Riley County crime trends, scams, traffic enforcement, and police leadership change
Key Questions
What recent crime incidents have been reported in Riley County?
RCPD blotters indicate increased local crime including $1,300 in computer fraud, an aggravated assault, a child exploitation arrest, Blue Earth Plaza vandalism, and a handgun stolen in a Pott County burglary. A Manhattan man was also arrested on a $50,000 bond after a domestic violence investigation.
What scams are targeting residents in the Manhattan area?
Scammers are impersonating Evergy employees and law enforcement officers, with one 23-year-old woman losing $5,800 in a fake jury duty warrant scheme. Additional reports include a Facebook job application scam costing over $1,100 and a police impersonation warrant scam that netted $1,000.
What is Operation Zero in Riley County?
Operation Zero is a summer traffic enforcement initiative launched by RCPD to address violations through increased patrols and citations.
Why is RCPD Director Brian Peete leaving his position?
Brian Peete will depart as RCPD Director in December, and the police board has approved a contract amendment permitting him to reside in Topeka.
How does the recent KBI crime report relate to Riley County trends?
The statewide Kansas crime rate reached a 57-year low in the 2025 KBI report despite rises in violent offenses, contrasting with local RCPD blotter indications of increased crime activity in Riley County.
RCPD blotters show increased crime; $1,300 computer fraud; aggravated assault; child exploitation arrest; Blue Earth Plaza vandalism. Scammers targeting Evergy customers. 'Operation Zero' summer traffic enforcement launched. Facebook job application scam in Manhattan costing over $1,100. RCPD Director Brian Peete to leave position in December; police board approved contract amendment allowing Peete to reside in Topeka. New police impersonation warrant scam costing $1,000 reported. Recent blotter includes a handgun stolen in Pott County burglary (June 22). New July 7: 23-year-old woman loses $5,800 in fake jury duty warrant scam – reinforces pattern of impersonation scams targeting locals. New: Manhattan man held on $50,000 bond after domestic violence investigation (assault, intimidation, criminal threat).