Kansas City Crime Scene: Calm Before Summer Surge

Over the past couple of weeks the pace of homicides has slowed . . . Slightly. 

Still, local denizens realize that a rough weekend can put us right back on track to repeat another historically deadly year.

Accordingly, we share this collection of news and info on police action, local violence and a few signs of hope as authorities confront the crime game.

Check-it . . .

Late Night South Side Shooting

Kansas City police investigate shooting on Longview Road late Wednesday

Kansas City police said they are investigating a shooting late Wednesday in the 5100 block of Longview Road.The shooting was reported just after 10 p.m. Police said a male victim was shot in the chest and he was taken to a hospital with life- threatening injuries. Authorities have not released any other information.

Gunfire Echoes On East Side

KCPD investigating shooting that left man critically injured

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Police in Kansas City are investigating a shooting that has left a man with critical injuries. The shooting happened in the 4500 block of Chestnut Ave. shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The victim was found in a car. There's no immediate suspect information at this time.

Tragic Ride Share Postscript

Man accused of posing as a rideshare driver and assaulting a woman is charged

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- A Kansas City man is charged with a felony after investigators say he posed as a rideshare driver then sexually assaulted a woman. Joel Farris is charged with sodomy or attempted sodomy. His bond is set at $150,000.

Kansas City Family Seeks Cold Case Justice

Kansas City family hopes for justice nearly 5 years after shooting death of two young boys

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Aishah Coppage is all too familiar with loss. She lost her 16-year-old nephew, Jayson Ugwuh, in January in a shooting. In 2016, her 8-year-old son, Montell Ross, and 9-year-old nephew, Jayden Ugwuh, were killed in a shooting while playing video games at home.

Hold On For KCPD

KCPD makes progress reducing 911 hold times

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- The Kansas City Police Department is making progress when it comes to 911 hold times. Right now, you will likely experience a brief wait before you connect with a live call taker. It's a reality that often catches people by surprise in emergencies.

Politico Pushes Back After Sketchy Classroom Sermon & Ruckus

Kansas lawmaker pleads 'not guilty' in battery case involving high school student

TOPEKA, Kan. - Kansas Rep. Mark Samsel pleaded not guilty on all counts at his first hearing, after being charged with three counts of misdemeanor battery against a high school student. Samsel appeared in-person with counsel, Chris Scott. Franklin county attorney and state prosecutor Brandon Jones was present.

Golden Ghetto Head Check After Teen Shooting Tragedy Plagues Police

Overland Park would dedicate significant resources to mental health police unit, city manager says

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Overland Park Police Department could have a unit dedicated to mental health emergency calls, if the recommendation from the city's Mental Health Task Force is approved. The task force presented its suggestion, which included 11 plainclothes crisis-intervention team coordinators and seven co-responders, to the City Council on Monday.

KCPD Command Achievement

New Command Staff for KCPD's East, Central Patrol Divisions

As the seasons change, so does command staff throughout the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department (KCPD), most notably at the city's six patrol zones. For the last 24 months or so the East Patrol Division (EPD) has been led by Major Doug Niemeier.

Developing . . .