Manasseh Ward : “Kan. Man Faces Trial for Sex Crimes Near School”

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man from Kansas, accused of being involved in alleged kidnappings and sex crimes concerning three juveniles near a Kansas elementary school, attended another court session on Friday.

22-year-old Manasseh Ward from Wichita faced a judge on 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, as confirmed by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office.

On January 4, 2023, just before 4 p.m., 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. Fortunately, the girl managed to escape and reported the incident to a family member.

The following day, just before 9 a.m. on January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and a girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to make their way to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.

A man driving a blue vehicle abducted the children. He forced both kids into his vehicle and drove away. Shortly after, he dropped off the boy victim and continued with the girl.

While officers were collecting information, they spotted the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. A short chase ensued, leading to Ward’s arrest in the 6600 block of East Boston.

In September, Ward was initially arrested in connection with the alleged crimes.