by Mary Rupert
Kansas City, Kan., police today warned the public about a suspect at large in a home invasion case.
The suspect is described as a male possibly in his 40s wearing dreadlocks pulled back into a ponytail, who is thought to be about 5-9, police said today.
Two cases this morning had a suspect with a similar description, police said.
Sgt. Emmett Lockridge said about 9 a.m. Monday, the suspect forced his way into a garage, assaulted and shot a 31-year-old victim in the 2500 block of North 64th Street. The woman fled to a neighbor’s house, where she called police. The victim is now in serious condition at a hospital.
The suspect fled in the woman’s vehicle, and the vehicle later was recovered, found burned at 9th and Oakland, police said.
There is reason to believe the suspect was at a gas station in the area of 60th and Parallel, and followed the victim home, police said.
In another incident at 7 a.m. today at 31st and Eaton, a suspect described as wearing dreadlocks pulled back into a ponytail took a backpack from the victim at gunpoint. This victim was not injured, police said. The 23-year-old woman in this case was being followed by a male, who forced his way into her home.
Chief of Detectives Vince Davenport said both victims are traumatized by what happened today. He said he wanted to alert residents to be cautious, and be aware of suspicious activity. He asked anyone who knew of any other incidents today, especially between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., to call the police department at 573-6020 or the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
Police have received descriptions of the suspect from the victims and witnesses, he said.