Man arrested after 120mph pursuit from Lawrence to KCK

Posted: March 3, 2019 - 2:10 a.m.
Updated: March 3, 2019 - 2:17 a.m.

One person was arrested early Sunday morning after a Lawrence police officer attempted to make a traffic stop in North Lawrence.

The officer attempted to stop a maroon 2014 Dodge Avenger in the area of North S

File image

econd Street and North Street around 1:30 a.m. The driver of the car refused to stop and accelerated towards the turnpike.

Radio traffic indicates the pursuit went eastbound on Interstate 70 with speeds ranging from 75 to 120 miles per hour.

A Kansas Turnpike Authority Trooper was able to get stop sticks out in front of the suspect vehicle just before it reached Kansas Highway 7 in eastern Leavenworth County.

The Trooper told his dispatcher that he hit the driver’s side tires of the suspect vehicle with the stop sticks.

Radio traffic from the Lawrence officer who was chasing the vehicle stated that his patrol vehicle was also hit by the stop sticks and that speeds had decreased to only 75 miles per hour.

The suspect vehicle stopped about one mile east of the Kansas Highway 7 interchange in western Kansas City, Kansas about 1:45 a.m.

Troopers reported that the suspect driver was detained by Lawrence officers and no one else was inside the vehicle.

Radio traffic indicates the vehicle has expired registration and the suspect's driver's license is suspended. The vehicle was previously registered to the suspect.

No other details were immediately available. Check back with this report and the Lawrence Journal-World for updates.

Media notification available

All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

PHOTOS: Woman arrested after allegedly hitting officer with car door, seven mile car chase

Posted: February 4, 2015 - 3:03am
Updated: May 1, 2015 - 1:40am

Update:

Johnson County booking logs show that Amber Shafer was released from jail on Monday, April 27th. Court records show that she is now on house arrest and being monitored by GPS after posting $10,000 bond.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 5th at 4:30 p.m.

Original report:

A 27-year-old, Kansas City, Kan., woman is facing a charge of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer after hitting an officer with an open car door in the Shawnee Hy-Vee parking lot and then leading officers on a nearly seven-mile car chase early Wednesday.

Major Dan Tennis says a Shawnee officer initiated a parking complaint at Hy-Vee, 13550 West 63rd Street, around 12:40 a.m.

Minutes later that same officer was calling a vehicle pursuit after the driver sped away with a door open, hitting the officer, according to Major Dan Tennis.

"She [the officer] was not knocked down, she held onto the door to keep her balance," Tennis said. "She was not injured, although I am sure she will be sore when she wakes up."

Amber Renee Shafer, 27
Johnson County Sheriff's Office booking photo

Johnson County Court records show that Amber Shafer was later charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing law enforcement officers, possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. Three felonies and a misdemeanor.

Officers calling the pursuit over the radio reported speeds of nearly 70 miles-per-hour on 63rd Street near Lackman. The suspect vehicle was also reported to be driving without any lights on.

Shafer sped to the dead-end of 63rd Street, west of Maurer Road, where she struck a tree before speeding back towards pursuing officers on the narrow street, according to reports.

A police supervisor near 63rd and Maurer was able to throw out a spike strip in front of the suspect car. The supervisor reported that he thought he hit one of the car's tires.

The woman then led officers south on Maurer Road to Shawnee Mission Parkway and then westbound to Interstate 435.

Police and EMS on I-435 near K-32 where the pursuit ended
Operation 100 News - Mike Frizzell photo
Click image to view larger

On northbound Interstate 435, the driver accelerated to nearly 90 miles-per-hour over the Kansas river bridge into Wyandotte County.

The pursuit ended just south of Kansas Highway 32, with the suspect's 2000 Ford Taurus going down a steep embankment on the eastside of Interstate 435. Shafer allegedly jumped from the car as it rolled down the embankment and tried to run from officers, according to police. She was quickly taken into custody.

Shawnee Police and Edwardsville EMS outside of the hospital
Operation 100 News - Mike Frizzell photo
Click image to view large

Edwardsville EMS responded to the scene and transported the woman to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Her injuries were described as non-life threatening and were related to jumping from the moving car.

Officers from Edwardsville and Kansas City, Kansas, were also out at the crash scene with Shawnee officers.

Shafer was released from the hospital around 4 a.m. and then booked into the Johnson County Adult Detention Center just after 4:30 a.m.

Check back 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.

Media notification available

All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Second wanted man arrested in Shawnee

Posted: June 20, 2014 - 9:42am
Updated: July 1, 2014 - 4:22pm

July 1st update, Anthony D. Yuschishin arrested:

Anthony D. Yuschishin, 34
Click image to view larger
Photo provided by Shawnee Police

Shawnee Police Captain Julie Andrews confirms to Operation 100 News that Anthony D. Yuschishin was arrested just after 2:15 Tuesday afternoon.

Officers spotted Yuschishin behind the wheel of at 2006 Dodge pickup truck on Shawnee Mission Parkway approaching Interstate 435.

Officers conducted a traffic stop after the truck entered northbound Interstate 435 and the truck came to a stop just north of Johnson Drive. Yuschishin and a woman were taken into custody without further incident.

Captain Andrews says Mr.Yuschishin is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 

Jun 25th update, Robert Horton arrested:

Robert W. Horton
Click image to view larger
Wyandotte County Detention Center photo

Shawnee Police say Robert William Horton is in police custody. Police continue to be on the lookout for Anthony D. Yuschishin, see report and photo below.

Wyandotte County Jail logs show that Robert Horton was arrested on a Kansas City, Kansas bench warrant on Tuesday, June 24th. His current charges include aggravated assault and aggravated assault and battery of a law enforcement officer, felony possession of stolen property, and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.

Original Report, June 20th:

Shawnee Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating Anthony D. Yuschishin, 34. He is wanted in connection with a string of stolen vehicles, burglaries and fleeing from police.

Yuschishin is a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall and 165 pounds.

Police say a Shawnee detective located a stolen Ford Five Hundred in the driveway of a home in the 7000 block of Antioch Road in Overland Park on Wednesday, June 18 around 5:30 p.m.. The same vehicle evaded officers on Tuesday June 17, fleeing into Kansas City, Kansas.

A Shawnee police vehicle was struck by the vehicle as the driver again attempted to evade officers in the driveway of the Overland Park home on Antioch Road. The officer driving the vehicle was not injured.

Officers pursued the vehicle north on Antioch Road and eventually lost sight of it near Shawnee Drive and Interstate 635.

Police later located the vehicle abandoned near South 14th Street and Roe Lane in Kansas City, Kansas. Officers from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects.

Media notification available

All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Silver Alert canceled, missing KCK man found safe

Posted: May 23, 2014 - 7:20am
Updated: May 24, 2014 - 12:03am

Update:

Overland Park Police have canceled the Silver Alert for John E. Burris, 80, of Kansas City, Kansas.

Police say Mr. Burris was found in Doniphan County, Kansas, near the city of Highland around 6 p.m. Friday.

A news release says, "He was found uninjured and in good health. He was examined by paramedics as a precaution and family are now in route to pick him up."

His maroon or burgundy 1995 Ford Crown Victoria remains missing.

Highland, Kansas is approximately 90 miles from where Mr. Burris told his family that he was shopping for shoes.

Original report:

John E. Burris, 80
Photo provided by Overland Park Police

Overland Park Police have issued a Silver Alert for John E. Burris of Kansas City, Kansas.

Police say Mr. Burris has Dementia and Alzheimer's. Thursday evening he told family that he was in Overland Park, somewhere alone 119th Street to purchase a new pair of shoes.

Family told police that he seemed confused and was lost trying to get back home.


Police say they believe he may have driven north on Kansas Highway 7 toward Atchinson or Leavenworth.

He is driving a maroon or burgundy 1995 Ford Crown Victoria with Kansas license plate 440BZH.

Photo provided by Overland Park Police

Mr. Burris is 6-foot 2-inches tall, 180 pounds, brown eyes, gray hair and a full beard. Police do not have a clothing description.

If you have seen Mr. Burris you are asked to call local law enforcement or the Overland Park Police Department at 913-895-6300


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.

Media notification available
All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Bonner Springs 7-Eleven held up by armed man

Posted: March 20, 2014 - 2:26 am
Updated: March 20, 2014 - 2:55am

Bonner Springs Police are investigating after a man armed with a gun robbed the 7-Eleven convenience store near Kansas Highway 7 and Interstate 70 this morning.

Police were called to the store, located at 34 N. 130th Street, around 2 a.m. Thursday.

Officers learned that a white male entered the store, displayed a black handgun, and demanded money from the clerk.

Aerial image of the area
Click image to view larger

The clerk complied and the suspect was last seen running northbound from the business.

The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 6-foot 2-inches to 6-foot 5-inches. He had a shirt wrapped around his face and was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.

Police set up a perimeter in the area and a Shawnee Police Department K-9 unit conducted a search of the area.

The search ended just before 3 a.m. with nothing found.

No other information was 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.

Media notification available
All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Driver of stolen vehicle leads police on 25-mile pursuit

Posted: February 23, 2014 - 3:00am
Updated: February 23, 2014 - 4:19am

Lawrence Journal-World report: Edwardsville man in custody after leading police on 25-mile pursuit.

A Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper attempted to stop a vehicle in north Lawrence early Sunday. The driver of that vehicle didn't stop and ended up leading police on a 25-mile pursuit through parts of three counties.

Around 12:20 a.m. a Trooper reported spotting a vehicle that had been reported stolen from an address in Lawrence, and attempted to stop the vehicle, near Interstate 70 and North Third Street. The driver sped up and the chase was on. A nearby Lawrence officer joined the pursuit as they turned eastbound on U.S. 24.

Speeds reached 70 miles per hour as they passed Lawrence Municipal Airport and then turned eastbound on Kansas Highway 32, crossing into Leavenworth County.

The Trooper reported speeds of 80 miles per hour as they approached Linwood city limits.

As the chase crossed into Wyandotte County and the city of Bonner Springs, officers with the Bonner Springs Police Department were able to hit three of the suspect vehicle's tires with spike strips.

Speeds dropped to the 55 miles per hour speed limit as the chase continued through the eastside of Bonner Springs, still on K-32.

The chase came to an end about a mile inside Edwardsville city limits, at mile marker 22, just before 12:50 a.m.. The Lawrence officer and the Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper were then able to take the driver into custody without further resistance.

Google Earth map showing the distance covered during the pursuit
Click map to view larger image

Lawrence Police confirmed that the vehicle was stolen. The Trooper learned that the driver has a felony warrant for his arrest out of Leavenworth County and does not have a valid driver's license.

After about 10 minutes in custody, the suspect requested an ambulance, because he wasn't feeling well. An ambulance from the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department responded, but did not transport the man to the hospital. The Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper transported the man back to Lawrence and Lawrence Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says no officer were injured and no police vehicles were damaged during the pursuit.

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.

Media notification available
All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Man seriously injured in KCK accident

Posted: January 10, 2014 - 3:43am
Updated: January 10, 2014 - 3:58am

Aerial image of the area
Click image to view larger

Kansas City, Kansas Police are investigating after a vehicle struck a light pole, a guardrail and ended up partially down an embankment this morning.

The accident was first reported to Roeland Park Police just before 3:10 a.m., on County Line Road near Fontana Street. Officers arrived to find the vehicle down an embankment west of County Line Road and Suntree Plaza on the Kansas City, Kansas side of the border, towards Roe Lane.

At least four fire crews were dispatched to the scene, between Kansas City, Kansas Fire and Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 2.

Johnson County crews were first on the scene and reported the vehicle had sustained heavy damage and came to rest in an area surrounded by brush.

Crews stabilized the vehicle and worked for just under 10 minutes to extricate the driver.

Johnson County Med-Act reported the man's injuries to be serious. Kansas City, Kansas EMS transported him to an area hospital for treatment.

Law enforcement sources confirm to Operation 100 News that the vehicle was about 20 feet from the roadway and likely traveling around 40 miles per hour when the crash occurred.

Officers are investigating if weather or alcohol may have contributed to 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.

Media notification available
All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

High speed pursuit starts in Wyandotte County, through Johnson County and into Missouri

Posted: November 23, 2013 - 1:31am
Updated: November 23, 2013 - 4:15am

Mapquest.com map showing the approximate pursuit path.
Click map to view larger

Around 12:30 a.m., Troopers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle, sparking a nearly 40 mile pursuit.

The pursuit started in Wyandotte County near Interstate 435 and Interstate 70 when Kansas Turnpike Authority Troopers tried to stop a Ford Taurus that was seen in excess of 90 miles per hour on the interstate. Troopers pursued the vehicle southbound on Interstate 435 into Johnson County, through Shawnee and into Lenexa.

The suspect exited at 95th Street in Lenexa, wound through a business park and then back to I-435.

Speeds accelerated to nearly 100 miles per hour while northbound on I-435 and back into Shawnee, where the vehicle exited at Midland Drive and took off westbound. Troopers lost sight of the vehicle on Midland but, Shawnee officers spotted it westbound on Shawnee Mission Parkway. The vehicle then turned northbound on Monticello and then eastbound on Johnson Drive.

Shawnee police attempted to spike the vehicle's tires as it passed Barker Road, however the attempt was unsuccessful.

The vehicle continued back to Interstate 435 where it went southbound. The chase stayed on I-435 all the way to Kansas City, Missouri. At the state line, Kansas Troopers ended their pursuit and Kansas City, Missouri officers took over. Those officers reported that the vehicle exited at Holmes and then continued north to Bannister Road, where officers lost sight of it.

At last check, this vehicle has not been located.

The chase covered about around 40 miles in approximately 35 minutes. No law enforcement officers were injured and no patrol vehicles were damaged.

Another chase Saturday morning started in Lawrence, Kansas after an aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. That chase also went into Kansas City, Missouri where three people were taken into custody.

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.

Media notification available
All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Car chase leads to arrest of Topeka carjacking & kidnapping suspects in Kansas City, KS

Posted: September 30, 2013 - 2:19am
Updated: September 30, 2013 - 2:42pm

File image - Mike Frizzell Operation 100 News

Law Enforcement officers from several agencies converged on Kansas City, Kansas this morning after a vehicle from an armed carjacking, in Topeka, was spotted on Interstate 70.

Kansas Turnpike Authority Troopers say they attempted to stop a vehicle on eastbound I-70 after it sped through a toll booth in Leavenworth County around 12:30 a.m. Monday.

Troopers also learned that the vehicle had been reported stolen after being taken in an armed carjacking late Sunday night in Topeka.

The driver of the vehicle failed to yield and led Troopers on a nearly 15 mile pursuit. The chase ended when the driver tried to exit to northbound Turner Diagonal (College Parkway). The suspect vehicle crashed off the side of the exit ramp. Troopers immediately reported that two people running south from the vehicle towards the BPU (Board of Public Utilities) building, located at 6742 Riverview Avenue.

As two troopers chased the suspects, Kansas City, Kansas officers arrived at the crash scene where two people, a man and a woman, were found in the trunk of the crashed vehicle. The two told officers that they had been forced into the trunk at gunpoint.

Google Earth image of the area
Click image to view larger

Kansas City, Kansas police and State Troopers surrounded the area for a police canine to conduct a search. Kansas City, Missouri Police brought in their helicopter to search from above.

About 45 minutes after the crash, the police helicopter spotted both suspects laying down in a wooded area between the Interstate and the BPU fence.

Authorities say both suspects were taken into custody, at 1:33 a.m., and held by KCK Police until detectives from Topeka arrived to take custody.

Topeka Police also sent a crime scene technician to assist with recovering evidence.

Authorities say the suspects will likely face a number of charges including kidnapping.

One of the suspects reported a minor injury and was evaluated by medics. The victims of the carjacking did not report any injuries.

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.

Media notification available
All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Body found in Kansas river believed to be swimmer who disappeared early Sunday

Posted: September 1, 2013 - 1:07am
Updated: September 2, 2013 - 4:27pm

Update:

Google Earth map of the area
Click image to view larger

A fisherman in Kansas City, Kansas reported finding a body in the Kansas river around 12:40 p.m. Monday.

The discovery was made near the Kansas Highway 32 bridge, just east of S. 59th Lane.

Kansas City, Kansas Police believe this is the man who disappeared in the river while swimming early Sunday morning in Edwardsville. (Original report below.) 

Police have not released the man's name, pending positive identification and family notification. 

Original Report:

Google Earth map of the area
Click image to view larger

Firefighters from three area departments searched the Kansas river after a person reportedly fell in the water early Sunday.

A witness told firefighters that the man disappeared in the river near the jetty, which is just east of Interstate 435.

Kansas City, Kansas Fire dispatchers said they received the call shortly after 12:45 a.m. and dispatched Edwardsville Fire to begin a search of the area.

Edwardsville firefighters requested assistance from Kansas City, Kansas Fire with boats and Kansas City, Missouri Police with their helicopter. The Shawnee Fire Department was called to assist about 45 minutes later with additional boats.

Kansas City, Kansas Fire launched one airboat and had two bass boats that they were unable to launch due to shallow water. Shawnee Fire attempted to launch a shallow water boat from the Edwardsville boat ramp. They were also unsuccessful in their attempt to launch.

Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department Airboat 1
File image: Operation 100 News - Mike Frizzell

The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department helicopter was over the river, for about an hour, with a search light and heat sensing cameras.

The missing man is said to be 44-years old. He was last seen wearing dark colored shorts and no shirt. Firefighters say that he was fishing with a group when he fell in and did not resurface.

Firefighters walked along both banks and did not report finding anything. Kansas City, Kansas Fire also had a crew downstream watching the river for any signs of the missing person.

Leavenworth County offered to send boats to assist in the search.

Authorities believe the man was swimming when he disappeared in the water.

Crews called off the search around 2:30 a.m. Sunday due to unsafe water conditions. They returned later Sunday morning and continued searching off and on most of the day.

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.

Media notification available

All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Early morning accident injures two men | Patrol car struck, officer uninjured

Posted: June 22, 2013 - 4:55am
Updated: June 22, 2013 - 5:51am

Google Earth image of the area
Click image to view larger

The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating after a three vehicle accident left two people injured this morning in Bonner Springs.

Troopers say accident occurred at 2:40 a.m. in the intersection of southbound Kansas Highway 7 and Kansas Avenue, just over half of a mile south of Interstate 70.

Investigators say a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu was southbound on K-7, ran a red light and struck a 1996 Ford Econoline van, that was eastbound on Kansas Avenue, nearly head on.


The force of the collision ejected the driver of the van onto the highway and knocked the van back and into the front bumper of a Bonner Springs Police patrol vehicle, a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria, that was traveling behind the van.

Bonner Springs Fire and EMS reported the ejected driver of the van to be in critical condition at the scene and the driver of the car to be seriously injured. The police officer did not report any injuries.

Troopers have identified the driver of the Chevrolet Malibu as, 41-year-old, Erin Jantz of Olathe, Kansas. The driver of the Ford Econoline is, 50-year-old, Monto Cauthron of Kansas City, Kansas. The Bonner Springs Police officer is, 24-year-old, John Marino of Lawrence, Kansas.

The Highway Patrol's accident report says that Mr. Jantz and Officer Marino were both wearing seatbelts when the accident occurred. Mr. Cauthron was not wearing a seatbelt.

Troopers continue to investigate if alcohol may have played a role in the accident's cause.

An additional EMS unit from the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department assisted on the call and transported one of the injured men.

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.

Media notification available

All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Charges filed in Halftime Liquor's robbery; additional charges pending

Posted: May 24, 2013 - 11:47am
Updated: May 26, 2013 - 6:02am

Antwan Tyrone Robinson, 26
Johnson County Sheriff's Office booking photo

A 26-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man has been charged in connection to Thursday evening's robbery of the Halftime Liquor Store in Shawnee.

Antwan T. Robinson currently faces a single count of aggravated robbery. Court records show Robinson is being held at the New Century Adult Detention Center, just outside of Gardner, on a $250,000 bond.

Robinson is accused of holding up the Shawnee liquor store, located at 15810 Shawnee Mission Parkway, around 8:30 Thursday evening. He is said to have held an employee and clerk at gunpoint, demanded money and then forced both people into a cooler so he could make his escape.

Previous report on the Halftime Liquor Store robbery and chase.

Shawnee Police happened to be just around the corner when the robbery occurred and arrived at the scene in time to see the suspect getting into a black Chevrolet Cobalt. Those officers pursued the vehicle into Kansas City, Kansas, where they lost sight of it.

The vehicle was spotted again shortly after midnight, sparking a car chase which ended after Robinson was shot by Shawnee Police on Interstate 70 near Kansas Highway 7. Robinson allegedly drove westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70, after being shot. His vehicle collided with a FedEx truck and Robinson ran from the crash scene.

Kansas City, Missouri Police had their helicopter overhead and quickly helped officers on the ground locate and apprehend Robinson. He was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital with a gunshot wound to his left forearm.

Sources tell Operation 100 News that Antwan Robinson is the same man who at least twice held up the Temp Stop convenience store, 13515 W. 63rd Street in Shawnee, both times he is said to have handcuffed the clerk with zip ties before fleeing. Robinson could face more than 15 felony charges in connection with numerous robberies across Johnson and Wyandotte counties, according to our sources.

Related reports from Operation 100 News:

Friday, May 24, 2013
Zip tie robber apprehended after liquor store robbery, high speed chase and shootout

Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Temp Stop robbed for second time in five days; third time since February

Thursday, May 9, 2013
Shawnee Temp Stop robbed for second time since February

Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Shawnee Quik Trip robbed

Saturday, February 16, 2013
Overland Park Quik Trip robbed

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Shawnee Temp Stop convenience store robbed

Media notification available

All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Zip tie robber apprehended following high speed chase and shootout

Posted: May 24, 2013 - 1:31am
Updated: May 24, 2013 - 5:28am

Updated report: Charges filed in Halftime Liquor Store robbery; additional charges pending

File image

A source familiar with the investigation tells Operation 100 News that an early morning car chase led to the arrest of a suspect in at least 14 robberies across five cities.

The most recent robbery occurred Thursday night at the Halftime Liquor Store, 15810 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Shawnee.

Police say they were called to the business around 8:35 p.m.. Two officers happened to be right in front of the store as the robbery took place. Those officers pursued the suspect vehicle into Kansas City, Kansas. Those officers lost sight of the vehicle but, remained in the area with Kansas City, Kansas Police to watch for the vehicle.

Shawnee Police say two victims of the liquor store robbery were placed in a cooler prior to the suspect leaving the business. No injuries were reported.

Two earlier Shawnee robberies occurred at the Temp Stop convenience store, 13515 W. 63rd Street, on May 9th and again on May 14th. Both times a clerk, working alone, was approached by a man with a gun. After the clerk complied with the suspect's demands, the suspect handcuffed the clerk with zip ties and ran from the scene. Both times the suspect description was similar and included dark clothes, a bandanna over his face with sunglasses. Since the robberies, Shawnee Police have stepped up patrols around Temp Stop and other 24-hour convenience stores in the city.

At 12:15 Friday morning, Kansas City, Kansas Police reported spotting the vehicle that was seen fleeing the liquor store robbery. The driver of the black Chevrolet Cobalt refused to stop when police attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Interstate 435 and Leavenworth Road. Instead the driver sped away, into oncoming traffic on Interstate 435. The suspect was southbound in the northbound lanes of the interstate, police did not pursue.

The vehicle was spotted again southbound on 94th Street, just south of State Avenue. Kansas City, Kansas Police lost sight of the vehicle between Interstate 70 and Kansas Avenue.

Shawnee Police were watching Interstate 435 for the suspect to possibly make his way back south. This preparation paid off for police when an officer at Interstate 435 and Johnson Drive spotted the vehicle traveling southbound.

The officer began to pursue the suspect car as they merged onto westbound Shawnee Mission Parkway from Interstate 435. Speeds were reported to have reached 110 miles per hour on Shawnee Mission Parkway, just before Monticello Road.

Police continued to pursue as the driver turned onto northbound Kansas Highway 7, where speeds increased to around 120 miles per hour. The chase continued into Bonner Springs and back into Wyandotte County.

Four Shawnee Police officers remained in pursuit of the vehicle as they approached Kansas Avenue, where the vehicle ran a red traffic signal, around 100 miles per hour.

The driver then took the ramp from Kansas Highway 7 to eastbound Interstate 70. This is where Police reported the vehicle had spun out. Officers boxed the vehicle in and reported "shots fired."

No officers reported injuries in the exchange of gunfire. The suspect continued to flee, in the vehicle, now westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70. Police say the vehicle traveled about 1.5 miles in the wrong direction before being involved in an accident. A source tells Operation 100 News the vehicle was disabled when it crashed into a FedEx truck on Interstate 70.

The suspect took off  on foot from the crashed vehicle. By this time, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department's helicopter was overhead and followed the man as he attempted to flee. The helicopter located the suspect a few blocks south of the crash scene, laying on a dock on a small pond. He was taken into custody around 12:40 a.m..

A source familiar with the incident tells Operation 100 News that the suspect was found to have a single gunshot would to is left forearm, just below his elbow. Bonner Springs EMS transported the man, in police custody, to the University of Kansas Hospital. His injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

Police continue to investigate the officer involved shooting scene at Interstate 70 and Kansas Highway 7.

In a statement released just after 3:30 a.m., Shawnee Police say that the description of the suspect in the liquor store robbery was similar to other recent robberies in the city. At this time police are not officially confirming any relation between this suspect and the Temp Stop robberies earlier this month.

Shawnee Police say that detectives are working closely with the Bonner Springs and Kansas City, Kansas Police Departments to investigate this incident in its entirety. Additional information is expected to be released throughout the day.

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.

Media notification available

All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Woman rescued after crashing vehicle into a tree and ravine

Posted: November 30, 2012 - 2:14am
Updated: November 30, 2012 - 5:43am

File photo of Shawnee Fire Department's Rescue 71

Firefighters from two area departments worked the scene of a single vehicle accident in Kansas City, Kansas this morning.

The accident was reported shortly before 2 a.m. on County Line Road between S. 59th Street and S. 63rd Street. On the Johnson County side, County Line Road is known as W. 47th Street, while S. 59th Street is Nieman Road, and S. 63rd Street is Quivira Road.

Shawnee Police arrived on the scene at 1:58 a.m., to report one vehicle had left the roadway and partially rolled over. Fire units from Kansas City, Kansas and Shawnee were both dispatched to the area.

Initial reports from the scene indicated that the vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, and then partially rolled into a ravine.

Shawnee Fire arrived on the scene to report the involved vehicle had sustained heavy damage in the crash and was occupied by one person.

Kansas City, Kansas Fire 'Heavy Rescue 1' and Shawnee Fire 'Rescue 71' responded to the scene for assistance in stabilizing the vehicle and extricating the driver. Crews from both Fire Departments worked for just over 20 minutes to stabilize the vehicle and extricate the driver. The vehicle's airbags deployed in the accident and the driver was wearing a seat belt.

The female driver, said to be in her early 50's, sustained non-life threatening injuries. She was transported by Kansas City, Kansas EMS to a Kansas City trauma center.

Kansas City, Kansas Police are investigating if alcohol may have played a role in the accident's cause.

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.

Attention News Media LINK

All comments are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Historic steam locomotive rolls through Johnson County

Posted: October 15, 2012 - 8:54am

Union Pacific Steam Locomotive No. 844 as seen by
the Kansas City Scout traffic camera at Interstate 35
and Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, KS

The last steam locomotive built for the Union Pacific Railroad rolled through Johnson County, Kansas this morning.

Steam Locomotive No. 844 is a high-speed passenger engine which was delivered to Union Pacific in 1944. The locomotive ran passenger trains until diesel locomotives took over that role in the 1950's. No. 844 was placed in freight service in Nebraska between 1957 and 1959.


The locomotive was saved from being scrapped in 1960 and was held by the railroad for special service.

Union Pacific's webpage dedicated to No. 844, says "the engine has run hundreds of thousands of miles as Union Pacific's ambassador of goodwill."

No. 844 is beyond the halfway point in a 13,000 mile trek through 15 states as Union Pacific celebrates their 150th anniversary and 150 years since President Abraham Lincoln created the original Union Pacific by signing the Pacific Railway Act on July 1, 1862. The journey began in California, with a two day celebration, September 29-30th.

The train includes a 1960's vintage Promontory baggage car that has been retrofitted into a state-of-the-art traveling museum and a recently launched Union Pacific Locomotive which reduces emissions and provides a glimpse into the future of railroading.

This past Saturday, No. 844 steamed through Lawrence, Kansas where it was captured on video by the Lawrence Journal-World's Chief Photographer, Mike Yoder.

No. 844 was also captured on video this Monday morning as it passed through Merriam, Kansas, near Shawnee Mission Parkway and Interstate 35 by Operation 100 News follower, Curtis Wells.

The train is scheduled to arrive at in Houston, Texas on Friday, October 26th at 2 p.m. local time.

You can stay up-to-date with the location of the train by following GPS tracking on Twitter. The schedule for the remainder of the journey can be found here and more information on the famous Living Legend No. 844 can be found here from Union Pacific.

If you managed to capture No. 844 in pictures or video, you can submit them to Operation 100 News by email.

Two fatal and two others critically injured in Kansas City crash

Posted: July 8, 2012 - 3:50am
Updated: July 8, 2012 - 10:53pm

Update: The Kansas Highway Patrol says that a Roeland Park Police Officers spotted a vehicle driving around, acting suspicious in the Walmart parking lot. The Officer followed the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield to the officer, and continued northbound on Roe lane at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control of the SUV on a curve and crashed into a bridge pillar. All seven occupants were ejected from the vehicle, which caught fire and burned.

Authorities have identified the two fatalities as; 19-year-old Alexis J. Medina and 18-year-old Karla Robledo, both of Kansas City, Missouri. Medina was pronounced deceased at the crash scene, Robledo was transported to an area hospital where she later died.

The other victims range in age from 15 to 19 years of age. Troopers say no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt.

Original Story:

Shortly after 3 a.m. Roeland Park Police reported a vehicle at a high rate of speed northbound on Roe Lane approaching County Line Road. The officer reported that the vehicle failed to yield for him and that he was not in pursuit of the vehicle. The officer requested that dispatchers notify Kansas City, Kansas Police. Seconds later the Roeland Park officer reported the vehicle had crashed on Roe Lane under Interstate 35. Officers immediately requested an emergency response from Kansas City, Kansas Fire and EMS for several ejections and a car fire.

Click map to view larger image
Accident scene is on Roe Lane under Interstate 35
Traffic on Roe Boulevard/18th Street Expressway is not effected

Kansas City, Kansas Fire initially dispatched a two fire apparatus response for a car fire at the location, that response was then upgraded to include a Shift Commander and one ambulance. The first fire apparatus to arrive reported one vehicle "fully involved" with fire. A short time later Incident Command requested a total of five ambulances to the scene. Police say six of the vehicle's seven occupants were ejected during the crash.

One male was pronounced deceased at the scene. A female, said to be in her "late teens", was transported from the scene with extremely critical injuries, she has since passed away at an area hospital. Two others remain in critical condition. A total of five people were transported by KCK EMS from the scene to area hospitals.

Victim's ages are said to range from 15 to mid 20's and include both males and females. Investigators from the Kansas Highway Patrol say only one vehicle was involved.

The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident.

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

Attention News Media LINK

All comments on posted content are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Driver identified in fatal Interstate 435 accident

Posted: May 11, 2012 - 2:32am
Updated: May 11, 2012 - 11:43am

Update: The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the deceased driver as, 22-year-old, Clayton S. McCully of Bonner Springs, Kansas. Troopers say McCully was traveling southbound on Interstate 435 at milepost 8.8, or .2 miles south of Woodend Avenue in Edwardsville, when his vehicle collided with a stationary construction vehicle.

According to Troopers, the stationary construction vehicle, a 2006 Chevrolet C5500 Truck, was parked inside a construction zone transition area. The area was marked with orange cones, yellow lights, and an arrow board indicating for traffic to move over to the right. For an unknown reason, McCully's 2002 Ford Ranger, continued into the construction area where it crashed into the rear of the parked truck.

Troopers say McCully was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Original Post:

The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating after an early morning fatality accident on Interstate 435 in Wyandotte County.

Troopers say the accident occurred around 2 a.m. when a southbound 2002 Ford Ranger crashed into the back of a parked construction signal truck at the beginning of a construction site.

Dispatchers say the accident was reported just before 2:15 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 435 near Woodend Road. The accident was reported by the construction crew. No one was in the signal truck when the accident occurred. There are not believed to be any witnesses to the crash.

Edwardsville Fire and Police responded to the scene and reported a small pickup truck had crashed into a construction truck. Command reported that the single occupant of the pickup truck was deceased and would require extended extrication.

The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department also sent units to the scene who assisted with the accident, including a Haz-Mat unit for a fuel spill. The impact of the pickup truck into the construction truck is said to have punctured the construction truck's fuel tank.

The deceased driver has only been identified as a white male in his mid-twenties.

Troopers say the highway was never closed southbound. Traffic was restricted to only one lane for nearly four hours. All lanes reopened to traffic just after 5:45 a.m..

No other information was immediately available.

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

Attention News Media LINK

All comments on posted content are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published. More information.

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2012

Posted: March 12, 2012 - 3:40am
Updated: March 13, 2012 - 7:00am

In 2011 there were 68 tornadoes in Kansas, three people were killed and seven others injured. The first tornado  of the 2011 season was an EF0 on February 27th in Cowley county and the last of the year was and EF1 on October 8th in Haskell county.

March 12-16, 2012 is this year's Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas, conducted by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and local emergency management agencies throughout the state. The National Weather Service says, the 2012 severe weather season has already become quite active across the country so it is imperative you prepare now. Severe Weather Awareness Week is a week when the public is encouraged to review their severe weather safety plans.

• Monday, March 12th is "Preparedness Day." The National Weather Service suggest three simple steps to complete. First, Identify the severe weather hazards you may face. Second, Set up your plan. Third, Practice your plan. More information on these three steps. 

• Tuesday, March 13th is "Tornadoes Day." Emergency Management agencies throughout Kansas will be taking part in a Tornado Safety Drill at 1:30 p.m. local time. Outdoor warning sirens will sound and the public, including schools and businesses, are encouraged to put their tornado safety plans into action as if there was a tornado warning issued. More information on Tornado Safety.

• Wednesday, March 14th is "Flash Flood Day." In the past 10 years, flooding has accounted for 14 deaths and $41 million in damages in Kansas alone. "Turn around, Don't Drown!" More information on Flood Safety.

• Thursday, March 15th is "Thunderstorm Day." All severe thunderstorms have the potential to produce damaging winds and large hail. Winds and hail can and do severely damage property every year in Kansas. More information on Hail and Damaging Winds.

• Friday, March 16th is "NOAA Weather Radio Day." Outdoor warning sirens are intended to provide tornado warnings only for those who are outdoors. Outdoor sirens may not wake you in the night and alert you of approaching severe weather. A NOAA Weather Radio can alert you to severe storms. NOAA Weather Radios are received from the National Weather Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee (MEMC) partnered with Midland Radio and Price Chopper, launched Project Community Alert (PCA) in 2002, to offer NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio Receivers to the public at-cost. More information on NOAA Weather Radios and Project Community Alert.

2011 Tornadoes by county
Click to view full size

NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio Stations throughout Kansas
Click to view full size

Outdoor Warning Siren locations and coverage areas in Johnson County
Click to view full size

All information provided by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Kansas Emergency Management Association, National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. 2012 Severe Weather Awareness packet. 

Attention News Media LINK

All comments on posted content are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published.
More information

Missing KU Medical Center patient FOUND

Posted: January 29, 2012 - 7:47pm

Updated: February 2, 2012 - 4:50am

Related Story:

February 2, 2012 - MISSING Molly Jones from Overland Park, Kansas

Molly Jones, 27 - Click photo to view larger

Update: As of 5:50 a.m., Monday, Police confirm to Operation 100 News that Molly Jones has been located near a house just a few blocks west of the hospital. Authorities say she appears to be in good health and has been returned to the Hospital for continued treatment.




Original Story:

University of Kansas Medical Center Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating a woman who doctors consider "medically at risk." Police say that 27-year-old Molly Jones was last seen around 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Authorities say Jones' "health may be at risk."

During an earlier disappearance from her Overland Park home, OP Police said that Jones suffers from a medical condition which can cause her to become "catatonic and unaware of her surroundings." 

Molly's husband, Leighton Jones, says that "Molly did not walk away from the hospital, she ran. She was on lock down and escaped. This is not a simple case of someone becoming confused and walking away. She is unaware of her surroundings and unable to take care of herself."

A source at the University of Kansas Medical Center was not willing to comment on Leighton Jones' claims. A second hospital source also refused to confirm or deny the same information.

Jones is described as a white female, standing 5'5" tall, approximately 150 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a white knit shirt, gray athletic style pants and no shoes.

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to call University of Kansas Medical Center Police at 913-588-5030.

When Jones previously disappeared from Overland Park, in November 2011, she was found safe the next day in Grove, Oklahoma. Previous story: Overland Park woman found in Oklahoma.


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.

Attention News Media LINK

All comments on posted content are moderated. Inappropriate and/or abusive comments will not be published.
More information