Four people arrested Friday when officers raided an Iola apartment in search of a murder suspect had their first appearances in court here Monday afternoon.
They are Kayla DeVoe, 30, Kincaid, Dillon Shapel, 38, Chanute, and Nicole Gardner, 29, and Fred Sigg, 24, both of Iola. They were arrested for possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The illegal substances and related materials were found in a second-floor apartment on East Street just east of Jefferson Avenue, where the foursome were arrested.
The raid occurred after authorities were told Brian Shields, 26, was thought to be in the apartment. Shields is wanted for first-degree murder in the death of a Chanute woman, Cristy K. Wiles. Wiles’ body was found at 221 N. Lafayette, Chanute, after the residence burned in late January.
Michelle Voorhees, 21, a second suspect, was arrested earlier.
Authorities said Shields, described as a white male 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, resembled one of the people arrested Friday.
The raid was carried out by the Kansas Highway Patrol’s special response team, which arrived in Iola Friday morning in a large black van. After a planning session, the KHP team, accompanied by Iola, Allen County and Chanute officers, went to the East Street apartment at about 1:30, and quickly arrested the occupants.
Shields not being among them was determined after the four were shackled and brought out of the apartment building.
The operation caused a stir in downtown Iola, with streets within half a block or more blocked and local schools locked down as a precaution. Shields is considered dangerous and reports giving his description indicate he may be armed.
A flash-bang grenade, used to immobilize suspects in a confined area such as the apartment, was activated but was not needed during the arrests. With its pin removed the device could not be deactivated and was allowed to explode outdoors, with the resulting report heard for several blocks around.
Shields’ whereabouts is a concern for Chanute and area law enforcement officers. Anyone having information is encouraged to contact Chanute police officers, 620-431-5768.
Charges pending against arrested
