VIDEO: Smoke alarms alert sleeping resident to house fire

Posted: May 4, 2013 - 4:35am
Updated: May 4, 2013 - 5:17am

Overland Park firefighters say smoke alarms alerted a sleeping resident to a fire this morning.

Firefighters were called to 11428 W. 106th Street just after 2:50, Tuesday morning on reports of a house fire.

Video courtesy: Overland Park Fire Department

Crews arrived to find smoke visible from the soffits of the two story home. Police officers also reported a small fire on the back porch. Firefighters went to work fighting an attic fire.

The resident of the home was outside when firefighters arrived. "I woke up to the sound of my smoke alarms going off" the woman told Overland Park Fire Department's Media Manager Jason Rhodes. The woman says the house was filled with smoke and she saw fire near the back of the house, got out and called 9-1-1.

Firefighters from the Lenexa Fire Department assisted the Overland Park Fire Department and brought the fire under control in just about 30 minutes.

The home has fire damage to the attic and significant smoke damage throughout. Investigators are looking at an exterior light fixture as a possible cause, the exact cause remains under investigation.

No injuries were reported.

Overland Park Fire says this event is again proof that working smoke alarms save lives.

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One person seriously injured in early morning crash

Posted: November 29, 2012 - 3:00am
Updated: November 29, 2012 - 3:37am

Overland Park Firefighters work to extricate a driver
Image from Overland Park traffic camera system

The Overland Park Police Department is investigating what led up to a serious crash on Metcalf Avenue early this morning.

First responders were called to the 7600 block of Metcalf Avenue shortly after 2:30 a.m., Thursday. Firefighters arrived on the scene to report one of the vehicles had been heavily damaged.

One person had to be extricated from the vehicle, which was believed to have struck a utility pole. That person's injuries were said to be serious but, non-life threatening.

Two other people were said to have sustained minor injuries.

Police are investigating if alcohol may have played a role in the accident.

No other details were immediately available.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first, Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Firefighters rescue woman from Johnson County well

Posted: October 7, 2012 - 2:12pm

Updated: October 7, 2012 - 2:39pm

Firefighters from two area departments rescued a woman from a Johnson County well this afternoon.

Crews from the Merriam and Overland Park Fire Department's were called to an address in the 9800 block of Hocker Drive in Merriam at 1:56 Sunday afternoon.

Merriam Firefighters reported the victim, a 72-year-old female, fell into a 20 foot well, which contained approximately 10 feet of water. Crews were able to lower a flotation device to the woman until they could setup rescue equipment.

Officials say the woman was alert and talking to rescuers throughout the ordeal.

Crews had the woman removed from the well in under 10 minutes. She was transported by Johnson County Med-Act to an area trauma center to be checked out. Her injuries were not said to be serious.

Fire crews say they have covered the well.

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Dairy Creamer spill snarls traffic in Johnson County

Posted: March 11, 2012 - 1:57pm
Updated: March 12, 2012 - 2:12am

Photo provided by @KingCobraKC

The Kansas Highway Patrol says that at approximately 1:42 p.m., a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, with five occupants, was traveling northbound on the inside lane of Interstate 35 when it hydroplaned on the wet pavement and struck the inside concrete barrier.

A 2006 Western Semi-tanker was also traveling northbound, in the middle lane, when the Suburban crashed. The driver of the semi-tanker attempted an evasive maneuver, struck the Suburban, then crashed into the concrete barrier wall. The tanker trailer detached and went over the barrier wall, overturned and came to rest on the inside lane of southbound Interstate 35, where it began to spill its liquid load.

Johnson County Med-Act confirms that one adult, the Suburban's driver, was critically injured. The other occupants of the Suburban, including three pediatrics and a second adult also suffered minor injuries. The tractor trailer's driver refused medical treatment at the scene.

Photo provided by Kansas City SCOUT

Firefighters confirmed, with the truck's driver, that the leaking liquid is "dairy creamer" and that it is not a hazard.

The accident and dairy creamer spill that followed caused both northbound and southbound traffic to be completely shut down. Northbound lanes were reopened just before 3:15 p.m., and the southbound lanes were able to be reopened about an hour later.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says, 38-year-old, James Martin, of Gardner, Kansas, was driving the Chevrolet Suburban. His passengers were; 34-year-old Cimberly Martin, 7-year-old Pierson Martin, 12-year-old Tristen Martin, and 9-year-old Gaven Martin.

Troopers also say that 64-year-old, Terry Dean Shea, of Longmont, Colorado, was driving the semi-tanker.

Photo provided by @NewserInKS

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Single vehicle accident critically injures one in Overland Park

Posted: March 10, 2012 - 2:40am

Updated: March 10, 2012 - 2:53am

At 2:10 a.m., Overland Park Police received a report of a vehicle versus tree accident in the area of 154th Street and Kenneth Road. 

Callers to 911 reported that a vehicle had crashed into a tree and the vehicle was on fire. There were conflicting reports as to whether the driver was trapped in the vehicle, ejected from the vehicle or had escaped on their own from the vehicle. Police arrived and reported that bystanders pulled the driver from the vehicle. Officers also reported that on their arrival the vehicle was fully involved with fire.

Overland Park Fire and Johnson County Med-Act arrived on scene and reported the victim to be in critical condition. Med-Act described the victim as a 23-year-old female. The female was transported to an area trauma center by Johnson County Med-Act.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that there was an odor of Alcohol coming from the driver. Overland Park Police say they are investigating whether or not alcohol played a role in the accident.

No further details were immediately available.

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Double Fatality accident in Overland Park

Posted: November 14, 2011 - 6:14am
Updated: November 14, 2011 - 12:07pm

Click photo to view larger image
Photo provided by the Overland Park Fire Department

Overland Park Police closed the northbound lanes of US 69 Highway at 151st Street in Overland Park as they investigate a three vehicle accident that occurred at 6:10 a.m.. The accident occurred closer to 143rd Street. Police have confirmed that two people were pronounced deceased at the scene and four others, including two juveniles, were transported from the scene by Johnson County Med-Act Ambulances.

The highway reopened just after noon Monday morning.

Police say that three vehicles were involved in the accident, one did rollover. Northbound traffic is being forced to exit at 151st Street. Southbound traffic is restricted to one lane. Police say that the lane closures will remain in place indefinitely.

The female driver and a juvenile were killed in the accident according to Police. Overland Park Police have identified 29-year-old Heidi Lynn Adams as the driver of the SUV who was killed in the accident. Adams' daughter, 9-year-old, Imogin Grace Adams was also killed in the accident. Police say the 4-year-old and 7-year-old were also Adams' children.

The 4-year-old remains in critical condition and the 7-year-old remains in serious condition, according to the Overland Park Police Department. Updates were not available on the conditions of the two pickup truck drivers who were injured in the accident. Earlier reports from Johnson County Med-Act were that one of the adults was seriously injured and the other suffered minor injuries.

A LifeFlight Eagle Helicopter was initially dispatched to the crash scene. That helicopter was canceled prior to it's arrival. All four patients were transported by ground.

Initial reports indicated that the SUV went airborne and struck the top of a pickup truck. The airborne SUV was then struck by a second pickup truck and finally came to rest, upside down, in the ditch. Police would not confirm this report at last check.

A witness to the accident tells Operation 100 News, by phone, that the two children were both in the vehicle that came to rest overturned in the ditch. That same witness tells me, one of the children was cut out of the SUV by firefighters. This report was confirmed by a Police spokesperson.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Serious accident leaves one critically injured

Posted: November 1, 2011 - 1:45am
Updated: November 1, 2011 - 5:31am

The Overland Park Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating a one vehicle accident that has left one person critically injured. The accident occurred just before 1:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of Interstate 435 just west of Pflumm Road. As a  result of the accident, both of the ramps to Interstate 35 were closed for about four hours. The ramps reopened just before 5:30 a.m..

Law Enforcement from Lenexa, Overland Park and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the scene after receiving "numerous 911 calls" a dispatcher tells me. Fire Department units from Overland Park and Lenexa responded with Johnson County Med-Act to the scene.

A dispatcher tells me that the ramps from Interstate 435 to Interstate 35 will be "closed indefinitely" as the accident is investigated and cleared. An adult male, reportedly in his mid 20's, was the only occupant of the vehicle and he was ejected when the vehicle, a 2001 Ford Expedition, rolled over.

An unidentified caller to Operation 100 News tells me that he could, "smell a strong odor of alcohol in the crashed car." Overland Park Police also confirm that alcohol is suspected to have played a role in the accident.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Reward offered in Overland Park apartment fire investigation

Posted: October 26, 2011 - 4:37pm
Updated: October 27, 2011 - 3:30am

Original Story from August 8, 2011

Investigators are now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction, in the investigation of the Evergreen Apartments fire from August 8, 2011. The complex is located at 9209 W 79th Street in Overland Park.

The Overland Park Fire Department says the fire destroyed six units, totaling about $750,000 of damage. Investigators have not been able to determine an exact cause of the fire. They do continue to call it "suspicious."

The $5,000 reward is being offered by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who is assisting Overland Park Police and the Fire Department with the investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the ATF Arson Hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-8477) or the Greater Kansas City Crimestoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (816-474-8477).

All information provided by;

• U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Overland Park Police Department
• Overland Park Fire Department

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One critically injured after rollover accident in Lenexa

Posted: October 24, 2011 - 3:02am

Lenexa Police are investigating a single vehicle rollover injury accident this morning in the 8600 block of Lenexa Drive.

The accident is said to have occurred around 2:45 a.m. Monday morning. A man, described as being in his "mid to late 20's", was the only occupant of the vehicle and was ejected onto the roadway. He was transported to a local trauma center and said to be in critical condition.

No other information was immediately available from Police.


Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Prairie Village House Fire

Posted: October 8, 2011 - 4:22am

Updated: October 8, 2011 - 4:50am

Firefighters were called to an address in the 3400 block of west 77th Terrace in Prairie Village at 4:17 a.m.. Dispatchers received several calls regarding the fire. Those callers told dispatchers that the house was being renovated and no one was currently living in the house. The Fire Department arrived and advised that the house was heavily involved with fire. Neighbors continue to tell Firefighters that the house is vacant.

Crews reported electrical lines are down and arcing in the backyard. Firefighters did not initially make access into the structure due to the heavy fire. Defensive operations were used to contain the fire to the residence involved. After knocking down the majority of the fire using defensive and aerial operations, fire crews were able to enter the structure to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters from Consolidated Fire District No. 2 of Northeast Johnson County along with the Overland Park Fire Department responded on the call.

The fire was reported "under control" at 4:37 a.m. and then reported to be out as of 4:48 a.m.. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and no injuries have been reported.

Operation 100 News was the first to break this story to the public as it unfolded. Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest information as it becomes available from Police and Fire crews.

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Severe accident in Overland Park

Posted: October 8, 2011 - 2:24am
Updated: October 11, 2011 - 12:10am

Franklin Arita - Booking Photo
Photo provided by: Johnson County Sheriff's Office

Operation 100 News has learned that Monday morning, Franklin Arita, a 25-year-old Shawnee man, has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and DUI. Bond was set at $100,000. Arita's next court date is set for early Tuesday afternoon.


Original Post:

The Overland Park Police Department is investigating an accident that has left one man deceased. The accident occurred around 2:15 a.m. in the 8700 block of west 79th Street. Upon arrival Med-Act advised that one vehicle remained at the scene. Police received several reports from witnesses that several people were leaving the scene in different directions. The driver of the involved vehicle is one of the subjects reported to have fled on foot. That driver was apprehended by Police in an apartment complex near 79th Street and Grant around 3 a.m.

Med-Act initially reported the one and only man remaining in the vehicle was a possible fatality due to the severity of the accident scene. That man was assessed further and determined to be in extremely critical condition. He was extricated from the vehicle by the Overland Park Fire Department. Reports indicate that the man was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident. Police report that the vehicle was "wrapped around" the utility pole. That man has since died at an area hospital.

A witness who is believed to have followed the subjects that fled from the scene, reported that the vehicle they were in was at the McDonalds near Interstate 35 and 75th Street. Merriam Police arrived there, located the vehicle and requested Med-Act respond to check at least one subject who was bleeding. That subject's injuries are reported to be minor.

There have been a total of four people treated who were involved in the accident. One is now deceased, the three others all suffered non-life threatening injuries. All of the subjects are reported to be Hispanic, only Spanish speaking and under the age of 30. Three of the four subjects are male. At least one is reported to be under the influence of alcohol. It is unclear at this time if the intoxicated subject was the vehicle's driver.

Overland Park Police say that charges are pending against the driver of the vehicle. Whether or not that driver was intoxicated remains under investigation as of 5:30 a.m..

Kansas City Power & Light is at that scene as the utility pole involved was damaged and is holding a transformer.

Operation 100 News was the first to break this story to the public as it unfolded, no mention by any other local media until after 6:30 a.m..

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest information as it becomes available from Police.

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Overland Park 3-Alarm townhouse fire

Posted: October 4, 2011 - 6:18pm
Updated: October 4, 2011 - 8:30pm

The Overland Park Fire Department is investigating the cause of a fire that broke out Tuesday evening, before 5:45 p.m. in the 8300 block of Hadley Street.

The Fire Department says that witnesses reported hearing what they believed to be an explosion just before they noticed the fire, which then moved up the walls of the complex

Overland Park Firefighters were assisted by crews from Merriam, Lenexa, Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 2, Shawnee and Olathe.

The fire was declared to be out shortly after 8 p.m.. 

Initial reports indicate that more than six units were damaged along with numerous garages. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion. No one was transported from the scene.

October is Fire Prevention Month

Posted: October 1, 2011 - 6:00am

The American Red Cross and local Fire Departments across the area are reminding the public that October is Fire Prevention Month and encouraging everyone to take steps to lessen the risk of a fire in their home.

The National Fire Protection Association says there are between 350,000 and 400,000 house fires in the United States every year. Making house fires a larger threat to families than floods.

The American Red Cross encourages people to remember two key fire safety steps: installing smoke alarms and developing a fire escape plan.

It is recommended that each and every smoke alarm in a residence is checked, by pushing the test button, at least once a month and replacing the batteries every year, or as needed. Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the home. This escape plan should be practiced at least twice a year and revised as necessary. Families are reminded to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and older adults.

Additional recommendations include:

• Keeping matches and lighters away from and out of the reach of children.
• Don't leave the kitchen or especially your home while you're frying, grilling or broiling food.
• Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.

All information provided by the American Red Cross

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.

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.

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.

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.