*** PRESS RELEASE ***

On October 18, 2020 at approximately 1:40 A.M., Labette County Dispatch received a call regarding an attempted armed robbery of an individual which occurred at the Chetopa Motel, in Chetopa, Kansas. The Chetopa Police Department was immediately dispatched, and Deputies from the Labette County Sheriff's Office responded to assist in the investigation.

During the investigation it was determined the suspects left the area in a vehicle eastbound crossing the Neosho River. As a search for the suspects began, the Kansas Highway Patrol and Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to assist in the search. While searching, a vehicle matching the description was spotted in Cherokee County on US HWY166 headed back towards Chetopa. As the Cherokee County Deputy turned around, the suspect vehicle increased its speed gaining distance.

As the suspect vehicle entered into Chetopa city limits, the Chetopa Police Officer was able to intercept the vehicle along with a Labette County Deputy. A high-risk vehicle stop was initiated by the Chetopa Police Department, Labette County Sheriff's Office, and Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

The occupants of the vehicle were removed from the vehicle and each of the occupants matched the description given by the victim of the robbery. After removing the occupants and rendering the vehicle safe, the Labette County Sheriff's Office K9 was deployed. The Sheriff's Office K9 indicated on the vehicle with a positive alert.

During a search of the vehicle, Officer's located the loaded handgun described by the victim of the attempted robbery. A check of the handgun revealed the handgun was stolen from Pittsburg, Kansas. In addition, Officer's located methamphetamine and items used for packaging and distribution of methamphetamine.

The suspects were identified as James T. Gofourth, 18, of Independence, Kansas, Racheal N. Westman, 35, of Independence, Kansas, and Jacob D. Musgrove, 34, of Independence, Kansas. The suspects were transported to the Labette County Jail and are being held on a $50,000 bond each for charges arising from the incident in Chetopa.

 James T. Gofourth is also being held on a warrant issued from Montgomery County for two counts of 1St Degree Murder, and one count of attempted 1st Degree Murder. James T. Gofourth is being held without bond related to these charges.