Breaking: Three wounded in Topeka shooting as suspects are taken into custody
South Topeka faced a tense night as investigators responded to a late‑night shooting on S.W. Tara Avenue. Police say three people were injured when the incident unfolded around 11:33 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, in the 2100 block of S.W. Tara avenue, just east of Burlingame Road.
In updates issued Friday morning, authorities indicated a man found with a gunshot wound was transported to a local hospital. The preliminary timeline shows three victims connected to the event: two men found at the scene in critical condition, and a third victim who arrived by private vehicle at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and was listed in stable condition early Friday.
Two suspects were taken into custody in connection with the shooting: Mark D. Huggins, 52, who was booked into the Shawnee County jail at 1:35 p.m. Wednesday and held without bond on charges that include first‑degree murder and aggravated battery; and George D. Huggins, 39, of Topeka, who was arrested and booked on offenses including first‑degree murder and aggravated battery.
Topeka police officials released a morning statement noting that the initial press release did not list additional victims.Investigators continued to seek clarity on the total number of injuries and the exact charges as the inquiry progressed. Authorities urged anyone with details to contact detectives or Crime Stoppers as the investigation continues.
(Photo: Local news outlet)
key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2100 block of S.W. Tara Avenue,south Topeka,Kansas |
| First report | 11:33 p.m.,thursday,Dec. 4 |
| Initial status | Three victims injured; two at the scene in critical condition; one additional victim arrived at LMH in stable condition (early Dec. 5) |
| Suspects | Mark D. Huggins, 52; george D.Huggins, 39 |
| Custody | Both in Shawnee County Jail; Huggins held without bond; charges include first‑degree murder and aggravated battery |
| Homicide status | No homicide announcements reported as of morning Dec. 5 |
Context and ongoing coverage
Officials have not publicly confirmed a homicide in connection with the incident as of the latest briefing.The investigation remains active,with detectives seeking additional information. For broader context, data on gun violence in the United States shows a persistent public-safety challenge that communities continue to address through prevention, response, and support services. CDC Gun Violence Prevention and the FBI’s criminal justice resources provide ongoing benchmarks for researchers and the public. FBI UCR Statistics.
What this means for Topeka and beyond
Incidents like this underscore the importance of rapid dialog among police,hospitals,and the community during crises. Local authorities emphasize public tips can accelerate investigations, while hospitals continue to treat victims and monitor their conditions.Readers should stay informed through official briefings as authorities release new details.
Evergreen insights for readers
Breaking events often prompt immediate questions about safety,investigation scope,and charges. Topeka’s response illustrates standard procedures: rapid scene assessment, victim triage, suspect processing, and ongoing case clarification. Long-term lessons include community awareness, reporting suspicious activity, and supporting victims’ families through local resources.
Reader engagement
What additional details would you like to see released by authorities as the investigation unfolds?
How can communities balance safety with civil dialogue to prevent gun violence in neighborhoods like Topeka?
Get informed and stay connected
For further reading on public safety and data trends, visit:
Tip line: Topeka police detectives at 785-368-9400 or Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.
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