For Immediate Release
November 12, 2017
2015 SW Fillmore Ave. Structure Fire Incident
TOPEKA, Kan. –The Topeka Fire Department Responded to a structure fire located at 2015 SW Fillmore Ave., Topeka Kansas just before 01:00 AM on Sunday November 12, 2017. Upon arrival, fire crews found the single story wood framed residential structure with heavy smoke and flames showing from the rear. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack and protected the surrounding structures. Shortly thereafter firefighters switched to a defensive fire attack. This was due in part to rapid fire progression and weakening structural integrity. Prior to moving to a defensive fire attack, firefighters performed a search of the structure and found no occupants.
A Topeka Fire Department Investigation’s Unit responded to this incident to determine the origin and cause for the fire. The following is a brief summary;
- Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be Undetermined, pending further investigation.
- Estimated dollar loss – $25,000 (Twenty Five Thousand Dollars); All loss is associated with structure only.
- The initial response to this fire involved Three (3) Engine Companies, Two (2) Truck Companies, One (1) Battalion Chief, One (1) Shift Commander and an Investigator.
- Assisting agencies at this incident included the Topeka Police Department, Kansas Gas Service, and Westar Energy.
Any individuals with information about the circumstances of this fire are being asked to please contact Crime Stoppers at (785)234-0007 or Toll Free at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
Officer Involved Shooting
At approximately 0920 this morning, the Topeka Police Department responded to the 300 Blk of SE Lawrence regarding a report of a disturbance with shots fired in the area.
Officers responding encountered a suspicious person in the area. While investigating the individual, officers saw a handgun on their person. In the process of trying to secure the firearm, the individual struggled with officers and attempted to flee. While fleeing from officers, the individual reached for the pocket contacting the firearm, causing the officers to fire their weapons. The individual sustained life threatening injuries as a result.
Officers immediately provided medical assistance and summoned AMR who transported the individual to a local hospital where the subject was pronounced deceased. Identification will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
The individual’s gun was recovered from the scene. All parties believed to be involved in the incident have been identified and the public at large is not in danger.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Lawrence Police Department is conducting the investigation in the interest in transparency and at the request of Chief Kramer. The Shawnee County Sheriffs’ Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol also responded to assist the TPD with the incident.
The officers involved in the incident will not be identified at this time.
More information will be made available when possible.
Contact: Lawrence PD SGT Grady 785-218-0444