Two arrested in 7-hour Wabaunsee County standoff

Two people from Topeka were arrested following a standoff that lasted more than seven hours Monday afternoon and night in rural Wabaunsee County, authorities said.

The incident began around 2:30 p.m. when Wabaunsee County Sheriff's deputies received a report that Justin Atwood was at a residence at 12346 Gookins Road, about two miles north of Harveyville.

Wabaunsee County Sheriff Rob Hoskins said Tuesday that Atwood had active warrants from Wabaunsee and Lyon counties.

Hoskins said Atwood previously had been reported to be in possession of firearms.

Wabaunsee County sheriff's deputies responded to the scene and the area was secured, Hoskins said. Wabaunsee County authorities requested assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Services Unit, which also responded to the scene.

Hoskins said negotiations were initiated, but individuals inside the residence didn't respond. After a search warrant was obtained, officers entered the residence and, with the assistance of K-9s, located two people in the attic.

Both were taken into custody around 10 p.m. and then were transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail in Alma, where they remained on Tuesday afternoon.

Hoskins identified the pair as Atwood, 24, whose last known address was 4420 S.W. 34th St. in Topeka, and Kelsey Nicholle Kaberline, 24, whose last known address was 1336 N.E. Winfield Ave. in Topeka.

Atwood was being held in connection with a Wabaunsee County warrant in connection with failure to appear. Original charges included four counts of burglary.

Atwood also was being held in connection with a Lyon County warrant citing him for failure to comply. Original charges included possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and being a habitual violator. Bond for Atwood was denied.

Kaberline was being held in connection with Shawnee County warrants for probation violation, distribution of heroin or stimulants, fleeing or attempting to elude, possession of drug paraphernalia, no liability insurance and defective headlamps on a motor vehicle. Her bond also was denied.

Hoskins said additional charges were being sought as of Tuesday.