RCPD Investigating Armed Robbery Along With Multiple Vehicle Fires

Both the Riley County Police Department and Manhattan Fire Department have been busy starting late Monday night into Tuesday morning.

The RCPD responded to a 911 call of an aggravated robbery within the city limits just before 9 p.m. Monday night.

Matthew Mckernan, 21, of Manhattan reported that him and his roommate Joshua Martin, 20, also of Manhattan and both students at Kansas State University, had been robbed at gunpoint by three males who entered their home uninvited.

According to a release from the RCPD both victims were struck by the suspects and suffered minor head injuries. They were both transported to Mercy on College by Riley County EMS and were treated and released.

A small amount of cash was taken during the robbery.

The suspects have been described as three white males, very dark complexion and one suspect was noted to have a noticeable accent.

Additionally, just after 2 a.m. Tuesday the Manhattan Fire Department and the RCPD responded to a complaint of fire in the the 800 block of Moro Street. When emergency crews arrived on scene they found a vehicle on fire. Approximately five minutes later another fire was reported and crews responded to a stairwell at an apartment complex located at 801 Moro Street.

Within the next 45 minutes police and fire officials received another complaint of an additional fire at 823 Laramie where another vehicle had been ignited.

In total three vehicles received approximately $26,000 worth of damage. There were no injuries reported.

During the investigation of the three fires it was determined that there was a high probability that they were incendiary in nature. This investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information on either crime, contact the Riley County Police Department at 785-537-2112. You can also submit tips to the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers and remain anonymous as well as potentially qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00. This service can be utilized by calling 785-539-7777 or by installing the “TipSubmit Mobile” app on Android and iPhone.