WICHITA – Law enforcement authorities continue investigating an armed robbery at a department store and need help identifying a suspect. According to Detective Wendy Hummell, Gordmans is offering an additional reward to help solve the case.

Just after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 8,  officers were dispatched to an armed robbery with shots fired at the Gordmans in the 7000 block of west Central in Wichita.

Witnesses and employees told police an unknown suspect approached two employees working in the customer service area.

The suspect produced a black handgun, pointed it at the female clerk, demanded money and fired a shot. It did not hit her.

The suspect then pointed the handgun at the male clerk and demanded money. The suspect then fired a second shot grazing the shoulder of the male employee.

The suspect then fled the store on foot with cash and several rounds were fired in the parking lot.

Another suspect left the store with clothing, according to Hummell. Police are working to determine if the two were working together.

Police released security camera pictures of the suspect.  He is described a light-skinned black male, in his early 20s, 6-foot tall and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, tan shorts, white cap and was carrying a red backpack.  The second suspect is a black male who wore a yellow shirt, black shorts and had long hair pulled back in a pony-tail with a red streak.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wichita Police Crimestoppers. Gordmans is offering an additional reward of $2500

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have identified a possible suspect.

Just before 3:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 300 Block of North Topeka in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

First responders found a 41-year-old man who had been shot multiple times. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Witnesses told investigators several suspects were assaulting a victim. An innocent bystander’s attempt to help led to an altercation and he was shot several times.

Four suspects left the scene in a gray 4-door sedan according to Davidson.  Investigators have identified a possible suspect in the case.

The victim, who police believe is homeless, remains hospitalized with wounds to both arms and a leg.

The incident occurred in an area where police typically get complaints about homelessness, according to Davidson.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Kansas Lt. Gov. Tom Docking’s law firm says the Wichita attorney and son and grandson of governors has died. He was 63.

Docking died Thursday night after battling cancer. His death was confirmed by A.J. Schwartz, the CEO of Docking’s law firm. Other details were not immediately available.

Docking served as lieutenant governor from 1983 to 1987 during Democratic Gov. John Carlin’s second term.

He was a member of the state’s most prominent Democratic family.

His father, Robert Docking, was governor from 1967 to 1975, and his grandfather, George Docking, held the office from 1957 to 1961. Tom Docking was the Democratic nominee for governor in 1986 but lost to Republican Mike Hayden.

His wife, Jill, ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1996 and lieutenant governor in 2014.

TOPEKA —The Kansas Supreme Court Friday affirmed a Saline County District Court judge’s order that Rayburn Tappendick Jr. be required to register as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act, according to a media release from the court.

Tappendick pleaded no contest in 2011 to two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child for offenses committed in 2008. At the time of his plea, the Kansas Offender Registration Act required lifetime registration.

On appeal, Tappendick claimed the lifetime registration requirement violated the ex post facto clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits legislatures from retroactively punishing previously committed crimes, because at the time he committed the crimes, the Kansas Offender Registration Act required only a 10-year registration period. A Court of Appeals panel declined to consider Tappendick’s claim based on the general rule that a new legal theory may not be asserted for the first time on appeal. The panel noted Tappendick failed to show his claim invoked any of the exceptions to the general rule.

In his petition for review, Tappendick asked the Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals decision, asserting that the panel incorrectly ruled that he could not raise the ex post facto claim for the first time on appeal.

The Supreme Court opinion, written by Justice Dan Biles, noted Tappendick merely mentioned the exceptions to the general rule and argued without any explanation or authority that the new issue invoked the exceptions but made no effort to challenge the panel’s rationale for declining to address his claim. The court held Tappendick’s petition for review failed to challenge the panel’s decision not to consider his claim raised for the first time on appeal.

GRANT COUNTY — A Kansas man died in an accident just before 2.a.m. Friday in Grant County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Michael D. Barnes, 25, Garden City, was northbound on Kansas 25 north of Ulysses.

Joseph A. Humphreys, 67, Garden City, was laying in the east ditch of the highway, according to the KHP.

When the truck approached, Humphreys jumped from a prone position and was struck on the right side.

The truck came to rest in the northbound driving lane.

Humphreys was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Garnand Funeral Home, according to the KHP.

Barnes was not injured. The accident remains under investigation.

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim.

Shortly after 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Topeka Police received a 911 call on a possible shooting in the at a home in the 2800 Block SE Highland Ct. The caller advised they believed there was one victim inside the residence.

When officers arrived, they located Eric B. Plummer, 32, Topeka, inside a residence with life threatening injuries consistent with being shot. He died at the scene.

Residents in the area report a possible suspect as a black male in his 30-40s wearing a black shirt and black shorts. This subject was seen running south and west from the area.

If anyone has any information about this incident they are encouraged to call police.

By DEWEY TERRILL

The possibility of a future partnership between Geary Community Hospital and Salina Regional Health Center has been raised.

Geary Community Hospital officials issued a news release Thursday afternoon stating the two hospitals have agreed to enter into a period of discovery to examine the potential of a strategic alliance to better serve the patients and families of their respective communities, plus central and northeastern Kansas. It is anticipated that this time of due diligence will last approximately 4 to 5 months.

“This fact finding phase is simply an exploratory time for both GCH and SRHC to analyze the possibility of a long-term strategic partnership,” said Joe Stratton Geary Community Hospital Executive Officer. The continuing turbulent times in the healthcare industry has given plenty of reason for the GCH Board of Trustees and Strategic Planning Committee to study potential long-term partners for a better future. Stratton added, “When the Kansas legislature last spring decided not to expand Medicaid, which would have meant some $1.8 million annually to GCH, this became a pivotal decision point for us in our strategy.”

Over the next several months both facilities will be working together to review options of how this partnership might look.

“The goal of this agreement is to explore improved patient care in the region and the potential of better coordination of services between our two hospitals. It also helps both organizations to determine the possibilities of long-term strategic partnerships to meet the needs and challenges of modern healthcare,” said Michael Terry, Chief Executive Officer for Salina Regional Health Center.

Salina Regional Health Center has affiliations with Cloud County Health Center in Concordia and Lindsborg Community Hospital.

MAJOR COUNTY, OK— The search for two inmates who escaped after overpowering prison transport officers in northwest Oklahoma moved to northeast Oklahoma after they were spotted at a convenience store in the Tulsa suburb of Sapulpa.

Major County Sheriff’s Deputy Gary Swymeler said Thursday that 32-year-old Andrew Foy and 37-year-old Darren Walp were seen on surveillance video Wednesday at a Quik Trip along Interstate 44, more than 130 miles from where the escaped.

Swymeler said the two could be heading to Pennsylvania or Delaware, where both have ties, or could still be in Oklahoma where Walp has ties.

Swymeler says they were driving a semitrailer stolen from the Oklahoma City suburb of El Reno when they stopped in Sapulpa and left the trailer in the store parking lot.

Authorities say Foy was being taken to Wyoming and Walp to Kansas, both to face charges for nonviolent offenses, when they escaped early Tuesday.

 

MAJOR COUNTY, OK — Investigators say two inmates who escaped after overpowering prison transport officers in northwest Oklahoma were spotted at a convenience store more than 130 miles away, according to a media release.

The Major County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that the men were seen on surveillance video just after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at a Quik Trip along Interstate 44 in the Tulsa suburb of Sapulpa.

The office says the two were no longer driving the Dodge pickup but a semitrailer reported stolen in the Oklahoma City suburb of El Reno. The black, 2007 Peterbilt semi has an Oklahoma tag number of 706-493.

Authorities say 32-year-old Andrew Foy and 37-year-old Darren Walp escaped after stealing the transport van Tuesday morning. The van was later found with an empty gun holster inside. Authorities say the inmates may be armed.

Authorities issued arrest warrants for both including charges of Kidnapping, Escape, Robbery, Unauthorized use of a vehicle and Assault and Battery with the Intent to commit a Felony, according to the Major County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities say Foy was being taken to Wyoming and Walp to Kansas, both to face charges for nonviolent offenses.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Latest on the search in Oklahoma for two inmates who escaped a prison transfer service. (all times local):

3 p.m.

An Oklahoma sheriff says two escaped inmates who stole a prisoner transport van may be armed even though one of the guards escorting the inmates says he didn’t have a gun.

Major County Sheriff Steve Randolph says 32-year-old Andrew Foy and 37-year-old Darren Walp escaped Tuesday morning by overpowering two officers with Inmate Services Corporation.

The van was later found about 13 miles from where it was stolen, with an empty gun holster inside. Randolph says the guard told investigators he didn’t have a gun, but authorities are investigating whether he was being truthful.

Officials with the Arkansas-based transport company didn’t return a message seeking comment from The Associated Press.

Authorities say Foy was being transported from Pennsylvania to Wyoming, and Walp from Tennessee to Kansas, both to face charges for nonviolent offenses.

___

Authorities say two inmates who escaped a transport van in Oklahoma were being taken to other states to face charges for nonviolent offenses.

Investigators in Oklahoma’s Major County say 32-year-old Andrew Foy and 37-year-old Darren Walp overpowered two transport officers Tuesday morning and took the van. The search Wednesday focused on a neighboring county where some of the inmates’ personal belongings were found.

The sheriff’s office in Laramie County, Wyoming, says Foy was being transported from Pennsylvania to face burglary, forgery and fraud charges in Wyoming.

Walp was being taken from Tennessee to Seward County, Kansas, where the sheriff’s office says he faces burglary charges.

Oklahoma authorities say the inmates may be armed. They say the van was found about 13 miles (21 kilometers) from where it was stolen, with an empty gun holster inside.

 

FAIRVIEW, Okla. (AP) — Authorities continue the search for 2 inmates who escaped after stealing a prison transport van in northwestern Oklahoma may now be armed.

Major County Sheriff Steve Randolph says inmates Andrew Foy and Darren Walp overpowered two transport officers about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday and took the van on U.S. 412 north of Fairview. The small city is about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Oklahoma City.

Authorities say the van was found about 13 miles (21 kilometers) away in Ringwood, and an empty gun holster was found inside. An oilfield company truck was later reported stolen in the area.

Authorities say the inmates were being taken by a transport company to a correctional facility in Kansas.

It was not immediately clear where the inmates were from or what crimes they were convicted of committing.

RENO COUNTY –A Michigan man jailed in Reno County on August 16 after being caught with a large quantity of marijuana has been formally charged.

Douglas Wyatt Kiss, 2, Big Rapids, MI., is now charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell for an amount between 450 grams and 30 kilograms, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kiss is also accused of speeding for traveling north on K-14 at 56th, going 89-mph in a 65-mph zone.

A Reno County Sheriff Deputy managed to stop the vehicle. Upon contact, the officer could smell the odor of marijuana. The driver told the deputy that he had the marijuana, which he apparently brought from Colorado and was transporting to Joplin, Missouri.

In the trunk, officers found 17 black containers labeled “THC for medical use only,” four bags with the same label and a pickle jar, all of which were full of the green leafy substance. There was also a food sealer in the trunk.

Kiss is jailed with a bond of $7,250 and Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen declined to lower it. The case now moves to a waiver-status docket.

GREENWOOD COUNTY —  Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a baby. The father has been charged with the child’s murder.

On August 22, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Greenwood County Hospital emergency room for a report of possible child abuse. Deputies learned that an infant child had sustained injuries that were not consistent with the initial story the parents were giving, according to a media release.

The child was later flown to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of the injuries. As part of the investigation, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Wichita Police Department’s Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit.

On Thursday, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office learned that 6-momth old Cooper Clark died from his injuries. Deputies arrested the child’s father Benny Clark, 22, Reece, Kansas, for Child abuse and Murder in the 1st Degree. He made a court appearance on Thursday afternoon

Clark is being held on a one-million-dollar cash or surety bond.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is poised to impose visa restrictions on four Asian and African nations refusing to take back their citizens who have been deported from the United States.

U.S. officials say Cambodia, Eritrea Guinea and Sierra Leone would soon be subject to sanctions.

The penalties are meant to coax “recalcitrant” countries into accepting the return of individuals the U.S. tries to remove. Under federal law, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has the authority to ban the issuance of all or certain types of U.S. visas for citizens of such nations.

The officials say Tillerson won’t likely ban all visas. Rather, he would target government officials and their families. The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.