Another fairly active overnight in Douglas County.

The night got off to an early start with Police and Lawrence Fire crews responding to the 1000 block of Mississippi on reports of a structure fire just after 10:30 p.m.. Police arrived first and reported light smoke showing from a three story apartment building with fire alarms sounding. Fire crews arrived shortly after and located the apartment where the smoke and odor were originating from. The source of the smoke was burnt food on the stove. The fire was contained to the food and no injuries were reported.

Just before 1:45 a.m. Lawrence Police were called to check on reports of a man that was attacked on the sidewalk in the 800 block of Massachusetts. Police arrived to find a man laying on the sidewalk and immediately requested that Medics respond to the scene. Officers advised emergency dispatchers that the man’s injuries were “Code Red” or critical. Medics arrived and confirmed the severity of the man’s injuries. Medics requested for emergency dispatchers to check on the availability of a medical helicopter for transport of the victim. After making contact with a Kansas City area Trauma Center, medics decided to transport the victim by ground.

The suspect in the battery was only described as a black man of average height, who had a “short Afro haircut” according to scanner traffic. The man was last seen leaving the scene heading northbound, in a silver crossover vehicle, possibly a Dodge Journey, according to witnesses. There were also reports of at least two other occupants inside the suspect vehicle. For more details on this story and the latest updates, LJWorld Story.

Lawrence Police and County Deputies made several DUI arrests throughout the overnight hours. At least two of which involved non injury accidents.

Police also responded on numerous disturbances and noise complaints. Other than the above mentioned battery on Massachusetts Street, no other serious injuries were reported in any overnight activity, that I heard.

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