A Wichita man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for helping steal a car last November that included two children.
In November 2022, Tyler Kirkhart, 32, grabbed a car with the engine running while a woman was filling her tires at a gas station at Wichita 31st Street South and Seneca. There were two children aged 5 and 8 years inside the car.
After jumping into a stolen vehicle, Kirkhart S. to the 3500 block of St. Francis, where the children were eventually found safe. Immediately after the heart-wrenching ordeal, they were soon back surrounded by the love of their people.
On Monday, February 27, 2024, Kirkhart received a prison sentence of 83 months (approximately 7 years) from the Sedgwick County Attorney’s Office.
- A 22-month sentence on each of two felony child endangerment charges.
- Aggravated theft for 7 months
- Previous parole violations, which are added to the total
In June 2023, Kirkhart was charged with two counts of child endangerment and one count of theft.
The DA said crimes like Kirkhart’s, which put innocent children in grave danger, must be punished. This lengthy prison sentence is meant to match the list of offences.
Now the people of the community are feeling relieved from the Nyaya Sabha. Many are expecting Kirkhart to be given a long prison sentence should he commit any other crimes that endanger children.
There has been much discussion about how to spot car theft, especially when a child is in the car. One idea is that there should be more safety measures and education on gas electronics, as parents sometimes leave their carts on while they go right inside.
Inspection, the authorities are confident that the man who stole from people last November and is a dangerous debtor will get big trouble in prison. Neighboring families feel best knowing that children are safe and their feelings are being calmed.