Wichita, KS

1/3/19 KAKE:

The number of homicides rose by 13 percent in 2018, the highest in decades, justifiable homicides more than doubling.  The chief sat down with KAKE's Pilar Pedraza to take a closer look at what's going on.

"A significant number of the homicides in 2018 have a drug connection," he said.
Police investigated a total of 44 homicides in Wichita last year.  A homicide legally is when one human kills another.  Some homicides are legal, some are crimes.

It started on January 8th with what's called a justifiable homicide, a case of self-defense.
"Our first two homicides were one incident - where a homeowner...had people at his door with guns and he shot and killed both of them," Ramsay said.  "And that's how the year started out,  was our first two homicides were  justifiable."

Justifiable homicides climbed to a high of nine confirmed last year, with Chief Ramsay expecting a shooting last week to become number ten on that list.

"You know when we look at last week's, very obviously justified you know, with a store being robbed. He had had a gun pointed in his face."

St. Francis, KS

12/23/16 Salina Journal:

ST. FRANCIS — Farmer Blake Feikert is in fear for his life and for others close to him because the man he admitted to shooting while burglarizing him a second time is walking free.

“We need to have some justice. If they do it once, they’ll be back to do it again,” said Feikert, 39. “I think everybody needs to be able to protect their property.”

The man he shot is recovering from injuries and is home from the hospital, Feikert said, but has yet to be publicly identified or charged after being found 25 days ago in Feikert’s farm shop with a wound from a .45 caliber handgun.

“They tell me it’s under investigation and they cannot release information, but yet, he’s out running around free, bragging to everybody about how he got by with it,” Feikert said.

Based on the man’s profession, which takes him to various personal properties, Feikert said “I believe he is scoping out your house to rob you.”...

Some two weeks after the shooting, Cheyenne County Sheriff Cody Beeson and County Attorney Nicole Romine concluded in a press release that Feikert acted reasonably in defense of himself and his property.

Kansas: Clerk kills would-be robber and critically wounds another, police say

Kansas City, Kansas

From the Kansas City Star of June 26, 2009

Clerk kills would-be robber and critically wounds another, police say

A Kansas City, Kan., corner-store clerk fought back when two men tried to rob him tonight, shooting and killing one suspect and critically injuring the other, police said.

Officers were called to the 5th Avenue Convenience Mart at Fifth Street and Quindaro Boulevard shortly before 7 p.m., Officer Mike Golden said.

The clerk told them two men with long guns entered the store and demanded money, Golden said. When one of the suspects fired a shot, the clerk grabbed a handgun from behind the counter and shot both suspects.

One ran halfway up the block before collapsing, dropping a gun in the middle of Quindaro. An ambulance took him to a hospital, but he died before arriving, Golden said.

The second suspect made it slightly farther and went to the hospital in a private vehicle.

The clerk, mildly injured in the scuffle, was checked by paramedics at the scene.

Detectives and crime-scene technicians were on scene investigating the incident — the sixth homicide in five days for Kansas City, Kan.

“It’s been a very busy week,” Golden said. “We don’t have an answer for why.”

Missouri: KC police identify robber shot by store owner

Kansas City, Missouri

From the Kansas City Star of February 16, 2009

KC police identify robber shot by store owner

Kansas City police today identified a robbery suspect who died after being shot by a store owner and involved in a car wreck Sunday afternoon.

Christopher L. Kublic, 28, moved to Kansas City from the state of Washington within the past month, police said.

Along with another man, Kublic allegedly tried to hold up a hydroponics store using a stun gun about 5:15 p.m. Sunday in the 3600 block of St. John Avenue, in the city’s Northeast neighborhood. The store owner told police he pulled his own gun and shot the robber.

Shortly after the holdup, a vehicle matching the suspects’ was found overturned about three blocks away.

Kublic was lying next to the wrecked vehicle. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The second suspect remained at-large this afternoon, police said.

Kansas: Armed resident defends home against burglars

Miami County, Kansas

From the Miami County Republic of January 8, 2009

Armed resident defends home against burglars

A home intruder got more than he bargained for Thursday morning at a residence in rural Wellsville.

Miami County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 37895 W. 239th St. after a resident reported hearing a break-in at his home, according to a sheriff’s office news release.

The lone resident hid in the closet on the second floor until he heard the suspect enter the room and open the closet door. The resident then declared he had a firearm, and the suspect fled the house, according to the release.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 215 pounds. He was wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans and a ski mask.

The armed homeowner watched the suspect flee in a newer blue Chevrolet extended cab S-10 pickup truck, according to the release. Deputies searched the area but could not locate the vehicle.

A short time later, another resident in the area reported suspicious people at her home fitting the same appearance and vehicle description.

According to the release, the homeowner met them at her door and was asked if an unknown person lived there. When she told them “no,” they left.

Sheriff’s officers warn that this type of activity can also be a ploy of residential burglars. They knock on the door, and when nobody answers, they break in. If contacted at the door, they ask for a fictitious person.

Kansas: Son Shoots Ex-Stepdad To Protect Her, Mom Says

Leavenworth, Kansas

From KCTV5 of November 21, 2008

Son Shoots Ex-Stepdad To Protect Her, Mom Says

A teen took aim with a gun, his mother said, but it was the shooting victim who was in trouble with the law Friday night.

The teenager's mother, who was caught in the middle, said her son pulled the trigger and shot her ex-husband to save her.

She agreed to talk anonymously to help other women who may be stuck in a domestic violence situation.

The woman's 16-year-old son shot her ex-husband Friday morning on the front lawn of their Leavenworth home, but she said he did it to protect her.

"He started ranting and raving, and I told him he needed to leave and go home, and he got mad," the woman said.

The woman said her ex-husband had been abusive many times before, so she divorced him two years ago.

But at 2:30 a.m., he suddenly barged into her home. She said he pulled out a knife and dragged her into the front yard, and that was when she said her son grabbed a gun from the house and pulled the trigger, hitting his ex-stepfather in the stomach.

"He's a very quiet kid, and he's not the type to do anything like that, but he had had enough," she said.

Her wounded ex-husband jumped into his truck. Instead of heading to either of the two hospitals in Leavenworth, he drove himself all the way to Kansas City, Kan., to Providence Medical Center, where police said he lied about what happened.

"He indicated that he had been shot somewhere else besides Leavenworth," said Chief Pat Kitchens, of the Leavenworth Police Department.

The mother said she was glad her ex-husband survived so her son wouldn't have to deal with that burden for the rest of his life. And she is focused on helping her son and daughter heal from such a traumatic ordeal.

"My kids have been through a lot, you know? They're going through counseling and that's something that's very highly recommended because when you've got family violence, it's not easy, especially on the kids," she said.

Police said the teen was not arrested. He will likely not face any charges because what he did was in self-defense to protect himself and his mother.

In the meantime, the ex-husband is recovering in the hospital. From there, he will be moved to the jail to face possible charges of burglary, kidnapping and assault.

Kansas: Liquor Store Clerk Holds Shoplifter at Gunpoint

Topeka, Kansas

From WIBW of October 29, 2008

Liquor Store Clerk Holds Shoplifter at Gunpoint

A store clerk is earning praise from some in the community for holding a would-be shoplifter at gunpoint until police arrived.

CJ said she became suspicious when two men in their 20's came into the store shortly before 7p.m. Tuesday, and headed straight for a corner of the store and talked about not having much money.

"They realized I was watching them the entire time they were in here," said CJ, who did not want to give her last name. "They went and picked up a half gallon of Kentucky Deluxe."

CJ said the two brought the bottle up to the counter and she rang it up. One of the men took off his shoe, looking for money. "His buddy was standing by him and grabbed the bottle and bolted out the door," CJ said.

CJ said she had another customer in line lock the door. She grabbed the phone and her gun and called police. CJ said the man seemed surprised when she held him at gunpoint. "He looked dumbfounded. I don't think he realized I would be carrying a gun."

CJ said the two men had a vehicle on the west side of the store, which is where the first ran after taking the bottle. She said the man she held inside the store was cooperative with police.

"One got away; I wasn't gonna let the other get away. He went to jail instead."

Officials say CJ did nothing illegal. "The supervisor that worked the scene out there felt that she was justified and within the confines of the law," said Capt. Jerry Stanley, Topeka Police Department.

Stanley said it's important for people with conceal and carry permits like CJ, know when to expose the weapon.

"In this case we're looking at under $20 worth of merchandise and a loaded firearm pointed at a person," said Stanley. "Want to make sure they're properly trained and have proper judgment."

CJ said a gun may not be for everyone, but people with jobs like her's should take precautions to protect themselves. "Take self-defense classes. Go through the training. Go through conceal and carry classes if you choose to carry a gun. Learn how to use it. Learn when to use it," CJ advises. "Just be safe."

CJ received her conceal and carry license in July 2007 and says she carries it with her at all times. "We have to protect what's ours and not let them walk all over the top of us. Next time they might not be so lucky to walk out."

Police and CJ agree the situation had a positive outcome. "This situation definitely worked its way out and came to a positive conclusion," said Capt. Stanley.

"If it happens again, hopefully, it turns out like it did last night and the guy goes to jail instead of going to the morgue," said CJ. "The police officers can't be everywhere at the same time and it's up to the community to help them do their job, and that's putting the bad guys in jail."

Kansas: Homeowner thwarts home robbery attempt

Wichita, Kansas

From the Wichita Eagle of October 21, 2008

Homeowner thwarts home robbery attempt

Wichita police are looking for three suspects involved in an attempted residential robbery early Monday morning.

A 54-year-old man said a man kicked open the front door of his house in the 2000 block of South Madison at about 12:40 a.m. Monday and pointed a gun at him and his 21-year-old daughter.

The man told police he grabbed the gun and forced the suspect to the front lawn, where he saw two others.

One of the other suspects fired a shotgun at the victim, and the suspects ran north from the yard. As the suspects drove away from the area, the victim said, one of them fired a handgun at the house.

No injuries were reported.

Kansas: Family Fights Back In Home Invasion

Kansas City, Missouri

From KCTV5 of August 15, 2008

Family Fights Back In Home Invasion

A family fought back against a group of armed intruders that broke into a Kansas City, Kan., home early Friday morning, police said.

Police received a 911 call from a house near North 74th Court and Oakland Avenue just after midnight.

A man who lives in the house said when the men burst into the house, his son was able to escape and get help while he and his brother were held at gunpoint.

"These guys had us in there for about 20 minutes. One of them came outside and tried to get in my Escalade. When that guy went outside, my brother, who was here with me, jumped up and grabbed the gun from him. I went downstairs and grabbed my gun, and the shootout was on after that," the man said.

Two of the alleged intruders were wounded in the shooting.

Police took three of the four suspected home invaders into custody.

The homeowner said he thinks these were the same men who broke into his home days earlier. Following that incident, the family decided to get an alarm installed. It was scheduled to be activated on Friday.

Kansas City Robber Shot By Victim

Kansas City, Missouri

From the August 2, 2008 Kansas City Star:

A bank customer shot another man who apparently was attempting to rob him about 9 a.m. today, police said.

The alleged robber, who was wounded in the head, this afternoon is in stable condition, police said.

A man and a woman, described as an older couple, were using the ATM at the Bank of America at North Oak Trafficway and Barry Road, police said, when a man approached with a gun and robbed them.

A couple was stopped at the ATM.

The robber was walking away when the male victim got out of the car with his gun and yelled for him to stop, said Sgt. Chris Lantz of the department’s robbery unit.

The robber turned around and pointed his gun at the man, Lantz said. The robbery victim fired his gun, hitting the robber in the head, he said.

At the scene investigators earlier today investigators were collecting evidence from a dark sedan parked next to the ATM machine. An object that looked like a hand gun was lying on the pavement. Nearby were apparent blood stains.

The couple and witnesses were interviewed by police.

The man had a permit to carry a concealed gun, Lantz said. Under the circumstances, Lantz said, that would not matter, because he could legally carry the weapon in his car.

It is unusual where a robbery victim defends themselves with a fire arm.

“You don’t see that very often,” Lantz said.

Kansas: Basehor resident fends off burglar

Basehor, Kansas

From the Basehor Sentinel of July 8, 2008

Basehor resident fends off burglar

An 88-year-old Basehor man was attacked in his home early Monday morning after an intruder broke in through a basement door.

According to Basehor Police Chief Lloyd Martley, around 5:25 a.m., an unknown suspect kicked in the basement door of the homeowner in the 15300 block of Parallel Road. The homeowner, who had a shotgun, confronted the intruder at the top of the stairs. There was a struggle over the gun and the suspect eventually gained control of the weapon hitting the homeowner with the butt of the gun. The suspect was then alerted to police in the driveway of the home, left through a patio door and headed into the woods west of the property empty handed.

The police were already in the driveway by the time the homeowner was able to get to a phone to call 911 because a Basehor police officer on patrol noticed a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence that wasn’t normally there and had stopped to investigate, Martley said.

The homeowner sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention.

Since it was dark outside and there were no lights on in the house, the homeowner was not able to see the suspect’s face clearly, but is described as a short, heavy set Hispanic male wearing a white shirt and a blue baseball hat.

While several police agencies combed the area, they were unable to locate the suspect, Martley said. Police ask that if anyone sees a person matching the suspect’s description, to call the Basehor Police Department immediately at (913) 724-1313.

Kansas: Attempted robbery led to Lawrence shooting deaths, police say

Lawrence, Kansas

From the Witchita Eagle of June 9, 2008

Attempted robbery led to Lawrence shooting deaths, police say

Police say an attempted robbery led to Saturday’s double homicide, and a 16-year-old boy arrested in the crime is likely to have his first court appearance today.

Police also identified one of the deceased as Gage Hauk, 18, of nearby McLouth in Jefferson County. Police said Hauk and the 16-year-old suspect attempted to rob the residence just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday when the 20-year-old resident shot Hauk with a shotgun.

The 16-year-old, who has not been identified, then allegedly shot the resident before fleeing on foot, said Lawrence Police Sgt. Paul Fellers. A firearm believed to have been used in the incident was found a block away.

The resident has not yet been identified, Fellers said, pending identification by the coroner.

The two would-be robbers were acquainted with the resident, Fellers said.

The teen was arrested Sunday on suspicion of felony murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery and attempted aggravated robbery, Fellers said. He is being held at the county’s juvenile detention center.

Douglas County Deputy District Attorney David Melton said it’s possible the suspect could be charged as an adult. Charges are expected to be filed in a preliminary hearing at 4 p.m. today.

Police responded to the home where the incident occurred after several neighbors reported gunshots. One of the bodies was found inside the residence, in the 1300 block of Delaware Street. The other man was found outside.

Kansas: Bar owner shoots at fleeing suspects

Kansas City, Kansas

From the Witchita Eagle of June 6, 2008

Bar owner shoots at fleeing suspects

Police are looking for two suspects linked to a clash Thursday night that prompted a bar owner o fire several shots at the men as they fled.

The owner of Stix Bar, 2785 S. Meridian, asked two men to leave the bar shortly before 10 p.m., police said. One of the men reportedly told the owner, "I can do what I want, because I have a gun and you don't."

The suspects went outside and were still in the parking lot when the bar owner stepped outside. He ordered them to leave again, and they got into a red two-door Saturn.

They drove toward the bar owner and struck him with their car, then struck him again as they fled the lot, police said.

The 43-year-old bar owner fired several shots at the car, police said, and three bullets hit an unoccupied house in the 2400 block of West Greenfield. Police don't know if the Saturn was hit.

Police are looking for a 22-year-old man known by name, and an unknown 18-year-old man. He is about 5 feet 6 inches tall, 150 pounds, with dark hair.

The bar owner suffered only minor injuries in the incident and was treated at the scene.

Kansas: Burglar greeted by gunfire

Overland Park, Kansas

From the Kansas City Star of April 30, 2008

Burglar greeted by gunfire

Overland Park police are investigating a business burglary where an employee fired shots at a suspect. But the suspect, who may have been hit, was able to get away.

The incident occurred at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday at Ratliff Guttering Company in the 5000 block of Mackey Street.

Police said a company employee had been sleeping in an apartment inside the business when he heard a loud crash coming from the garage area. The employee grabbed a 12-gauge shotgun and went to the garage area to investigate.

The employee saw the garage door partially open and then saw a man inside near one of the company’s trucks. He then fired a shot and heard the man yell. The intruder then ran towards the garage door and the employee fired again.

Police found blood on the garage floor but could not find the intruder anywhere. They alerted hospitals and other area law enforcement agencies.

Wichita, Kansas: Home Invader Shot

Wichita, Kansas

From the December 14, 2007 Wichita Eagle:

Wichita police are investigating a break-in at an apartment that led to one of the suspects being shot.

Two men forced their way into an apartment in the 2700 block of East Ninth Street at about 6 p.m. Thursday, police reported, and began beating up a 26-year-old man who lived there. The victim broke away at some point and fired a shot at the two suspects.

One of them, a 24-year-old man, was hit by the bullet and later went to Wesley Medical Center, police said. He was admitted and remains hospitalized today. Police are still looking for the second intruder, a 31-year-old man known by the apartment resident.

The incident remains under investigation, police spokesman Gordon Bassham said, but the shooting "may have been self-defense."

Wichita, Kansas

From the Wichita Eagle of October 24, 2007

Woman shot, man injured in domestic dispute

Wichita police are investigating a domestic violence disturbance that occurred Tuesday night in the 500 block of North Spruce.

Sgt. Jeff Davis said a 76-year-old man asked his 52-year-old girlfriend and roommate to move out. She poured bleach on him, a police report said, and then sprayed him with Mace. As she began hitting him with a frying pan, he pulled out a .38 revolver and shot her twice in the left shoulder.

Emergency workers transported both of them to Wesley Medical Center.

Doctors treated and released the man; the woman is in serious condition, Davis said. Police did not arrest the man, Davis said, but expect to arrest the woman when she is out of the hospital.

"We think this was a situation of self-defense," Davis said.

Iola, Kansas

From the Iola Register of October 15, 2007

Woman shot in dispute

Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway will decide whether to file charges from an incident that involved discharge of a firearm in a domestic setting a mile southwest of Iola Saturday evening.

Sheriff Tom Williams said Don Hammer, when confronted by his wife, Geraldine, holding a handgun and aiming it at him, fired a single shot that struck her hand and sent the weapon flying to the floor. The confrontation came after the couple apparently had argued, William said.

Williams said Gerlandine Hammer, 68, riding a motorized scooter, retrieved a .25 caliber handgun from a cabinet just prior to the shooting. Don Hammer was armed with a .357 caliber handgun.

“When she confronted him with the weapon, he shot it out of her hand,” the sheriff said. “He then called 911.”

Geraldine Hammer suffered a minor wound to a finger. She was taken into protective custody and was released to family after a screening by mental health authorities.

Don Hammer also was taken into custody after Lee Roberts, a 911 dispatcher, convinced him to come from the house and give himself to officers, several of whom were waiting outside.
Hammer later was released.

“We looked at the scene and everything matched statements made by both of the Hammers” that it was self defense on his part, Williams said.

The case will remain open until Hathaway decides whether charges are warranted.

Wichita, Kansas

From the Wichita Eagle of August 25, 2007

Police: Clerk shoots, kills would-be robber

A man in his 40s died today after he was shot by an employee while he was trying to rob a Wichita pharmacy, police said.

The man walked into Salyer Pharmacy at 102 E. 21st St. about 10:45 a.m. Saturday. He had a handkerchief over his face and a gun in his hand, Wichita Police Lt. Sam Hanley said.

He demanded money from at least two clerks, Hanley said, and "at some point, they produced their own weapon" and shot the man. The man died about 20 minutes later at Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus, Hanley said.

From Wichita’s KAKE.com of August 27, 2007

Dead Robber Identified in Self-Defense Case

Police have identified the armed robber who was shot and killed by a store employee Saturday morning.

Officers say 27-year-old Alexander Mies entered Salyer's Pharmacy at 10:47am with a bandage over part of his face, exposing just one eye. He asked to pick up a prescription under an alias name. Mies then pulled out a handgun and pointed at the clerk.

At that point, a 58-year-old employee shot Mies once in head with a shotgun.

No customers were inside at the time - just three employees. A delivery worker arrived in the middle of the holdup.

Mies pronounced dead at 11:15 am. Police say the shooting appears to be a simple case of self-defense.

From Kansas.com of August 28, 2007

WOULD-BE ROBBER KILLED

When the man pulled out a handgun in Salyer Pharmacy and demanded drugs Saturday, pharmacist Tom Lundberg bolted for a back room.

He didn't go there to hide.

He went to grab his shotgun.

"I didn't know what was going to happen," Lundberg said Monday.

When the intruder pointed his gun at Lundberg and his pharmacy co-owner, Lundberg didn't hesitate.

He fired the shotgun once, hitting the man in the head and killing him. Police identified the man Monday as Alexander R. Mies, 27.

Here's what police and Lundberg say happened:

About 10:45 a.m. Saturday, a man walked into Salyer's, 102 E. 21st St., with a bandage wrapped around his head, leaving one eye exposed.

He approached the counter and told an employee he was there to pick up a prescription, but he used an alias, police said.

At that point, the man pulled out his gun while yelling and demanding Lortabs and narcotics, Lundberg said.

That's when Lundberg ran to grab a shotgun he has kept at the pharmacy since a 1993 robbery attempt.

When Lundberg came out of the back room, he saw the intruder pointing the handgun at co-owner Fred Karban, Lundberg said.

At one point, the man ducked behind the counter and Lundberg thought he was going to leave.

"Then, he came right back up and pointed it at Fred," Lundberg said.

"And then, he pointed it back at me, and then I shot him. That's pretty much the end of it."

Lundberg, 58, has been a pharmacist in Wichita for 35 years, the past 20 at Salyer's.

After the police interviews, he finished out his work day, including delivering medicine to nursing homes. He was back at work Monday at the pharmacy.

Wichita police said they could present information about the case to the Sedgwick County district attorney's office today for review.

Lundberg said he doesn't expect the office to find he did anything wrong. He said that a police detective told him: "Obviously, if it was a problem, I wouldn't be talking with you here," at the pharmacy.

He said he had received several calls of support, and some customers who hadn't seen him in a while stopped by.

"It's kind of a sad deal," he said.

"I feel kind of sorry more for his family. I just wish he hadn't put me in that situation, is what I wish."

From Wichita’s KAKE.com of September 12, 2007

Pharmacist Cleared in Self-Defense Shooting

A pharmacist who shot and killed a robber last month has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

On Wednesday morning, District Attorney Nola Foulston's office released a report detailing what happened.
…

Investigators say Alexander Mies pulled a gun on a worker at Salyer Pharmacy at 21st and Broadway on Saturday, August 25. Mies entered the store with a bandage over part of his face, exposing just one eye. He asked to pick up a prescription under an alias name. Mies then pulled out a handgun and pointed at a pharmacist.

Another pharmacist, Tom Lundberg, reached for a shotgun behind the counter. Police say he ordered Mies to drop the gun, but when Mies didn't, Lundberg fired once, hitting the robber in the head.

No customers were inside at the time - just three employees. A delivery worker arrived in the middle of the holdup.

Investigators ruled the shooting as a simple case of self-defense.

Topeka, Kansas

From Topeka’s WIBW.com of July 26, 2007

Robbery Foiled When Clerk Got to His Gun Sooner

A robbery quickly turned sour for the robber late Wednesday night when the cashier got to his gun faster than he could. According to Jim Cormier, who was working the register that night, the man came into Cormier Liquor, 2611 SE California, around eleven o'clock carrying a black gym bag.

When the man reached into the bag and began to reach for his gun, Mr. Cormier showed his own. The suspect took off running and headed south down the alleyway.

Police described the suspect as a black male, 5'4", 135 lbs., wearing a black doo rag and a black silky scarf around the lower half of his face.

Wichita, Kansas

From Wichita’s KAKE.com of February 3, 2007

Men Critically Hurt in Fight

An argument between two men escalates, ending with one man stabbed and the other shot. Now police are trying to figure out what lead up to the bloody fight. It happened early Friday evening at a home in the 1700 block of South Sedgwick.

Police believe the two men were arguing over something when the fight escalated to violence. Apparently, one of men stabbed the other. Police say the person who had been stabbed then shot the attacker. Police believe the shooting was self defense.

Police say the man was shot multiple times but he managed jumped in the other man's truck and took off. Officers had just arrived to find the stabbing victim when the shooting victim returned to the scene. The injured men were taken to the hospital. They're both listed in critical condition.

Police interviewed neighbors to see if any of them heard or saw anything that would explain what led to this fight. They say it's too early to tell if alcohol may have been involved.