexa Fire Department, with assistance from both Overland Park and Merriam Fire Departments, responded to a large apartment fire at the Oak Park Village Apartments near 97th and Halsey. A firefighter, a paramedic and two police officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and heat related issues. A 58-year-old man died in the fire which has been ruled to be accidental according to fire department investigators.

On July 27th, officers responded on and began investigations into two unrelated armed robberies. The first was an attempted robbery, which occurred around 5:25 p.m. at a gas station near 87th Street and Goddard. A Hispanic teenage male, armed with a knife, entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk, a former United States Marine, who is extensively trained in marshal arts and defensive tactics, was able to fight off the knife-wielding suspect. A surveillance camera inside the store captured a very clear picture of the suspect, which was circulated. The suspect has been identified and detectives are "on his trail." Police remind citizens that while they commend the clerks actions, they do not recommend other citizens take the same action.

The second robbery on the same day occurred just before 7:30 p.m. at a sports medicine office on Santa Fe Trail Drive near Widmer. Int this case, two black males, one armed with a rifle, robbed the business of cash. One arrest has been made and further arrests are expected shortly according to Police.

Lenexa Police also remind citizens to take preventative measures to help prevent vehicle burglaries by removing valuables from vehicles and locking all vehicle doors. Purses, GPS units, laptops and anything else valuable should be removed from vehicles. Police report a large number of vehicle burglaries have been occurring and the incidents have been all over town at all hours of the day, not just at night. No one particular area has been specifically targeted by thieves.

Further information about preventing crime is available by contacting the Lenexa Police Department's Crime Prevention Office at 913-477-7245 or on the Police Department website at www.LenexaPD.org. The department also maintains a crime mapping feature on their website, which can be found here.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Pegah's Family Restaurant Fire Cause Ruled Inconclusive

Shawnee Fire Department investigators have ruled the fire at Pegah's Family Restaurant at 7437 Nieman Road to be inconclusive. The fire was reported by multiple 911 callers around 1:45 a.m.

Shawnee Fire tells Operation 100 News the exact cause could not be determined and there was no reason to believe the fire was anything but accidental. The fire was determined to have started in a storage room where restaurant supplies were being kept.

Damage is estimated at $550,000.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Double fatality apartment fire in Mission, Update

Fire investigators have finished their investigation into the early morning fire at The Falls apartments complex at 6565 Foxridge Drive in Mission. The fire was reported in the early morning hours, Sunday, July 24th.

During the fire, one firefighter was transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released for heat exhaustion. A resident of the building was also transported, treated and released for smoke inhalation. Two other residents were treated on the scene for minor injuries. The fire caused extensive damage to six apartments.

After the flames were extinguished, officials confirmed that two people lost their lives in the fire. 23-year-old Jessica Theordoroff and her boyfriend, 28-year-old Bryce Rader.

The cause of the fire has been listed as undetermined but accidental in nature, according to Consolidated  Fire District No. 2, Division Chief Gary Lamons.