SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the alleged kidnappings and sex crimes involving three juveniles near a Kansas elementary school made another court appearance on Friday.
A judge ruled 22-year-old Manasseh Ward of Wichita, is competent to stand trial for charges that include 4 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated kidnapping, 3 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 2 counts of attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
Just before 4p.m. January 4, 2023, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.
The man later identified as Ward attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. The man let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.
Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.
A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..
While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.
In September, police arrested Ward in connection with the alleged crimes.