Source of small explosions in NW Wichita identified

Many people in Northwest Wichita heard multiple explosions yesterday afternoon. Acting on a tip that there were tank-like vehicles and police officers armed with assault rifles in the area, I headed over with my camera to investigate.

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed were roughly thirty state trooper vehicles, all parked neatly in designated parking spaces. Police do not generally park this way in a stand-off or raid situation.

There were a few fire trucks and an ambulance present, along with large unmarked trucks. Outside one of the trucks were several police shields, the steel type made to protect officers from blast debris. I took a few pictures and then a state trooper approached me, smiling.

The trooper laughingly explained to me that I could not be there, because they were conducting counter terrorism training, and actually blowing things up, which explains the explosions that were heard prior to my arrival.

The trooper politely asked me not to publish any of the pictures I had taken, and not to reveal the location of the exercise. I have agreed to these terms. While I am probably within my rights to publish these materials, I respect the fact that the trooper asked me not to publish them, rather than ordering me, or threatening me.