Witness intimidation suspect gets probation

Anger-management classes and a steady job are among the probation requirements for a Kansas City, Kan., man convicted of intimidating a Lawrence drug informant.

Douglas County District Judge Michael Malone ordered Michael D. Zamora, 23, to serve two years probation in connection with a Jan. 11 incident in which he and other men allegedly came to Kraig Base’s house, drove him to Holcom Park and warned him not to talk to police about their marijuana dealing.

According to a police report, one of the men told Base they were with the “Mafia.”

Police had caught Base two days earlier with more than 30 pounds of marijuana in his car, and he agreed to help police arrange undercover drug buys.

Prosecutors dropped a kidnapping charge against Zamora as part of a plea agreement.

Two other Kansas City, Kan., men face similar charges, though prosecutors dismissed charges against a fourth defendant.

Traffic

Officer rolls patrol car

A Baldwin police officer escaped serious injury after rolling his car Friday afternoon about eight miles south of Lawrence.

Police Chief Mike McKenna said the officer had been in Lawrence on police business when he received a call in Baldwin about 4 p.m. The officer turned on his lights and sirens and was passing a car on U.S. Highway 59 when another car entered the highway in his lane.

The officer, whose name was not released Friday, drove into the ditch to avoid the oncoming car, rolling his car. The other cars and drivers nearby were not harmed.

“He used some defensive driving methods to avoid a collision,” McKenna said. “It was fortunate for several people he did.”

The officer was treated at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and released. The police car is probably totaled, McKenna said.

Gas prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found a Lawrence-area gasoline price as low as $1.61 at three stations: Citgo, 2005 W. Ninth St., Zarco 66 No. 3, 900 Iowa; and Site, 946 E. 23rd St. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.