Standoff closes 600 Block of Ash in Wamego

Wamego Police Chief Dale Burton said that they were looking for Beningo Aquino, Jr., who has a Riley County no-bond warrant for possession of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and criminal use of a weapons. Riley County also has an $8,000 warrant on Aquino for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

“We had intel that he was at 613 Ash St.,” Burton said. “We tried to make contact with him multiple times this week and he ran from us, so we called in the Marshal Service to help us out. The Kansas Highway Patrol High Risk team (also) showed up to assist.”

The incident began about 1 p.m. this afternoon. Over the course of several hours, the Marshals periodically sounded sirens and informed the suspect that they had a felony warrant, he was under arrest, and that they knew he was in the house. The announcement ordered him to come out, and as of 6 p.m., he had not. The Kansas Highway patrol then brought in a tactical vehicle.

Approximately 30 law enforcement officials from around the state are present in Wamego including the Wamego Police Department, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, Riley County Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, and U.S. Marshals Service, along with Pottawatomie County EMS.

The incident caused USD 320 to do a “controlled release” of its students. The district sent out a message about 3:10 p.m., noting “Please be aware of a police presence near the Methodist Church on Lincoln. Student dismissal from all buildings will be a controlled release.”

The message went on to add the buses would be running normally, including the shuttle bus and that parents picking up students were requested to follow the instructions of the school staff.

Additionally, the Methodist church announced that all meetings and groups were postponed tonight. “We ask everyone to avoid the church this evening so first responders can address the situation appropriately,” wrote Rev. Alex Rossow, in a email.