Shortly before 7 p.m. on Wednesday, officers with the Junction City Police Department responded to the local Walmart Supercenter in reference to a subject that had been attacked while in her car.  Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who advised that a white female with blonde hair exited a gray or dark blue vehicle, possibly a Nissan that was parked next to her vehicle.  The female opened the victim’s car door, reached in and grabbed the victim by the hair. After a brief struggle, the female got back into the Nissan.  A white male with dark hair was in the Nissan at the time but never exited the vehicle. The vehicle possibly had Kansas tags with the numbers 959.

This case currently under investigation. There is no indication at this time that this incident has anything to do with Human Trafficking or that the public is in any immediate danger. We do ask that as always, be vigilant in parking lots and if something does not feel or look right, walk away and call the police.

If anyone has any information on this case or can identify the vehicle attached to call the police department at 762-5912, Crimestoppers at 762-8477 or leave a web tip at https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtips.aspx?AgencyID=1216.

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A large fire totally destroyed 28 units of The Bluffs Apartment Complex in Junction City on Saturday evening. Junction City Fire Department Chief Terry Johnson told K-MAN at least 19 families and other individuals were displaced by the fire, which caused nearly $4 million in damages.

A news release follows:

Loss of the Fire that occurred at the Bluffs Apartment complex 1810 Caroline Ave. Building B in Junction City that occurred on 9 April 2017 is estimated to be near the insured value of the building of $3.8 million. Individual property loss of the residents for the building will vary as to the loss amount and the contents of the resident’s apartment. The fire is still under investigation as a joint process with the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Junction City Fire Department.

(Photo Courtesy of Manhattan Fire Department)

JCFD responded to reported working structure fire at location. On scene established command, 28 unit; three story apartment building with heavy fire involving the southeast corner of the building with extension into the common attic. JCPD and Geary County Sheriff’s Office on scene assisted with evacuation of residents, steady wind from the south quickly spread the fire throughout the attic and third floor area. First arriving units continued to evacuate the fire building as well as establishing water supply and placing master stream operations into service. Due to the volume of the fire and weather conditions and the presence of a large amount of embers being spread through the complex in particular Building “D” directly to the north JCFD established multiple water streams to protect the exposed structures. JFCD Requested JCPD and Geary County Sheriff’s Office on scene to start evacuation of the possible exposed buildings and for apparatus to place their master streams into operations as “water curtains” in an effort to knock down and prevent additional structures from igniting. The incident utilized 6 fire hydrants with an average flow of 1000 to 1500 gallons per minute.
Estimated Gallons Per Minute utilized on the fire: 5,600 Gallons Per Minute Estimate use at 10hrs of time usage for 1,680,000 gallons of water.
At approximately 1240hrs on 9 April 2017 as a precaution JCFD units went to 1810 Caroline building B, the Bluffs, to insure that no hot spots had reoccurred. After looking around the structure one of the engine crew members noticed a small amount of smoke coming from the eaves on the north side of the building. A crew proceeded to the third floor to see if access was available. The engine crew was able to gain access to the balcony where they began to pull the ceiling down. The hand line was hoisted up to the balcony by rope, giving the crews the ability to soak down the entire area. Crews observed the area for a while to insure the hot spot was out; the Engine Company, and Med crew continued to search for hot spots. All units returned to station at 1401 hrs.

Agencies involved:
Fort Riley Fire Department Geary County EMA Junction City PD
Manhattan Fire Department American Red Cross Geary County SO
Abilene Fire Department KS OSFM Grandview Plaza Police
Geary County VFD Fort Riley Garrison Commander Brigadier General Frank
Dickerson County EMS Fort Riley Garrison Command Staff
Riley Co Ems
Junction City Fire Department

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Geary County Sheriffs Officers and other law enforcement agencies spent nearly two hours searching for a missing autistic child midday Saturday. At 11:08 a.m., the Geary county sheriff’s department and Kansas Highway Patrol responded in reference to a critically missing juvenile on I-70 at the eastbound rest area near mile marker 310. Upon arrival it was determined that an autistic juvenile from Abilene was traveling with his grandmother, Janet Miller, and  great-grandmother, Laurine Atkinson. The juvenile took off running when Miller stopped at the eastbound rest area.  Miller attempted to stop the juvenile with out success. Both Miller and the juvenile were located south of the westbound rest area along the creek bed at approximately 1:00 p.m.  Both subjects were checked by Junction City EMS staff and released on scene.

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Michael Long-KDOC photo 2015

Oliver Smith, KDOC photo

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Updated 10:30 a.m:

Still not much damage to report from Thursday night’s weather activity, although Riley County Emergency Management Coordinator Laurie Harrison indicates a
street sign and tree on Anderson Avenue in the 10,000 block came out of the ground , with water also reported across the 700 block of Marlatt Avenue Thursday night. That road was open Friday.
###

While no damage reports have come in yet from Thursday evening’s storm which included a tornado warning, KMAN had a chance to have an early Friday morning visit with Meteorologist Bill Gargan with the National Weather Service in Topeka:

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Clinical psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Prewitt filed to run for election for USD 383 Board of Education in November.

Prewitt and her family have lived in Manhattan for four years, all of which she has worked as a psychologist for Fort Riley.

“I was first inspired to run for the board by another psychologist who is on the school board in Topeka,” Prewitt told KMAN Tuesday morning.

Prewitt said it made her realize the importance of having someone who works in the mental health world to serve on the board. She also emphasized the great experience she’s had with USD 383 with her preschooler, and wants to ensure that other families get the same experience that she did.

Prewitt was born and raised in Michigan, graduated from the University of Michigan in 1990 and said she went to graduate school for psychology 10 years later after realizing it was her calling..

Prewitt said she recognizes some of the prevalent issues in the district, such as the debate over the mascot, bullying and teen suicides. She said she is ready to give back to the community and use her background in psychology to help solve issues the district faces.

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Armour Eckrich Meats location   Armour Eckrich Meats, LLC, a Junction City establishment, is recalling approximately 90,978 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced late Wednesday.   The food service fully-cooked pork, turkey and beef breakfast sausage items were produced and packaged from April 26 through April 28, 2017. The following products are subject to recall:   8,769 cases of 16.6 oz. vacuumed packages containing “ECKRICH SMOK-Y CHEDDAR BREAKFAST SAUSAGE, NATURALLY HARDWOOD SMOKED” on the label, case code/ UPC number “27815 17984,” and a Use By date of “08/17/17.”   The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 3JC” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution centers in Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The problem was discovered on May 15, 2017 when Armour Eckrich Meats, Inc. was notified by another FSIS-regulated establishment that pieces of metal were embedded in a fully cooked sausage product produced by Armour Eckrich Meats, Inc.   There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.   Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.   FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify theircustomers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. Consumers with questions about the recall can call 1 (877) 933-4625. Media with questions about the recall can contact Kassi Belz, vice president of public relations for the Dalton Agency, at (904) 398-5222.   Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

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Lawyer Davis, 21, of Manhattan was arrested by RCPD detectives in the 200 block of E. 9th St. in Junction City, on June 9, 2017 at approximately 9:40 PM. Davis was arrested for aggravated robbery. Davis’ bond was set at $25,000.

Officers filed a report for theft in the 2100 block of Walnut St. on June 9, 2017 at approximately 12:20 PM. Officers listed Nicholas Samuelson, 37, of Westmoreland, as the victim when he reported that an unknown suspect took several rifles, a pistol, and a shotgun from a residence he was storing them at. The total loss associated with this case is approximately $8,600. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

Officers filed a report for aggravated assault in the 700 block of Allen Rd. on June 11, 2017 at approximately 5:45 PM. Officers listed Christopher Hardy, 29, of Manhattan, and Sidney Brown Jr., 16, of Manhattan, as the victims when it was reported that a known suspect threatened to shoot them while holding a firearm.

The post Riley County Police Department Daily Activity 6/12/2017 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Harden (Photo courtesy Fort Riley)

Fort Riley has confirmed the death of one its soldiers Tuesday.

As KMAN reported Monday, 23-year-old Xavier Harden was found dead Sunday at Milford Lake.

According to Fort Riley, Harden, a food service specialist with Forward Support Company D, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., entered the lake from a boat at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday and did not resurface. His body was recovered at 5:25 p.m. The Geary County Sheriff’s Department had indicated the incident was reported at 1:30 p.m. and involved Harden and his family on flotation devices.

“This is a tragic loss for the entire ‘Longknife’ family,” said Lt. Col. Dave Maxwell, commander of 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. said in a press release from post.  “We are supporting and will continue to support Xavier’s family through this difficult time.”

Harden arrived at Fort Riley in June 2016.

His home of record is Tolleson, Arizona. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

According to the Geary County Sheriff’s Department, Harden was floating at the lake with his wife and 3-year-old child.

Harden’s body was located in about 16-feet of water by a Geary County Sheriff’s Office boat that was equipped with sonar. He was pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy has been scheduled, and this case is still under investigation.

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Officers filed a report for motor vehicle theft in the 2100 block of Prairie Lea Pl. on June 16, 2017 at approximately 9:15 AM. Officers listed Michael Carson, 27, of Manhattan, as the victim when he reported that an unknown suspect took his 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 636R . The total loss associated with this case is approximately $4,000. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

Officers responded to a 3 vehicle injury accident at Fort Riley Blvd. and Westwood Rd. on June 16, 2017 at approximately 5:10 PM. When officers arrived on scene, they found that a silver 2003 Honda Odyssey, driven by Scott Warren, 46, of Wamego, struck a gray 2016 Dodge Challenger, driven by Teerica Haygood, 22, of Junction City,. The impact caused the Challenger to move forward and strike a blue 2017 Subaru Outback, driven by Erin Deyoung, 32, of Manhattan. Haygood was transported by EMS to Via Christi for treatment of her injuries. Warren was issued a citation for inattentive driving.

Officers filed a report for theft, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia in the 3600 block of Everett Dr. on June 17, 2017 at approximately 2:55 AM. Officers listed Heather White-Brighton, 39, of Manhattan, and Michael Brighton, 39, of Manhattan, as the victims when they reported that a known suspect took a plant from their residence. When stopped, the suspect also had approximately 25 potted and free standing plants, a leaf blower, a hedge trimmer, and other miscellaneous garden decorations in the vehicle. All were seized in the belief that they were stolen. Officers also seized items that field tested positive for methamphetamine during the search. RCPD asks that if you are missing any items you believe match those listed above, to contact Riley County Dispatch at 785-537-2112.

Officers filed a report for burglary and motor vehicle theft in the 5200 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. on June 18, 2017 at approximately 9:10 AM. Officers listed Gary Winnie, 57, of Manhattan, as the victim when he reported that an unknown suspect took his 1981 Chevy Camaro from a storage unit. The total loss associated with this case is approximately $10,010.

Randall Roberds, 38, of Branch, Arkansas, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on June 18, 2017 at approximately 12:40 PM. Roberds was arrested on 2 Riley County District Court warrants for failure to appear and 1 Manhattan Municipal Court warrant for failure to appears. Roberds’ total bond was set at $14,000, causing him to remain confined.

Officers responded to a single vehicle accident in the 11600 block of Blue River Hills Rd. on June 18, 2017 at approximately 4:10 PM. When officers arrived on scene, they found a purple 1996 Honda VT600CD, driven by Bruce Wheeler, 63, of Leonardville, was laying on its side. Wheeler was transported by EMS to Via Christi for treatment of his injuries. No citations were issued at the scene.

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Officers filed a report for sexual exploitation of a child and battery in the city of Manhattan on June 23, 2017. Officers listed a 7 year old female as the victim when it was reported that a male known to the victim took sexually explicit pictures of the victim. Due to the nature of the allegations made, no additional information will be released.

Officers filed a report for aggravated assault in the 3100 block of Fort Riley Bvld. on June 25, 2017 at approximately 12:55 AM. Officers listed Maxwell Chandler, 20, of Fort Riley, and Robert Luick, 21, of Fort Riley, as the victims when they reported an unknown suspect pointed a gun at them during a road rage incident.

Officers filed a report for aggravated battery in the 600 block of N. 12th St. on June 25, 2017 at approximately 3:15 AM. Officers listed Ryan Lloyd, 23, of Junction City, as the victim when he reported that an unknown suspect pushed him down a flight of stairs. Lloyd was transported by EMS to Via Christi for treatment of his injuries

Caitlen Sells, 32, of Manhattan, was arrested in the 6500 block of University Park Rd. on June 25, 2017 at approximately 12:30 PM. Sells was arrested for motor vehicle theft, possession of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sells was also arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. Sells’ total bond was set at $23,000.

Daniel Mainville, 32, of Manhattan, was arrested in the 200 block of Westwood Rd. on June 25, 2017 at approximately 7:35 PM. Mainville was arrested on 2 Riley County District Court warrants for failure to appear, as well as for interference with law enforcement. Mainville’s total bond was set at $27,000.

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Geary county Sheriff’s department responded to an injury accident on Wednesday July 28th.

Deputies were dispatched to Interstate 70 milemarker 310 westbound for an injury accident. Roger Ambrosier was driving his 2013 Toyota Avalon when he fell asleep and drove into the median causing damage to the rear of the vehicle. One juvenile passenger was transported to the hospital with a minor injury to their lower back.

The post Geary county injury appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

A Junction City man died in a Clay County accident Sunday.  James Jenkins, 29, was driving a Chevrolet Impala eastbound on K-82 at the west end of the Milford Lake causeway when he drove off the north edge of the roadway and rolled down the embankment.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred at 3:10 a.m. Sunday. Jenkins was not wearing a seat belt.

And in an un-related accident on the Kansas Turnpike Saturday, a 75-year-old Manhattan man was injured. According to the Kansas Turnpike Authority, Duane McKinney was eastbound at about milepost 195 near Lecompton and started to change lanes to the left, when he realized there was a vehicle in the lane and over corrected to the right. McKinney’s vehicle spun out and struck the barrier wall. The accident was reported shortly after three Saturday afternoon. McKinney was wearing a seat belt.

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Officers filed a report for motor vehicle theft in the 4800 block of Skyway Dr. on July 19th, 2017 at approximately 10:50 AM. Officers listed Briggs Super Center as the victim when it was reported that a known suspect had failed to return a 2016 Honda Civic. The total loss associated with this case is approximately $11,265.

Anthony Williams Jr., 29, of Junction City, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on July 19th, 2017 at approximately 12:00 PM. Williams Jr. was arrested on two Manhattan Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear. Williams Jr.s’ total bond was set at $10,000.

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Nicole Holt, 23, of Chapman, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on July 28, 2017 at approximately 10:50 AM. Holt was arrested on 2 Riley County District Court warrants for probation violation and 1 Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. Holt’s total bond for these warrants was $15,000.00. Holt was also arrested on 2 Manhattan Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear. Holt was issued no bond on these warrants.

Enrique Munoz, 19, of Manhattan, was arrested in the 400 block of S. 5th St. on July 29, 2017 at approximately 3:20 AM. Munoz was arrested for burglary. Munoz’s bond was set at $10,000.

Officers filed a report for unlawful voluntary sexual relations on July 30, 2017 in the city of Manhattan. Officers listed a 14 year old female as the victim when it was reported that she was engaged in voluntary sexual relations with a 16 year old male suspect. Due to the nature of the crimes reported, no additional information will be released.

Officers responded to a report of an injury accident at Fort Riley Blvd. and Pillsbury Dr. on July 30, 2017 at approximately 5:40 PM. When officers arrived on scene, they found a black 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by Christopher Stover, 21, of Junction City, on its side. Stover reported that an unknown vehicle attempted to merge into his lane, causing him to hit the curb and lose control of his motorcycle. Stover was transported by EMS to Via Christi. No citations were issued at the scene. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers

The post Riley County Police Department Daily Activity 7/31/2017 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Updated Thursday afternoon:

An autopsy on a Fort Riley soldier found in a vehicle on I-70 earlier this week has determined his death was from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As reported by KMAN Monday afternoon, Alejandro Jonathan Franquiz, 30, of Fort Riley was found deceased inside a vehicle parked on Interstate 70 at the Mile Marker 311 East Bound off-ramp, located at Moritz Road.

A news release from Captain Brian Hornaday with the sheriff’s office indicates a deputy located the vehicle at 12:14 a.m. Monday, with Franquiz’s body inside.

Franquiz was a section chief with Company B, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Inf. Division. He arrived at Fort Riley in October 2015. He previously served at Fort Riley from December 2008 to August 2012.

(earlier reports)

Updated Wednesday morning:

More information was released by Fort Riley Tuesday afternoon regarding a 1st Infantry Division Soldier who was found dead in his car alongside I-70 south
of Manhattan early Monday.

Staff Sgt. Alejandro Franquiz, 30, was a section chief with Company B, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Inf. Division.
Franquiz arrived at Fort Riley in October 2015. He previously served at Fort Riley from December 2008 to August 2012.

Franquiz deployed three times during his Army career: twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.

His awards include four Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and four Army Good Conduct Medals.

###

(earlier report)

A Fort Riley soldier has been found dead in Geary County. According to the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, Alejandro Jonathan Franquiz, 30, of Fort Riley was found deceased inside a vehicle parked on Interstate 70 at the Mile Marker 311 East Bound off-ramp, located at Moritz Road.

A Monday afternoon news release from Captain Brian Hornaday with the sheriff’s office indicates a deputy located the vehicle at 12:14 a.m. Monday, with Franquiz’s body inside.

An autopsy has been ordered and will be completed this week. No further information will be released at this time due to the pending investigation.

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Freddie Jackson, 31, of Manhattan, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on Aug. 7, 2017 at approximately 2:05 PM. Jackson was arrested on four Geary County District Court warrants for probation violation. Jackson’s total bond was set at $18,100.

Nicolas Blaha, 21, of Manhattan, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on Aug. 7, 2017 at approximately 4:30 PM. Blaha was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated battery. Blaha’s bond was set at $20,000.00.

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