Charges filed against man accused of attacking Topeka Rescue Mission staff member
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Shawnee County District Attorney has filed criminal charges on Wednesday against a man accused of attacking a Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM) employee earlier this month.
Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay has charged Xavian M. Locke, 25, of Topeka with four charges in connection to an alleged attack on a TRM employee last week. Locke's charges include the following:
- Attempted murder in the first degree; intentional and premeditated.
- Aggravated robbery; inflicts bodily harm.
- Aggravated battery; knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement.
- Interference with law enforcement officer; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution.
Police were called just before 11 p.m. on Friday, April 4 to the 600 block of North Kansas Avenue. Officers arriving at the scene found a 52-year-old man suffering from life-threatening injuries including "blunt force trauma". The man was hospitalized with injuries including broken bones, a severe cut and a possible internal injury in the aftermath of the incident, according to a police report obtained by 27 News.
The TRM announced in a press release on Monday, April 7 the employee was in stable but critical condition following the alleged attack. TRM CEO La Manda Cunningham said the TRM is working with law enforcement to understand what caused the incident.
Police later arrested Locke in connection to the encounter. The TRM announced on April 9 that its staff member remains in stable, but critical, condition following the incident.
People who have information regarding this investigation are encouraged to contact the TPD via email at telltpd@topeka.org or call 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or by going online.
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