Salina Police Department Press Release Referencing Shots Fired; Suspect in Custody

May 18, 2024

On Friday, May 17, 2024, at approximately 10:15 PM, Officers of the Salina Police Department responded to a call of possible shots fired in the area Santa Fe and Crawford. Contact was made with a 47 year old male of Salina. This subject reported while driving south on Santa Fe, a white Dodge truck nearly struck his vehicle. The subject then stopped behind the Dodge truck at the stop light of Santa Fe and Crawford. The subject exited his vehicle and approached the Dodge truck to confront the driver. The driver of the Dodge truck then fires three shots in the direction of the subject. The subject was not struck. The Dodge truck left the area. Shell casings were located in the area.

At approximately 11:40 PM, officers responded to the Saline County Jail, where contact was made with 23 year old Connor Schmeck of Salina. Schmeck had been brought to the jail by family to turn himself in for the “road rage” incident. A handgun was recovered. Schmeck was charged with one count of Aggravated Assault and Criminal Discharge of a Weapon.

The Salina Police Department wants to remind everyone to treat others with respect and compassion not only on the road ways but in general. It is important to understand “road rage” events can escalate very quickly. Please think before we act and consider the consequences of our actions. Do not take the law into your own hands. If you believe someone has committed a crime or traffic infraction contact your local police department so it can be investigated and handled lawfully.

Those who take the law into their own hands face legal ramifications to include incarceration. Last night’s incident is a reminder how quickly confronting others can turn into a life threatening situation not only for those directly involved but also innocent bystanders. Fortunately no one was injured.