Investigation Launched into Woman’s Connection with Pre-Parade Vehicle Crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Authorities in Shawnee County are conducting an investigation into a woman suspected to be involved in a vehicle crash that occurred shortly before the highly anticipated Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade on Friday.

According to Police Lieutenant Michael Hren, the incident unfolded at around 5 p.m. when the police received a distress call reporting a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of S. Kansas Ave and SW 6th Street in Topeka.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 44-year-old Alyyshia L. Schwanz from Topeka, was immediately transported to a local hospital due to minor injuries. Subsequently, Schwanz was taken into custody.

Fortunately, the parade route remained unaffected by the crash, and there was no danger posed to the public. Following the investigation, Schwanz was arrested and later booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. The charges filed against her include Possession of Opiate, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Hallucinogenic Drugs, Vehicle Liability Insurance Required, Yielding to Emergency Vehicles, and Improper Driving on a Laned Roadway.

The aftermath of the accident caused damage to the eastbound traffic light pole, resulting in the temporary closure of the intersection until noon on Saturday. However, the intersection is now open to traffic, albeit with temporary stop signs in place, while repairs to the traffic signal are being carried out.