SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of crimes this week in Topeka. Police Bill Cochran is asking the public for help.
“Just this week our community has lost three lives due to gun violence and others have been seriously injured. One of the lives lost was a 13-year-old girl. We as a community must come together and take a stand against this violence. We cannot allow this to happen in Topeka"
Just after 8p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the 1100 block of SW Clay in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.
Officers located two victims with apparent gunshot wounds. One victim had non-life threatening injuries and 66-year-old Harry T. Jenkins was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Just before 2a.m. Tuesday, police responded to another shooting in the 500 Block of SW 5th Street and found two victims identified as Crystal D. Andrews, 37, and Mercedes M. Holford, 13, both of Topeka with gunshot wounds dead inside a home, according to Johnson.
Just before 6:30 a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the 600 block of SW Taylor Street on a report of another shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located one adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries believed to be associated with the shooting.
Late Thursday, police had not announced arrests in these cases.
"The Topeka Police Department’s priority is to thoroughly investigate these crimes and find the persons responsible, but we know we can’t do it alone," said Cochran.
"If you have any information about these crimes, please say something. You can remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007.”