Liberal Police Warn of Juvenile Gang Activity, Urge Community Vigilance

by Derek White

The Liberal Police Department has issued a public safety alert following troubling reports of organized criminal behavior involving local juveniles. According to a notice released on April 23, 2025, the department is actively investigating a group of young individuals who are allegedly referring to themselves as an organized gang. Reports indicate that the group may be responsible for a string of serious offenses, including kidnapping, aggravated battery, property damage, and other violent acts.

Police say videos related to these incidents show juveniles being ambushed, shot with Orbeez water pellet guns, restrained with duct tape — sometimes even over their mouths — and electrocuted with jumper cables. Authorities are stressing that these actions are not pranks or harmless games, but serious crimes that will be treated as such.

Under Kansas law (K.S.A. 21-6313), a criminal street gang is defined as a group of three or more individuals who share a common name, symbol, or sign and engage in criminal activity. Based on current information, the behavior of this group may meet the legal threshold to be classified as a criminal street gang, which could bring even harsher penalties for those involved.

The Liberal Police Department is urging parents and guardians to speak directly with their children about the dangers and consequences of participating in such behavior. Involvement could lead to felony charges, permanent criminal records, and long-term impacts on future opportunities.

Anyone who has been a victim of these activities — or who may have witnessed such behavior — is asked to contact the Liberal Police Department at 620-626-0141. Community members’ cooperation could be vital in protecting public safety and stopping further incidents.

Stay aware. Stay involved. Help keep Liberal safe.