Crime

Abduction hoax draws fine, community service

A Kansas woman accused of fabricating her abduction, rape and eventual abandonment in Nebraska has been sentenced to probation and fined $250 for misdemeanor false reporting.

Tammie Sue Simmons, 41, of Leavenworth, also was ordered Thursday to pay $750 in restitution to the Douglas County, Neb., Crime Lab in nearby Omaha for its work in the investigation.

She also was ordered to serve 200 hours of community service.

Simmons was found March 12 in her car northwest of Plattsmouth, Neb. She told police a man abducted her in her home, assaulted her and drove her to the area.

Medical tests found no evidence of a sexual assault and other problems were discovered in her story. After failing a lie-detector test, Simmons acknowledged she had made up the story to get the attention of her estranged husband, sheriff’s investigator Earl Schenck Jr. said.

Law Enforcement

Two suspects arrested in robbery, shooting

Lawrence police arrested two Texas men — one on attempted murder charges — in connection with a robbery early Wednesday in North Lawrence.

Police picked up a 22-year-old man Thursday afternoon in the 200 block of North Michigan Street. Police Sgt. Mike Pattrick said after the suspect resisted arrest and kicked out a patrol car window, he was booked into jail on charges of attempted murder, aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, aggravated weapons violation, battery on a law enforcement officer and criminal damage to property.

Earlier in the day, police picked up a 17-year-old man at a home in the 1900 block of East 19th Street. The suspect was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center on a number of charges, including aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

Both suspects are believed to be involved in a robbery at 3:28 a.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of Elm Street, where several shots were fired into an occupied car.

Pattrick said police were obtaining a search warrant for two locations in the city in hopes of finding the weapon used during the robbery.

Recreation

Annual ride to attract hundreds of cyclists

Octoginta, the Lawrence Bicycle Club’s 34th fall bicycle tour, will bring hundreds of cyclists — like those above at last year’s ride — to Lawrence this weekend.

Saturday’s events include a time trial beginning at 8:30 a.m. from Old Kansas Highway 10 and Noria Road. At 9:30 a.m., the 30-plus mile Tour de County trip begins, ending with brunch at Free State Brewery. And a swap meet for those looking to buy, sell and trade gear will be at 2 p.m. in the South Park Recreation Building.

Sunday’s 80-mile ride starts at 8:30 a.m. from South Park. A 40-mile route also will be available.

For more information, call 843-5118, e-mail cmartell@sunflower.com or see www.winningevents.org.