Lawrence, KANSAS - In a significant development, authorities have taken a suspect into custody on charges of attempted murder following an overnight shooting believed to be linked to a 2022 attempted homicide case.
The Lawrence Police Department received distress calls around 4:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 24, reporting gunshots in the vicinity of the 2300 block of Packer Rd. According to dispatchers, a witness detailed that an individual in a vehicle had discharged multiple rounds towards another person near a local business. Prior to officers' arrival, the victim reached out to report that an acquaintance had targeted them with gunfire.
Working in conjunction with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement located and apprehended the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Travis C. Kopp from Perry, in Lecompton at approximately 6:30 a.m.
The Lawrence Police Department affirms that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on gathering evidence from the scene and garnering further details regarding the incident. It is currently believed that this shooting is connected to a prior attempted homicide case in September 2022, situated in the 3500 block of W. 24th St.
In the 2022 incident, Steven C. Drake II was accused of discharging a firearm with the intent to cause harm to another individual. He faced a charge of first-degree attempted murder. However, after a four-day trial in July, a jury ultimately acquitted Drake of the charge. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with this shooting.
Travis C. Kopp has been taken into custody and is now held at the Douglas County Jail on charges of first-degree attempted murder. As of 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, he remains incarcerated with no bond amount listed. The community awaits further updates as the investigation unfolds.