Armed Suspect Taken into Custody

Updated 11 a.m.:

Riley County Police located and apprehended a suspect in recent aggravated robberies at approximately 4:00 AM Thursday after an overnight search lasting several hours. Officers responded to the area of Cambridge Apartments in the north western portion of Manhattan after receiving a tip regarding an aggravated robbery suspect’s location. A foot pursuit was initiated and officers immediately set up a perimeter surrounding the neighborhoods close to the 3100 block of Dickens Avenue.

The Riley County Police Department issued an alert stating that “This subject fled from police and is considered armed and potentially dangerous. Do not attempt to apprehend” the alert also stated that “officers observed this male jumping fences and running through backyards in the residential area near the listed location (3100 block of Dickens Ave.).”

Janir Vega, 17, of Manhattan was taken into custody at approximately 4:15 AM after being located in the 3000 block of Conrow Drive. He was found hiding in a structure located in a backyard after officers systematically searched yards surrounding the area. Vega was taken into custody for the offenses of aggravated robbery (X3) and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. He was given “no bond” and at the time of this release was confined at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City, Kansas.

Vega is the third of four named suspects in recent aggravated robberies who have been taken into custody following several robberies in the central portion of Manhattan on September 4, 2015. Detectives with the Riley County Police Department have also identified Carson Buckley, 16, of Manhattan as a person of interest and ask that anyone with information on his whereabouts contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Carson has also been reported as a runaway juvenile and should be considered potentially dangerous.

To contact the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers and remain anonymous while qualifying for a potential reward of $1,000.00 dial 785-539-7777 or 1-800-222-TIPS. Smart phone users can also download the free “TipSubmit Mobile” app in the Android Marketplace or the iOS App Store. More information on Crime Stoppers can be found at www.ManhattanRileyCountyCrimeStoppers.com.

To receive emergent alerts from the Riley County Police Department claim your free nextdoor.com account and join your neighborhood online. Follow the department on social media by visiting www.Twitter.com/RileyCountyPD or like “RileyCountyPD” on Facebook. Police also utilize a new service sponsored by Riley County Emergency Management called “EverBridge.” This service is free and has replaced the previous IRIS Alerts service. More information on EverBridge can by found at www.RileyCountyKS.gov.

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Earlier report (5:30 a.m.):

An armed suspect  Riley County Police began searching for early Wednesday morning has been located and taken into custody. Officers with the Riley County Police Department were in the area of the Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) searching for a suspect in recent aggravated robberies from last week. Residents were advised to avoid the area, stay indoors (if possible), and report suspicious activity by contacting RCPD.

The male, who again has been taken into custody, was described as having a medium complexion in a white t-shirt with long pants and a ball cap. He stands approximately 6 feet 2 inches and weighs approximately 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Officers observed this male jumping fences and running through backyards in the residential area near the listed location.

Several aggravated robberies were reported nearly two weeks ago, with K-State in lockdown. Two people have been arrested in connection with the cases, but police said they were searching for two other individuals, described as juveniles.

More information is expected later Wednesday morning.