Operation100news

Expanded use of police radio encryption to lock out public and reporters - "What Can I Do?"

2024-01-09T15:45:00.000-06:00

With the announcement in late December 2023 that 13 Johnson County police departments would move to full encryption of all radio communications, many followers have asked how they can help fight for transparency and access to police radio transmissions.

Click to view larger.

The best way is to inform your local elected officials of your opinion.

Whether you prefer to attend and speak during a city council meeting, send emails, or make phone calls, What matters is that those elected to represent you know your opinion on this move.

Tell them why this issue matters to you.

Ask them if they were consulted by anyone from their police department about the decision to lock out the public and reporters from day-to-day police operations.

Let them know why it should matter to them and to the city they represent as a whole.

Those who hold elected office need to understand the importance of checks and balances at all levels of our country's government. They have sworn an oath to uphold our country's and our state's constitution. That includes the right to free speech and the ability for journalists to do their jobs without interference from the government.

Below, I've compiled a list of elected city officials and non-elected police officials for all of the cities and municipal police departments that have announced their intent to use full encryption of all operations beginning January 23, 2024.

The linked city council/governing body websites include maps to find your elected representative. I suggest contacting every elected representative within your city. This ensures that all members have received the same feedback and information from a constituent.

I have excluded the school district police departments, as most of their radio traffic concerns school security and children. Any more significant events or incidents on those campuses would involve the local municipal police department.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you prefer to make phone calls, those numbers can be found on each city and police department's webpage. If you plan to call a police department, please use an administrative phone number, not the non-emergency number or 911.

Alphabetically:

Fairway:

City Council webpage
Mayor - Melanie Hepperly Email - mhepperly@fairwaykansas.org
Ward 1 - Kelly-Anne Buszek Email - kbuszek@fairwaykansas.org
Ward 1 - Lee Story Email - lstory@fairwaykansas.org
Ward 2 - Dan Bailey Email - dbailey@fairwaykansas.org
Ward 2 - Jerry Williams Email - jwilliams@fairwaykansas.org
Ward 3 - Joseph Levin Email - jlevin@fairwaykansas.org
Ward 3 - David Watkins Email - dwatkins@fairwaykansas.org
Ward 4 - Jenna Brofsky Email - jbrofsky@fairwaykansas.org
Ward 4 - Tanya Keys Email - tkeys@fairwaykansas.org

Police webpage
Police Chief/Public Information Officer: J.P. Thurlo Email - jpthurlo@fairwaykansas.org

Leawood:

Governing Body webpage
Full Governing Body (Mayor and all councilmembers) - Email - allcouncil@leawood.org

The city of Leawood's website still needs to be updated with contact information for the new mayor or two new council members who started their terms on January 2, 2024.

Until that update is made, I would suggest using the allcouncil@leawood.org address.

Police webpage
Police Command Staff Email - policecommandstaff@leawood.org
Police Public Information Officer: Captain Brad Robbins Email - bradr@leawood.org

Lenexa:

City Council webpage
Mayor - Julie Sayers Email - jsayers@lenexa.com
Ward 1 - Joe Karlin Email - jkarlin@lenexa.com
Ward 1 - Courtney Eiterich Email - ceiterich@lenexa.com
Ward 2 - Bill Nicks Email - bnicks@lenexa.com
Ward 2 - Mark Charlton Email - mcharlton@lenexa.com
Ward 3 - Melanie Arroyo Email - marroyo@lenexa.com
Ward 3 - Chelsea Williamson Email - cwilliamson@lenexa.com
Ward 4 - Craig Denny Email - cdenny@lenexa.com
Ward 4 - Chris Herron Email - cherron@lenexa.com

Police webpage
Police Chief Dawn Layman Email - dlayman@lenexa.com
Police Public Information Officer Email - lenexapdpio@lenexa.com

Merriam:

City Council webpage
Mayor - Bob Pape Email - bpape@merriam.org
Ward 1 - Jacob Laha Email - jlaha@merriam.org
Ward 1 - Jason Silvers Email - jsilvers@merriam.org
Ward 2 - Whitney Yadrich Email - wyadrich@merriam.org
Ward 2 - Amy Rider Email - arider@merriam.org
Ward 3 - Christine Evans Hands Email - chrish@merriam.org
Ward 3 - Bruce Kaldahl Email - bkaldahl@merriam.org
Ward 4 - David Neal Email - dneal@merriam.org
Ward 4 - Staci Chivetta Email - schivetta@merriam.org

Police webpage
Police Chief Darren McLaughlin Email - dmclaughlin@merriam.org
Police Public Information Officer: Captain Jeremiah Waters Email - jwaters@merriam.org

Mission:

Governing Body webpage
Mayor - Sollie Flora Email - sflora@missionks.org
Ward 1 - Hillary Parker Thomas Email - hthomas@missionks.org
Ward 1 - Trent Boultinghouse Email - tboultinghouse@missionks.org
Ward 2 - Lea Loudon Email - lloudon@missionks.org
Ward 2 - Mary Ryherd Email - mryherd@missionks.org
Ward 3 - Brian Schmid Email - bschmid@missionks.org
Ward 3 - Debbie Kring Email - dkring@missionks.org
Ward 4 - Ben Chociej Email - bchociej@missionks.org
Ward 4 - Cheryl Carpenter-Davis Email - ccarpenter-davis@missionks.org

Police webpage
Police Chief/Public Information Officer: Dan Madden Email - dmadden@missionks.org

Olathe:

City Council webpage
Mayor - John Bacon Email - jbacon@olatheks.org
Mayor Pro Tem - Kevin Gilmore Email - kpgilmore@olatheks.org
At-Large - Wes McCoy Email - rwmccoy@olatheks.org
Ward 1 - Robyn Essex Email - rressex@olatheks.org
Ward 2 - Adam Mickelson Email - amickelson@olatheks.org
Ward 3 - LeEtta Felter Email - lfelter@olatheks.org
Ward 4 - Marge Vogt Email - mvogt@olatheks.org

Police webpage
Police Chief Mike Butaud Email - mbutaud@olatheks.org
Police Public Information Officer Sergeant John Moncayo Email - jamoncayo@olatheks.org

Overland Park:

City Council webpage
Full Governing Body (mayor and all council members) Email - governingbody@opkansas.org
Mayor - Curt Skoog Email - curt.skoog@opkansas.org or Email - mayor@opkansas.org
Ward 1 - Logan Heley Email - logan.heley@opkansas.org
Ward 1 - Holly Grummert Email - holly.grummert@opkansas.org
Ward 2 - Melissa Cheatham Email - melissa.cheatham@opkansas.org
Ward 2 - Drew Mitrisin Email - drew.mitrisin@opkansas.org
Ward 3 - Jim Kite Email - jim.kite@opkansas.org
Ward 3 - Richard Borlaza Email - richard.borlaza@opkansas.org
Ward 4 - Scott Mosher Email - scott.mosher@opkansas.org
Ward 4 - Greg Riess Email - gregg.riess@opkansas.org
Ward 5 - Sam Passer Email - sam.passer@opkansas.org
Ward 5 - Inas Younin Email - inas.younis@opkansas.org
Ward 6 - Jeff Cox Email - jeff.cox@opkansas.org
Ward 6 - Chris Newlin Email - chris.newlin@opkansas.org

Police webpage
Interim Police Chief Simon Happer Email - simon.happer@opkansas.org
Police Public Information Officer John Lacy Email - john.lacy@opkansas.org

Prairie Village:

City Council webpage
Full Governing Body (mayor, council members, city administrator/deputy/assistants, and city clerk) Email - councilmembers@pvkansas.com
Mayor - Eric Mikkelson Email - mayor@pvkansas.com
Ward 1 - Cole Robinson Email - crobinson@pvkansas.com
Ward 1 - Terry O'Toole Email - totoole@pvkansas.com
Ward 2 - Ron Nelson Email - rnelson@pvkansas.com
Ward 2 - Inga Selders Email - iselders@pvkansas.com
Ward 3 - Lauren Wolf Email - lwolf@pvkansas.com
Ward 3 - Lori Sharp Email - lsharp@pvkansas.com
Ward 4 - Dave Robinson Email - drobinson@pvkansas.com
Ward 4 - Tyler Agniel Email - tagniel@pvkansas.com
Ward 5 - Greg Shelton Email - gshelton@pvkansas.com
Ward 5 - Nick Reddell Email - nreddell@pvkansas.com
Ward 6 - Terrence Gallagher Email - tgallagher@pvkansas.com
Ward 6 - Ian Graves Email - igraves@pvkansas.com

DUI suspected in late night crash with tree along Metcalf

2021-09-02T08:45:00.002-05:00

Posted: September 2, 2021 - 8:28 a.m.

A man in his mid-30s was seriously injured in a crash with a tree near 66th Terrace and Metcalf late Wednesday in Overland Park.

An Overland Park police officer walks around the crashed
truck after firefighters extricated the driver
Click images to view larger
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Police and firefighters were called to the 6600 block of Metcalf about 10:05 p.m. following reports that a truck had crashed into a tree.

"Witnesses reported vehicle one was traveling at a high rate of speed and at times driving southbound in the northbound lanes," Officer John Lacy of the Overland Park Police Department said. "Vehicle one ran off the road to the west and struck a tree."

At the scene, firefighters worked for about 10 minutes to extricate the driver from the crashed truck. The man suffered serious injuries to his legs.

Johnson County Med-Act and Overland Park firefighters transported the man to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.

Johnson County Med-Act transported the man to the University of Kansas Hospital

Officer Lacy confirms the man sustained severe injuries and is suspected of driving under the influence.

Firefighters from Consolidated Fire District No. 2 and Mission police officers also responded to the call.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Police and firefighters examine the truck after the driver was transported by ambulance

The truck was heavily damaged in the crash.
Firefighters removed the driver's door in order to get the driver out

Police marked on the sidewalk where the truck left the southbound lanes of Metcalf.
The crashed truck is shown in the trees.

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Two men killed in wrong-way crash on I-35

2021-07-24T12:03:00.000-05:00

Posted: July 24, 2021 - 11:49 a.m.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says two men are dead after a crash on Interstate 35 in Mission early Saturday morning.

Troopers say a 2014 Ford F-250 was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of the interstate when it hit a northbound 2003 GMC Sierra head-on about 3:20 a.m.

Mission police were dispatched to check for a wrong-way driver and possible crash in the northbound lanes south of Lamar at 3:18 a.m.

Officers arrived to find two pickup trucks with significant damage, between Metcalf and Lamar. One of the trucks was on fire, with someone trying to use a fire extinguisher on the flames.

Firefighters from Consolidated Fire District No. 2 went to work on the fire and extricated the second driver from his truck.

One driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Johnson County Med-Act paramedics transported the other driver to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he later died.

Late Saturday morning, Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers identified Sam E. Wilson, 23, of Greenwood, Missouri as the driver of the Ford F-250 and Robert D. Mangelsdorf Jr., 23, of Tonganoxie, Kansas as the driver of the GMC Sierra.

The highway patrol's crash log states that both men were wearing seat belts.

Police from several northern Johnson County agencies assisted with closing the northbound lanes of the interstate as the crash was investigated. The Kansas Department of Transportation called out workers to help with traffic control.

All lanes of the interstate reopened about 10 a.m.

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Motorcyclist critically injured in crash with pickup truck

2021-06-26T23:25:00.030-05:00

Posted: June 26, 2021 - 11:25 p.m.
Updated: June 27, 2021 - 3:27 a.m.

A man in his early 40s was transported to an area trauma center after his motorcycle crashed into the side of a pickup truck Saturday evening in Merriam.

Merriam police, Overland Park firefighters, and Johnson County Med-Act paramedics were called to Antioch Road at the top of the ramps to and from Interstate 35 just before 6:30 p.m.

Two officers from the Shawnee Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit examine the damage to the truck.
Click images to view larger
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Johnson County Med-Act transported the motorcyclist, only identified as a 41-year-old man, to the University of Kansas Medical Center in critical condition. He was not wearing a helmet according to the police.

No one in the truck was injured. The driver of the truck remained on scene and was cooperating with the investigation.

At the scene, a Merriam Police Sergeant said they're unsure which driver had the green light. Police believe the motorcycle was southbound on Antioch, and the truck was exiting from northbound Interstate 35 to northbound Antioch Road.

The Shawnee Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit was called in to assist with the crash investigation. Shawnee officers mapped the crash scene using a FARO 3D Laser Scanner and a drone.

The Shawnee Police Department's FARO 3D Laser Scanner maps the crash scene.

The intersection reopened at about 9:15 p.m.

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Man arrested following short car and foot chase in Shawnee

2021-06-19T06:52:00.003-05:00

Posted: June 19, 2021 - 6:52 a.m.

A man in his 40s is in police custody after leading Shawnee officers on a short car chase early Saturday morning.

Shawnee and Lenexa officers stand near the suspect who ran from the car
Click images to view larger
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

An officer spotted the car driving without a front tire on westbound 75th Street near Switzer Road about 4:45 a.m.

Officers caught up with the car near Quivira Road and attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver continued driving westbound at speeds of 15-45mph on 75th Street and then onto Blackfish Parkway.

The car came to a stop on Blackfish Parkway just west of Cottonwood Street. As the officer waited on backup before approaching the car, the driver jumped out and ran north into the neighborhood.

Officers searched the suspect's car after his arrest.

A responding Shawnee officer spotted the man running between houses along 73rd Street and took him into custody after a brief struggle.

Several Lenexa officers also responded to assist with the foot chase.

Only identified as a man in his early 40s, the suspect was transported by Johnson County Med-Act with minor injuries from the scuffle with police.

Shawnee Fire and Johnson County Med-Act responded to check for injuries.

No officers were injured, and no other details were immediately available.

Check back with this report for updates.

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Police release surveillance images of suspects from Saturday morning armed robbery

2021-06-19T06:21:00.002-05:00

Posted: June 19, 2021 - 6:09 a.m.
Updated: June 25, 2021 - 12:40 p.m.

The Overland Park Police Department has released surveillance images of the two suspects from Saturday's armed robbery outside of a Shawnee Mission Parkway QuikTrip.

Overland Park Police were called to the QuikTrip at 7400 Shawnee Mission Parkway about 3:45 Saturday morning to investigate an armed robbery.

Police released these images of the suspects they're trying to identify
Click image to view larger

Recorded radio traffic indicates the driver of a taxi told police that two men, one armed with a handgun, robbed him and ran away. Both men were last seen running north from the QuikTrip parking lot.

An Overland Park officer pilots one of the department's drones into the air
to assist with the search for two armed robbery suspects.
Click images to view larger
Scene photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Officers from Fairway, Merriam, Mission, and Shawnee responded to assist in holding a perimeter around the area for a K-9 search. Overland Park officers also used a drone to assist with the search.

While searching, officers were informed that one of the victim's credit cards was already being used at the QuikTrip at 4700 Lamar Avenue in Mission.

Officers in Overland Park concluded their search about 4:30 a.m.

Police vehicles from Shawnee, Overland Park, and Mission parked near the
building as officers searched for the suspects.

Mission officers responded to the QuikTrip in their city to collect surveillance video.

Anyone who recognizes either suspect is asked to call Overland Park Police at 913-344-8730 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.

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PHOTOS: Police rescue one, evacuate others from Thursday morning apartment fire

2021-03-11T11:04:00.001-06:00

Posted: March 11, 2021 - 11:04 a.m.

Overland Park Police rescued one person and evacuated several others after a fire broke out in the Perry 81 Apartments on Thursday morning. Emergency crews were called to the building at 8025 Perry Street at 7:55 a.m.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke from the two-story building.
Click images to view larger
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

"First fire units on the scene reported heavy smoke showing from the two-story apartment building with Overland Park Police effecting rescues and evacuations," said Jason Rhodes, Media Manager for the Overland Park Fire Department.

The fire is believed to have started in a second-floor unit and then spread to the building's attic.

Firefighters from Lenexa and Shawnee were called in to assist as part of a second-alarm assignment.

"It took crews over an hour to bring the fire under control as firefighters had to dig out deep-seated fire in the attic void spaces and chimney areas," Rhodes said. "Overland Park Police bravely assisted with a rescue and evacuations."
Firefighters rescued a dog from one apartment. No injuries were reported.

Residents from 10 apartments have been displaced and are working with apartment management to find housing.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and a damage estimate has not been released.

A second-floor apartment left heavily damaged by the fire.

Overland Park Fire Department Battalion 45.

Firefighters were evacuated from the building before the aerials unleased on the chimney fire.

Two Overland Park Fire Department aerial units were used to douse the building from above.

Firefighters await their next assignment as the aerial ladders pour water on the building.

Fire trucks and hose lines strewn through the complex parking lot.

Firefighters rotate in and out of the building.

Firefighters work on the back side of the building.

The fire spread to all three of the building's chimneys.

A balcony on the back of the building was used to help firefighters get on the roof

A fire department drone watches from above as a firefighter works on the roof

Firefighters inspect a section of the attic above the stairwell.

A firefighter uses a chainsaw to access a void in the attic space

Shawnee Fire's 'Engine 71' returns to the scene after using a nearby hydrant to refill

After the fire was brought under control

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Woman displaced by Christmas morning kitchen fire

2020-12-25T21:40:00.008-06:00

Significant fire damage is visible on the rear of the home
Click images to view larger
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Posted: December 25, 2020 - 9:40 p.m.

The Overland Park Fire Department says a woman was able to escape her home when a fire broke out in her kitchen shortly after 8 Christmas morning.

Fire Department Media Manager Jason Rhodes says firefighters arrived to find smoke visible from the house on the southeast corner of 81st Street and Riggs Lane.

"Firefighters quickly went to work attacking a fire in the kitchen, while additional crews searched the home to be sure everyone was out," Rhodes said in a news release. "Fire significantly damaged the kitchen and adjoining living area."

Crews worked for approximately 25 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Rhodes says the resident was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.

"Investigators believe the fire originated in the kitchen, but the exact cause is under investigation," Rhodes said.

The home did have working smoke alarms.

Firefighters from Consolidated Fire District No. 2 also responded to the scene.

The resident of the home is being assisted by the Red Cross.

Firefighters from Consolidated Fire District No. 2 also responded

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Two people escape after being alerted of fire by neighbors

2020-10-01T21:49:00.002-05:00

Posted: October 1, 2020 - 9:35 p.m.

Firefighters from Overland Park and Lenexa Fire Departments
responded on the fire just after 7 p.m.
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

A neighbor alerted two adults that their home had caught fire Thursday evening in Overland Park.

Firefighters from Overland Park and Lenexa were called to the home at 8901 West 93rd Street just after 7 p.m.

Overland Park Fire Department Media Manager Jason Rhodes says firefighters arrived to report heavy fire visible from the split-level, single-family home.

“Crews began an offensive fire attack on exterior fire before transitioning to an interior attack, where they found significant fire in the attic of the home,” Rhodes said. “It took about 40 minutes to bring the fire under control as there were several hard to reach pockets of fire that required significant work to access.”

Firefighters worked to extinguish fire on the outside of the house
before moving inside to check for extension.
Additional photos available below this report.

Both residents escaped without injury. The home sustained significant fire and smoke damage according to the fire department. A damage estimate was not immediately available.

“The exact cause of the fire is under investigation, but the residents reported lighting the fireplace and shortly thereafter being called by neighbors who told them their house was on fire,” Rhodes said. “The residents said they were aware of slight damage to the chimney and that they intended to have it repaired soon.”

The Red Cross will be assisting the displaced residents.

“Overland Park Fire hopes this unfortunate incident can serve as a reminder to the rest of us that as temperatures drop and we begin using heat sources to warm our homes, we should have furnaces and chimneys inspected annually by trained professionals,” Rhodes said.

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One dog killed, three residents displaced after Sunday afternoon apartment fire

2020-09-20T19:05:00.055-05:00

Posted: September 20, 2020 - 7:05 p.m.

Firefighters from Lenexa, Overland Park, and a Shawnee Battalion Chief were called to The Retreat at Woodridge Apartments in the 8800 block of Hauser Drive at 3:24 Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters from Lenexa, Overland Park, and Shawnee
responded to the call.
Click images to view larger
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

In a news release, Lenexa Deputy Fire Chief Scott Hoch says firefighters arrived at 3:27 to find a fire in one first-floor apartment of the three-story building.

Lenexa Police assisted firefighters with evacuating 16 apartments in the building.

Deputy Chief Hoch says firefighters rescued one dog as they worked to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters attempted to resuscitate the dog in front of the building, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Firefighters used fans to remove brown smoke from inside the fire apartment

The fire was reported to be under control at 3:40 p.m. and out at 3:51 p.m. Other residents of the building were able to return to their apartments after the fire was extinguished.

Damage from the fire, smoke, and water was confined to one first floor apartment according to the news release.

Fire investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire, and a damage estimate has not been determined.

The Red Cross is assisting three residents who were displaced.

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12 displaced, four rescued from late-night apartment fire

2020-09-09T14:08:00.013-05:00

Posted: September 9, 2020 - 2:08 p.m.

The Lenexa Fire Department says they rescued four people from balconies and a window when they arrived on the scene of an apartment fire late Tuesday night.

Evacuated residents watch as firefighter work to extinguish the fire.
Click images to view larger
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Firefighters were dispatched to the London House Apartments, 12801 Lord Nelson Drive at 10:19 p.m. The apartment complex is located immediately northwest of 99th Street and Rosehill Road.

In a news release, Deputy Fire Chief Scott Hoch says the first firefighters arrived on scene at 10:22 and reported light smoke visible from the front of the building.

Two Lenexa firefighters climb the ladder to access
the roof of the apartment building.

"Personnel immediately identified trapped occupants on the second floor of the building at a front window and rear balcony with an active fire in the common hall at the rear of the structure," Hoch says in the release.

Two residents of an apartment on the first floor self-evacuated and were then treated by Johnson County Med-Act paramedics for smoke inhalation. One of those residents, only identified as a woman in her 50s, was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for additional treatment. Her condition was described as "stable."

Fire officials say the fire was confined to the first and second floor common hallway and was reported under control at 10:43 p.m.

Four apartments were damaged by smoke and heat according to the fire department.

Twelve residents were displaced and are all receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

Firefighters rescued a cat from the building as they worked to extinguish the fire. A second cat was located and removed from the building after the fire was out.

Lenexa firefighters returning one of the rescued cats to evacuated residents.

"Preliminary damage estimates to the structure and contents exceed $100,000," Hoch says in the release. "The cause of the fire is currently under investigation."

The Overland Park Fire Department also responded to assist with the fire.

Lenexa firefighters standing by, awaiting their next assignment.

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Eight displaced by Saturday afternoon duplex fire in Shawnee

2020-08-22T23:00:00.001-05:00

Posted: August 22, 2020 - 11:00 p.m.

Eight people are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross after their duplex was heavily damaged by fire Saturday afternoon. At least three children were among the displaced.

Firefighters arrived to find the garage of the duplex heavily involved with fire.
Click images to view larger.
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Firefighters from Shawnee, Overland Park, and Lenexa were dispatched to the fire at 11319 West 71st Terrace just before 2 p.m.

Arriving firefighters found heavy fire coming from the garage of the two-story building.

A Shawnee Firefighter extends the ladder towards the fire building.

Shawnee Fire Marshal Corey Sands says an unknown man alerted the residents in the western half of the duplex by pounding on the back of the house and breaking several windows. Sands says the broken window likely contributed to the rapid growth of the fire.

Firefighters worked for about 20 minutes to get the majority of the fire knocked down.

All residents and their pets escaped safely.

Johnson County Med-Act called in their firefighter rehabilitation unit due to the hot weather. No firefighters were injured.

As of Saturday evening, Fire Marshal Sands said investigators had concluded that the fire started in the garage on the west side of the building, but were still working to determine an exact cause.

A total of six fire rigs responded to the call.

Firefighters worked for about 20 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Fire investigators say the fire started in the garage, but have not determined an exact cause.

The western half of the duplex lost its entire roof to the fire. The other half of the duplex
was also damaged by smoke, fire, and water.

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KCK Firefighters recover body of 11-year-old who drowned in the river

2020-08-22T22:25:00.005-05:00

Posted: August 22, 2020 - 10:25 p.m.
Updated: August 25, 2020 - 5:25 a.m.

UPDATE: Kansas City, Kansas Police say they were called to the Kansas River near the Turner Diagonal about 5:30 Monday evening after a boater reported a body.

In a news release, police say they fire department launched two boats onto the river just before 6 p.m. and recovered the body near the western bank of the river under the Turner Diagonal at 6:14 p.m.

Police have now identified the girl as Rebecca Van Sui Par, 11, of Kansas City, Kansas.

"The preliminary investigation indicates an accidental drowning, but will remain under investigation by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department's detectives unit pending autopsy results," the release said.

----Original report----

Kansas City, Kansas firefighters searched the Kansas River for about six hours after a child was reported missing while swimming with family on Saturday afternoon.

Kansas City, Kansas Fire established their command post on the I-435 overpass.
Click images to view larger.
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Police and firefighters were called to the river, just east of the Interstate 435 overpass about 3:30 p.m.

"Upon arrival, officers were informed that while a family was playing near a sand bar in the Kansas River a beach ball was stuck causing it to land in a portion of the river where the current was moving rapidly and undercurrent was present," Officer Dustin Dierenfeldt of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department said in a news release.

Ofc. Dierenfeldt says an 11-year-old girl entered the river trying to retrieve the ball when she was sucked under the water surface.

"One adult and two juveniles entered the water to rescued the 11-year-old, but also required rescue," Ofc. Dierenfeldt said.

Shawnee Police assisted with contacting the family on the south side of the river.

Firefighters from the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department searched the river until 9 p.m. with four boats and the assistance of a helicopter from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department's helicopter assisted with the search on Saturday.

About 7 p.m., the Overland Park Police Department's dive team arrived at the Turner boat ramp and began their search of the river. The dive team is equipped with Sonar capabilities to better see under the water.

KCK Fire ended their search for the night at 9 p.m., At 10 p.m., Kansas City, Kansas Police said the girl had not been located and efforts had shifted from rescue to recovery.

Firefighters returned Sunday morning and searched the river from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with three boats. As of 5 p.m., KCK Police say the girl has not been located.

KCK Police say the incident is under investigation by their Criminal Investigations Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

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Prairie Village officer injured during foot chase

2020-07-18T05:43:00.000-05:00

Posted: July 18, 2020 - 5:43 a.m.

One man was arrested, and another eluded Prairie Village officers after running from a traffic stop near 75th Street and Mission Road just after 2:15 a.m. Saturday.

Prairie Village Police searched the suspect vehicle after their search for the suspect ended.
Officers can be seen inspecting a handgun that was found in the backseat.
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All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Recorded radio traffic indicates an officer made a traffic stop in a driveway in the 4000 block of West 75th Street at 2:18 a.m. The suspect parked his vehicle in a driveway, then two men ran from the car.

The driver ran north into a backyard, while the passenger ran south across 75th Street.

Corporal Mark Brown of the Prairie Village Police Department confirms an officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle that was seen speeding on 75th Street, and two men ran from that vehicle.

"We got one person into custody that we believe to be the passenger," Cpl. Brown says. "The driver, we don't have in custody."

The passenger was arrested on the west side of Shawnee Mission East High School. The driver reportedly ran north, jumping fences into backyards. Corporal Brown says both men are younger black males.

"During the course of the foot chase, one of the officers did injure their knee," Cpl. Brown said.

The injured officer was evaluated on the scene by Johnson County Med-Act and then transported to an area hospital by a fellow officer. Corporal Brown says the injury is not believed to be serious.

A K-9 unit from the Olathe Police Department was brought in to assist with the search of backyards. Officers from Fairway, Mission, and Roeland Park also responded to assist in holding a perimeter for the K-9 search.

An Olathe Police Department K-9 assisted with the search for the driver.

Prairie Village officers were seen recovering a handgun from the backseat to the Dodge Magnum the suspects allegedly ran from.

No other details were immediately available. Check back with this report for updates.

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One person killed in fiery western Lenexa crash

2020-07-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

Posted: July 15, 2020 - 11:47 p.m.

The Lenexa Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit is investigating after one person was killed in a fiery crash on Prairie Star Parkway late Wednesday evening.

It happened about 9:15 p.m. in the median of Prairie Star Parkway just east of Tallgrass Drive in western Lenexa.

A large boulder was forced into the eastbound lanes of Prairie Star Parkway in the crash
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All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Master Police Officer Danny Chavez says officers arrived to find the car engulfed in flames.

Lenexa firefighters worked for about five minutes to extinguish the flames. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. An extensive search of the immediate area was conducted to ensure no one had been ejected from the car. No one was located in the search.

Police believe the car was driving westbound at high speed when it left the road.

"[The car] left the roadway into the center median and struck large landscaping boulders," Ofc. Chavez said. "We don't have any info on the deceased yet."

Johnson County Med-Act paramedics look over the crashed vehicle after
Lenexa firefighters extinguished the flames.

The crash forced officers to close Prairie Star Parkway in both directions between Lone Elm Road and Prairie Creek Road for several hours.

No other details were immediately available. Check back with this report for updates.

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Four teens seriously injured in rollover crash on I-435

2020-07-07T20:43:00.001-05:00

Posted: July 7, 2020 - 8:43 p.m.

Troopers say four teens were seriously injured when the pickup truck they were riding in rolled over near Shawnee Mission Parkway and Interstate 435 Tuesday evening in Shawnee.

Emergency crews were called to the northbound lanes of Interstate 435 just north of the Shawnee Mission Parkway bridge about 5:35 p.m.

Two of the northbound lanes of I-435 were closed as crews worked the crash scene.
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All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Recorded radio traffic from police dispatchers indicated they received numerous 911 calls reporting the crash and that several people had been ejected from the vehicle.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says a 2001 Ford F-350 was driving on the entrance ramp from westbound Shawnee Mission Parkway to northbound I-435.

“The driver of vehicle one lost control on the entrance ramp,” according to KHP’s crash log. “After vehicle one left the roadway, the vehicle overturned onto I-435.”

Troopers say the driver and three passengers were not wearing seat belts and all four ejected onto the Interstate.

Johnson County Med-Act transported three of the injured to Overland Park Regional Medical Center and one to the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Troopers have all injuries classified as “suspected serious injury.”

A Johnson County Med-Act ambulance, driven by a Shawnee firefighter,
transports one of the injured passengers to the University of Kansas Medical Center

Operation 100 News has reached out to Johnson County Med-Act for more accurate conditions of the injured at the time of their transports.

The driver is a 16-year-old Shawnee resident. Two of his passengers are 15; the other is 16. One of the 15-year-olds is also a Shawnee resident. The other two passengers are both from Lake Quivira.

Troopers continue to investigate the crash.

The Lenexa Fire Department also responded to the scene.

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One man critically injured in fiery crash with tree

2020-06-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Posted: June 14, 2020 - 9:20 p.m.

Lenexa Police are investigating after a man was critically injured in a one-car crash near 99th Street and Legler on Sunday evening.

Lenexa police officers used fire extinguishers to knock down the
flames before the fire department arrived.
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All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Master Police Officer Danny Chavez says officers were called by a passing motorist who saw the vehicle crashed into a tree and on fire.

"When officers arrived, they extinguished the fire with their in-car fire extinguishers," Ofc. Chavez said in an emailed response to questions. "The driver was transported by Med-Act to the hospital for numerous burns."

A passing driver found the car crashed into a tree and on fire.

The Lenexa Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the crash.

No other details were immediately available.

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Shawnee woman arrested after allegedly trying to stab male acquaintance

2020-03-30T14:50:00.000-05:00

Posted: March 30, 2020 - 2:50 p.m.

Lenexa Police arrested a 38-year-old Shawnee woman after she allegedly tried to stab a man Saturday night.

Master Police Officer Danny Chavez of the Lenexa Police Department says officers were called to the victim's apartment about 10:15 p.m.

"An adult female attempted to stab an adult male acquaintance at an apartment in the 9500 block of Monrovia," Ofc. Chavez said. "The female left prior to our arrival, but was located a short time later by Shawnee officers in their city."

Major Jason Brunner of the Shawnee Police Department did not answer any questions about Shawnee's involvement in the incident, saying that officers assisted Lenexa and all inquiries should be directed to them.

Johnson County Med-Act and Shawnee firefighters with the suspect

Recorded radio traffic indicates Shawnee police called in at K-9 unit from off-duty after officers from both agencies surrounded the suspect's home in the 11100 block of West 77th Street in Shawnee.

Johnson County Sheriff's Office booking photo

Shortly after midnight, Shawnee's K-9 located the female suspect in the backyard of the home.

She was taken into police custody and then transported to an area hospital by Johnson County Med-Act for treatment of a minor injury.

Johnson County court records show the suspect, Patricia Hernandez, has been charged with felony aggravated assault, felony obstruction of legal process, and misdemeanor violation of a protection order. She's being held on a $2,500 bond, her next court appearance is scheduled for April 9.

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Overland Park home heavily damaged by early-morning fire

2020-02-26T10:58:00.000-06:00

Posted: February 26, 2020 - 10:58 a.m.

Firefighters from Overland Park and Consolidated Fire District No. 2 were called to a house fire at 6900 Horton Street just after 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Crews arriving on the scene reported heavy fire visible from the front and side of the single-story home.

Overland Park Media Manager Jason Rhodes says the resident of the home was able to escape safely before firefighters arrived.

Scene video provided by the Overland Park Fire Department

"Firefighters went to work attacking fire in the front rooms of the home while additional crews searched to be sure there were not other occupants," Rhodes said. "It took firefighters about 20 minutes to bring the fire under control."

The resident told fire investigators that they awoke to the sound of fire and got out.

"Excessive contents made the home difficult to navigate," Rhodes said. "It's unknown if the home had working smoke alarms."

The home sustained significant fire and smoke damage. No injuries were reported and the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The displaced resident will be staying with family members according to Rhodes.

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Careless discard of smoking materials cited as cause for OP apartment fire which left woman in critical condition

2020-02-24T22:42:00.002-06:00

Posted: February 24, 2020 - 10:42 p.m.
Updated: February 25, 2020 - 11:54 a.m.

A woman in her 40s is in critical condition after she was rescued from an apartment fire near 87th Street and Grant on Monday evening. On Tuesday, fire investigators announced that the fire was caused by careless smoking.

Overland Park and Lenexa firefighters brought the fire under control in about 10 minutes
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All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Firefighters from Overland Park and Lenexa were called to the Four Seasons Apartments at 9510 West 87th Street just before 9 p.m.

Overland Park Police were first to arrive on the scene and reported smoke coming from a second-floor apartment. A neighbor told police that they had not seen the woman who lives in the apartment. An officer was able to get into the apartment but was forced back outside by the smoke.

Firefighters were able to rescue the woman from the apartment a short time later. She was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas where she is said to be in critical condition.

Johnson County Med-Act Paramedics and Overland Park Firefighters
rushed the woman to a waiting ambulance.

Overland Park Fire Department Media Manager Jason Rhodes says firefighters had the fire under control within 10 minutes. The damage was contained to the apartment where the fire started.

Johnson County Med-Act transported the police sergeant who initially tried to rescue the woman from her apartment. Rhodes says the sergeant is being treated for "minor smoke inhalation." No other injuries were reported.

A Lenexa firefighter uses a ladder to access the second-floor
apartment where the fire and victim were both found.

Fire investigators say the fire was accidental, caused by careless discard of smoking materials. No working smoke detectors were found in the victim's apartment.

"If you need assistance with smoke alarms, contact you local fire department," Rhodes said. "Additionally, smoking materials should always be completely extinguished in sand or water before discarding."

The Red Cross is assisting two adults and three children who were displaced by the fire.

Scene video provided by the Overland Park Fire Department

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Motorcyclist critically injured in fiery crash with SUV

2020-02-24T00:35:00.000-06:00

Posted: February 24, 2020 - 12:35 a.m.

A man on a motorcycle was transported to an area hospital early Sunday evening after he was hit by an SUV while riding his motorcycle in Lenexa.

Lenexa police and firefighters survey the heavily damaged motorcycle
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All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Police, firefighters, and paramedics were called to the intersection of 95th Street and Monrovia Street about 5:15 p.m.

Lenexa Police were first to arrive on the scene and reported that the motorcycle was off the road and on fire. The rider was still on the road. An officer applied a tourniquet to stop the injured motorcyclist's leg from bleeding.

A Lenexa Police Sergeant picks threw the wreckage of the motorcycle

The motorcyclist, only identified as a 19-year-old man, was transported by Johnson County Med-Act to the Overland Park Regional Medical Center in critical condition. His injuries included a broken leg and a partially amputated ankle.

A witness, who didn't want to be identified, tells Operation 100 News that the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on 95th Street and the SUV was southbound on Monrovia.

The witness was unsure which vehicle had the green light, but said that the motorcycle was driving fast just before the crash. He says that the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.

The driver and passenger of the SUV did not report any injuries.

The crash was recorded by a traffic camera at the intersection.

The crash forced the closure of several eastbound lanes as officers directed traffic

Police directed traffic through the intersection as the crash was investigated. Eastbound 95th Street was taken down to only one through lane during that time and both directions of Monrovia, south of the intersection were closed. The intersection reopened to normal traffic just before 8:30 p.m.

No other details have been released.

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Man shot in "accidental discharge" of a gun

2020-02-18T12:02:00.000-06:00

Posted: February 18, 2020 - 12:02 p.m.

Shawnee police, firefighters, and Johnson County Med-Act paramedics were called to the Vapor World, 15941 West 65th Street about 8:30 p.m. Monday to investigate a reported accidental shooting.

Shawnee Police responded to a reported accidental shooting Monday evening
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All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

"Upon arrival, officers determined there was an accidental discharge of a firearm and a subject was struck by the stray round," Shawnee Police Captain Shaun Miller said in a news release Tuesday morning. "Witness statements and physical evidence indicates there was no altercation prior to the firearm being discharged."

Johnson County Med-Act transported to the man, only described as a 19-year-old, to the Overland Park Regional Medical Center. His injury is described as serious, but not immediately life-threatening.

At the scene on Monday evening, Sergeant Nick Pike confirmed to Operation 100 News that the shooting was not self-inflicted.

Recorded radio traffic indicates an employee was carrying the gun when the shot was fired and the round struck a customer.

The incident was captured on the store's surveillance video, which was reviewed by officers at the scene.

No other details have been released.

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One person injured in early morning crash in Shawnee

2020-02-16T13:28:00.002-06:00

Posted: February 16, 2020 - 1:28 p.m.

A man in his 30s was transported to an area trauma center after he was found lying on the ground approximately 20 feet from his crashed SUV on Shawnee Mission Parkway just west of Interstate 435 in Shawnee.

Police, firefighters, and paramedics were called to the scene about 1:50 Sunday morning. Firefighters arrived to find one vehicle with substantial front end damage on the right shoulder of westbound Shawnee Mission Parkway.

Recorded radio traffic indicates the man, who was believed to be heavily intoxicated, told first responders that he was not the driver.

Police and firefighters diverted all westbound traffic onto northbound Interstate 435 as they searched for a second person who had possibly been ejected in the crash. The man later told paramedics that he was alone in the SUV.

Radio traffic indicated paramedics believed the injured man might have been ejected from the SUV. His injuries were described as serious but not immediately life-threatening. Johnson County Med-Act transported him to the Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

The Lenexa Police Department assisted with searches of the area of the possibility of another ejected person with a drone and with a K-9. No one was located during those searches.

The westbound lanes of Shawnee Mission Parkway reopened shortly after 3:30 a.m.

Police are investigating the crash as being DUI related. No other details were immediately available.

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Police investigating after men with guns disrupt baby shower at Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center

2020-02-16T11:48:00.000-06:00

Posted: February 16, 2020 - 11:48 a.m.

Officers from several northeastern Johnson County police departments converged
on the community center after receiving reports of an armed disturbance.

Mission Police continue to investigate after two men allegedly walked into a baby shower at the Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center with guns in their waistbands early Saturday evening.

Officers were called to the community center, located at 6200 Martway Street just after 5 p.m.

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Seven people displaced by duplex fire

2020-02-15T10:37:00.000-06:00

Posted: February 15, 2020 - 10:37 a.m.

The Shawnee Fire Department says that a Friday afternoon duplex fire displaced seven people.

A Lenexa Fire Battalion Chief watches the rear of the structure
as a Shawnee Fire crew works inside the backdoor.
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Photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

A Shawnee firefighter enters the front door as an
Overland Park Firefighter feeds in more hose line.

Firefighters from Shawnee, Overland Park, and Lenexa were called to the duplex at 6663 Park Street just after 4 p.m. The first crews to arrive on the scene reported heavy fire on the rear of the structure.

Crews worked for about 20 minutes to bring the fire under control and no one was injured.

Shawnee Fire Marshal Corey Sands says damage to the building is estimated at $185,000 currently. The other half of the duplex also sustained smoke damage.

"The fire started on the outside and was caused by fireplace ashes being stored under the deck and next to combustibles," Sands said. "This fire is a good reminder that fireplace ashes can stay hot for days and should be placed in a metal container well away from anything combustible."

A stretch of 67th Street between Pflumm Road and Cottonwood Drive was closed as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.

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