May 18, 2023

6 jailed in connection with Mother's Day gunfight at Kansas bar

Posted May 18, 2023 4:56 PM
Blenden-photo Shawnee Co.
Blenden-photo Shawnee Co.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating  a shooting near a bar early on Mother's Day that sent a victim to the hospital.

Just after 2a.m. May 14,  Shawnee County Dispatch received multiple calls of gunshots in the area of Victoria’s Bar, 5011 SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Shortly after those calls to law enforcement, a man arrived at a business in the 4500 Block of SW Topeka Boulevard suffering from gunshot wounds to the torso and head. The 35-year-old male victim was transported by AMR to Stormont Vail Hospital in critical condition.

A preliminary investigation at the scene indicated there were multiple shooting suspects with over 75 shell casings recovered in the parking lot of the business. The victim has been released from the hospital and is recovering, according to Christian.

Smith-Love-photo Shawnee Co.
Smith-Love-photo Shawnee Co.

On Wednesday, the sheriff's office reported four arrests. Leon D. Smith-Love I., 28, of Topeka, is being held for aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.

Hazelwood-photo Shawnee Co.
Hazelwood-photo Shawnee Co.

Kathryn R. Hazelwood, 26, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wheat-photo Shawnee Co.
Wheat-photo Shawnee Co.

Charles D. Wheat, 42, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of  aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.

Jason M. Blenden Sr., 49, of Topeka, was booked in on an arrest warrant and could face additional charges.

Morgan-photo Shawnee Co.
Morgan-photo Shawnee Co.

On Thursday the sheriff's office reported the arrest of Storm M. Morgan, 30, of Meriden, on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm.

Ray-photo Shawnee Co.
Ray-photo Shawnee Co.

Shawn M. Ray, 39, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement.