Suspect Named In Joyce Patterson Abduction
Suspect Named In Joyce Patterson Abduction Save Email Print
Posted: 11:55 AM Jun 29, 2008
Last Updated: 9:15 AM Jul 1, 2008
Email Address: news@kake.com

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The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department has named a suspect in the June 23rd abduction of Joyce Patterson and robbery of the convenience store in Viola where she works.

Authorities identified the suspect as Robert D. Abner, 39. The photo provided of Abner is a driver's license photo and is 2 years old.

Segwick County Undersherrif Robert Hinshaw says information led detectives with the sheriff's department along with special agents with the FBI to Abner's North Wichita residence where they conducted a search warrant.

Investigators are also looking for Abner's blue 1995 Lexus SC400 with Segwick County tag 573AMM.

Hinshaw said Abner may still be in the area. Information also suggests he may be headed to Oregon. Abner should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see Abner, you are urged not to approach him, but to contact local authorities immediately.

Hinshaw also says FBI agents would like to talk with Abner, as his physical description matches that of a man who held up a Garden Plain bank last week.

Stay with KAKE and KAKE.com for the latest on this developing story.

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Posted by: Cherie Location: Tulsa on Jul 7, 2008 at 07:15 PM
First of all, Joyce is my cousin. Next, I am appalled at these comments! Realizing that all the public has to go on is the "hype" the media spins on everything we see or read anymore just to get a "headline" or "first story" and then reading comments from people who soak it in really depresses me. I am not going to make any comments on the case because our family does not want to hinder in any way the process of a trial and conviction of this guy once caught....and he will be!! But I would like to say to all who do not have anything better to do with their time than to make snap judgements this: In the end, God is a Judge, Jury and administers due punishment. He knows that Joyce and her husband are fantastic people and He gave Joyce the strength she needed to survive this ordeal. To Joyce and Larry: forget all this TRASH TALK and continue to concentrate on healing & putting this guy where he belongs. You both have made our family so VERY PROUD! We stand with you and love you much!!

Posted by: James Location: w on Jul 1, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Hopefully he will just shoot himself and save the taxpayers a lot of money

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Kansas on Jul 1, 2008 at 07:40 AM
To everyone that has shown your kindness & support to us (The Patterson Families) I would like to thank you. Your thoughts & prayers are what brought Joyce home. As for everyone that shows disbelief, I can only hope that the Lord will be able to bless your family if a loved one is ever in need just like he was able to do for us.

Posted by: Audrey Location: Wichita on Jun 30, 2008 at 04:32 PM
He doesn't sweat much for a big fella

Posted by: Peg Location: Wichita on Jun 30, 2008 at 03:28 PM
The story the way it was presented to the public by all of the media, did raise a few eyebrows. Does that make them idiots for not believing in what they read or hear? By all means no. Joyce was one of the very few lucky ones, who has made a safe return. Wish we could say the same for the others around the rest of U.S. that we are all praying for who are missing and won't be coming home safe.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: wichita on Jun 30, 2008 at 01:32 PM
You can not blame the community for having speculations that Joyce's story was a hoax or not....with all the information that was given from her to the police and being dropped off at her pastors house,that does raise some eye brows not to mention the police aswell.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Wichita on Jun 30, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I do apologize for my comments, but if you read my posts I did say that I was thankful for her safe return. The reason for my comments is.... not everyone that is abducted has a safe return and the ones that are returned safe... it is found out that it was a hoax, a drug binge, a "John" hook up. I just pointed out that some of the story that was posted on KAKE did not add up unless this was a hoax or whatnot. Just because I said that does not mean that I am "stupid" or an "idiot". I just means that I read the news and the "society we live in" is the whole reason why I posted the post I did. So to all of you who want to "yell" and call names... This would not have been posted if it weren't for the society we live in or the way some people are with their "secrets". So Cheryl.... you are right, this could have happened to anyone and you talked just as much trash as anyone on your posts. That makes you as big of an idiot as anyone else. Tu Shea!!

Posted by: Mimi Location: Wichita on Jun 30, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I am very thankful that Joyce was found safe and sound, though probably very shaken - understandably. Hopefully the authorities catch up to Abner so they can speak to him and see if he is in deed the one who kidnapped Joyce. And, I for one, never thought Joyce made this story all up.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 30, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Viola>>appoligize for what? I for one am glad Joyce is home safely aswell, but you have to admit she was gone for 4 days< and had way to much information for the cops and not to mention she was dropped off at her pastors home<

Posted by: Cheryl Location: Caney on Jun 29, 2008 at 09:29 PM
People read what they want. The people who thought she lied. Obviously only read what they wanted. Before you talk out your ***. Think about the situation, and the society that we live in. This could happen to anyone. I just hope it doesn't happen to the idiots that talk trash.

Posted by: CJ Location: Wichita on Jun 29, 2008 at 09:19 PM
WHERE IN NORTH WICHITA did this guy live? KAKE TV cameras are setting up a block and a half from my house! And we thought we moved to a safer part of town on the north side! First Rader 3 miles and now if this is the Abner guys house, it's only 1.5 blocks away.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: conway springs on Jun 29, 2008 at 08:54 PM
We know people were thinking she made it up because they have been commenting on kake.com for the last couple of days. Think about that.....

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 29, 2008 at 08:36 PM
think about this, they probably read all the rude posts that people where writting on all the other articles. Know your facts before you write something stupid...

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Conway Springs on Jun 29, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Well if you have read the posting before this you would know what people were saying. They were saying that she made this story up. And like I said before shame on those people. GOD took care of her and GOD will take care of the man. AMEN..that Joyce is home with her family and THANK YOU to those of you that prayed for her and her family.

Posted by: a Location: viola on Jun 29, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Conway Springs resident was referring to the posts that kake allowed on this website from idiots who thought this was a hoax. I agree with Conway Springs resident, those who proclaimed this a lie should publically apologize!!!!

Posted by: Debra on Jun 29, 2008 at 07:07 PM
To the Haysville resident, in case you haven't read the comments posted on the other stories about this case...several people accused Joyce of making the story up and calling it a hoax. Do a little research - not everything thought this. People believe what they want to believe without waiting for the facts to be released, but for those who know Joyce believed in her and her story! It's a good thing people posted the comments as "Anonymous" because they would feel pretty stupid having posted such ignorant comments.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: haysville ks on Jun 29, 2008 at 05:48 PM
how would u know if people were thinking she made this up if u were not one of them..think about that..

Posted by: conway springs resident on Jun 29, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Now I bet the people who did not believe Joyce feel pretty stupid and need to apologize for accussing her of making all this up.

Posted by: BARBARA Location: GROVE OK. on Jun 29, 2008 at 03:32 PM
I DON'T KNOW JOYCE BUT THANK GOD SHE IS HOME & SAFE.HOPE NO ONE ELSE HAS TO GO WHAT SHE HAD TO.THANK GOD FOR PRAYERS & THE LOVE THAT PEOPLE HAVE FOR HER. I WILL KEEP HER & HER FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS.

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    Fire Department: Fireworks Are Illegal In Most Of Sedgwick County
    • Posted By: Park city looked like the first Iraq war last night!!! It was spectacular,the whole sky was lit up waaayyyy into the night in ALL neighborhoods...like it is EVERY year and did not have ONE incident of a feild or house fire! Sorry you people in Wichita did not get to enjoy! If you're good...we might let you come and see us shoot them next year...but thats only if you're good..kiddys.
    • Posted By: StacyThese guidelines are good. However, I'm new to Wichita and I have to say I'm shocked at how many people shoot off fireworks in the city proper and in parking lots of businesses andapartment buildings (like the one I live in). If it's illegal to do this, why on earth is it so commonplace? I was in the military for a few years, about 3 of which were spent in a lot of different areas of the continental U.S., not to mention the nearly 18 years I grew up in mosly Montana. I never before have seen an entire city with so many amateur fireworks displays inside of city limits. Law enforcement, why aren't you enforcing anything?
    • Posted By: AnonymousI agree with Frankie although the sedgwick county fire department says they only enforce the law, they pushed for the fireworks ban. I believe the original was in 1978. I know it was after bottle rockets were made illegal in Kansas. I wish government would quit trying to protect us from ourselves, we need protection from them. I'm sure our tax dollars paid for the signs, putting them up, and then for taking them down stuck all over! KAKE needs to go through it's archives and find the original ban the sedgwick county commissioners signed and also read the constitution it says that we have the right to celebrate our independance with fireworks. For those complaining about fires in rural areas I've lived out in rural sedgwick for over 50 years and the instance of a house or wheatfield fire being caused by fireworks is pretty uncommon. It's a sparsely populated area unlike city living and fireworks tend to go up not shoot out for miles. Farmers intentionally light the stubble after harvest!
    • Posted By: FirefighterFireworks were banned in Sedgwick County in 1978. Why? There weren't enough firefighters and equipment to go around. Calls were waiting for a response. Firefighters came to work at 7:00 and didn't see their station until the following morning. There were was much damage to fire equipment. The County department had a tank truck roll. This type of response had been occuring for several years. This doesn't even speak to the damage to stuctures, possesions and the persons that where injured. The departments and civic leaders said enough,and fireworks were banned. Some of you say we are unamerican. Far from the truth. You have asked us to watch after you and assist in the time of need. Sometimes that means prevetion instead of action. I love fireworks as much as the next person. Fireworks have slowly made it back into many communities. If everyone can prove they have self control and caution when using fireworks then, they may come back everywhere. Stay safe this 4th.
    • Posted By: AnonymousI guess I'm one of the hundreds of others that did not realize ALL FIREWORKS WERE ILLEGAL! (At least For those of us living outside a city limits in sedgwick county). I knew that while some cities Belle Plaine, Clearwater, Haysville, etc.. chose to allow BIG STUFF (the aerials) Wichita did not. The 78' fireworks ban was for the BIG STUFF!! The unincorporated areas had to follow sedgwick county's allowable fireworks same as the city of wichita chose to do. What year did they sneak in NO FIREWORKS AT ALL OF ANY TYPE for unincorporated sedgwick county?? It wasn't in the original ban. Living outside the city limits of any town, even when ALL FIREWORKS were allowed there were no fireworks stands out here, and the news was saying buy where you live, I called the no fire number for the sedgwick county fire department and asked where we should buy fire works that would be legal and I was told in wichita city limits. This is unconstitutional, prejudiced and segregates rural sedgwick county!!!!
    • Posted By: George WashingtonThis is all silly. I am going outside to set off Fireworks.
    • Posted By: SusanOk, I will expect everyone who is upset to show up at the next Sedgwick County council meeting. If you don't even at least call your councilman, than you should not complain.
    • Posted By: ShaunI think that people in the county needs to remember that this day is to celebrate or freedom as a country!!! China gave us fireworks to help US and a COUNRTY celebrate. To me this is UNAMERICAN!!! Yes, i agree that the big ones that can set major fires sould probly not be shot in rural areas. And all though this law don't affect me personally, it still does as I am a soldier and an American. I am proud of my country. Even if I could only shoot off fountains or what ever I still think that is better than nothing. As long as the person shooting them off is doing it on a concrete surface I don't see why they can't have small fireworks!!!!!
    • Posted By: donald otnesMy daughter called me at 10:15 pm on July 2, 2009. She had people setting off fireworks in her housing district. The kids were firing off the ones that sound like a bomb going off. Are people that stupid to let kids have fireworks that could blow up and take a hand off or even there face.
    • Posted By: miss americaMy family is apparently among the wild, irresponsible rednecks in unincorporated Sedgwick county that have shot off fireworks every year on the 4th since I was a baby. It's true there is a need to protect farmers' wheatfields, so I can understand why the county might ban the big fireworks that fly up in the air, and bottle rockets, etc. But, why shouldn't we be able to at least set off the smaller fireworks, such as fountains, that are less dangerous? Why are our families denied the privilege of celebrating the 4th in a safe, fun way just because we live in the unincorporated areas? This fireworks ban on the 4th needs to be loosened up. It's really not fair.
    • Posted By: aThink about this people! Fireworks are loud and anoying! I am so sick of people setting them off late at night while we are trying to sleep! My baby is being kept up by fireworks because people set them off at two in the morning!Please just think about where you are setting them off like close to houses and apartment buildings. Those are not good places to be doing them!
    • Posted By: Firefighters daughterFor those who think that firefighters just "sit around" you obviously have no idea what these people do. Just looking at the 4th, I can recall as a child how we all wondered if my dad would get to finish his hamburger before being called out to yet another of the many fires he went on that day . The work they do isn't restricted to a summer holiday. Think about the gear they wear...heavy coats, boots, air tanks, even on 100 degree days. Take a walk in their boots and face the fires, car accidents, tornado/storms, floods, and other emergencies they must face with courage, calm, and strength in order to save lives and property. As for "washing the truck" and other maintenance that must be done, do you want a rusted out, broken hosed truck showing up at your house because they DIDN't do those things? I hope they do get a chance to relax, eat, sleep, etc. between the emergencies they must face. I want a well rested and ready fire fighter showing up at my house should I ever need one
    • Posted By: rebeccahey does anyone know if the little boy that went into QT has been found? I know this isn't the topic but I just wanted to know.
    • Posted By: h: I believe that fireworks like Black Cats can be used in Derby as well as Wichita (it's been a long time since I've done any here so I wouldn't definitely know). But they might be setting off something bigger like an M50. The main problems they've had is with the ones that burst into showers of colored balls and sparks like we see in the big displays, roman candles, M80s and the ones that spray out sparks. The Eagle Beacon, last year, said that a good rule of thumb is if they shoot out sparks more than about 6 feet from the device then they are probably illegal.
    • Posted By: hwell they are sure shooting them in derby and we're in sedgwick county either they are not banned or the police in derby are not doing anything about the ones that are shooting off fireworks already. Frankly I'm sick of it, the neighborhood kids are shooting them off close to my property and my dogs are having fits, a call to the local police dpt says nothing they can do....so if they are banned in sedgwick county then they should be banned in derby and the derby police dpt needs to start enforcing the ban, if they aren't banned in derby then they need to be, there are other ways of having a good time on the 4th of July without having to endanger your yard, my yard, your life!!!!
    • Posted By: If everyone was a responible person that means for their self and for the one's that have children, then we wouldn't have had these laws made.The population is so high now that the fire departments are on overload because of the people that will not take responsiblity for their actions.And as far as the fire department setting around!!! Let your house be on fire and then have to wait because these people are not at their work area's because you think they are setting around.I would hate for them to be kept busy 24/7. What would happen to our town without them if that were the case.Already the street that I live on is littered with trash from fire works because people are not responsibly.(not all)
    • Posted By: DI completely agree with Anonymous at 9:26. Linda, unless you've been living under a rock, it's been well known for years that fireworks are illegal in the city limits. They make the same announcements every year. They don't sell the "big" illegal fireworks in the city but everyone still goes out of city limits to buy them and then come back home and shoot them off out in the neighborhood streets. I've seen fireworks in my neighborhood that would rival the ones at riverfest and Lawrence Dumont stadium and they aren't legal in the city.
    • Posted By: Cliff: That's true but when they are burned off purposely there are fire control measures in place. When someone sets a fire with fireworks they tend to run away and then it gets out of control. Like I said, I've missed work because of people who do this. The reason why they made them illegal in Sedgwick County to begin with is because most people here are not responsible enough to use them safely. And Linda: They've been telling people every year that they are illegal. Most people just don't pay attention. And they only selll fireworks in Wichita that you can set off in Wichita. That's why they've always said "Shoot them where you buy them".
    • Posted By: RodI'm with 'Anonymous on Jul 1, 2009 at 08:08 AM'... Helps us Obama! We need you to protect us from ourselves! ALL PRAISE OBAMA!!!
    • Posted By: LindaOk, for one I think if they were illegal, than why didn't we know about it along time ago. I bet that the majority of the people that lives in Wichita didn't know this, and I think it is not right to start enforcing it NOW, I mean come on the main reason why people shoot of fireworks is for the kids entertainment, Also if its going to be illegal than why on earth should selling fireworks at the stands not be? People see the signs that fireworks are illegal, but when they are driving around wichita and see firework stands it just tempts them that much more. So I think its not right.
    • Posted By: cliffanonomous at 8;08, fireworks are a tradition on the fourth of july. and the "tinderbox "harvesed wheat fields are usually burnt off this time of year anyway even without fireworks.
    • Posted By: Bottle Rocket Roger: What makes you think being American means you should have the right to set off explosives? For the idiots who think they need to have fireworks: how many of you have to call into work and tell your boss you can't come in because some moron set fire to your house or yard? What about when they go outside the city & set them off in newly harvested wheat fields that are nothing more than tinderboxes at this time of year? Every year for the past six years I've lost pay because idiots cannot control themselves or the fires they set.
    • Posted By: donits really sad,,,,we are not hardly even "independent" anymore,,,the government has "used" up all are rights,,,,,like the ol' saying goes though "just be glad your not getting ALL the government you pay for",,,,,period, end of sentence !!!!
    • Posted By: Anonymous who is coming down on firefighters and their "lazy days of washing the trucks and sleeping and cooking meals" has no clue what firefighters do and how many calls many of the stations get,though many are medical. Firefighters are not exactly unpatriotic joy-squelchers, but they are supposed to educate the general public about fire safety. If you even understood all the job entailed you wouldn't talk like that.
    • Posted By: Bottle Rocket RogerWhen I lived in a town just north of wichita,we were able to shoot fireworks ALL day long for a week..Park City allows fireworks ALL day long for week,NO problems in either town! We celebrate the 4th like americans in these towns! The people that made fireworks illegal in Wichita and hate the fireworks are ALL UNAMERICAN! Go hide in you're basements and shake like a coward..the M80's are coming!
    • Posted By: We need two things immediately. One, a petition to remove this descriminatory 1978 law against residents of the county, and secondly, another petition to remove the authors of this law if they are still in office, and any other person in authority that supports it. I'll drive any distance to sign those petitions. Our tax dollars were used to print and post these signs and will also be used again to remove them, and patrol neighborhoods looking for little kids shooting ladyfinger firecrackers. This travesty of the use of our tax dollars must be exposed with those that have attacked Independence Day.
    • Posted By: BobEnforce the law! Many firewoks are dangerous, destructive, and disturbing--especially to pets.
    • Posted By: I never knew there were so many un-educated people around the state. It even says in the text of the story, that the fire department is not going to be doing extra patrolling, due to staffing. People are very careless with their fireworks in the "uncorperated" area's of the county. You add wind, and some dry wood, or brush.. And you cause a very dangerous situation, and put those "poorly staffed" fire deparments that respond in danger. ****If you live in a town/city in "sedgwick County".. you need to check your local laws. The no fireworks law - is for "uncorprated" - aka *NOT IN CITY LIMITS*
    • Posted By: MichelleCan't we come to a compromise? Make them illigal everyday of the year, except the 4th? I agree with the ones on here that said we are celebrating our FREEDOM! This is what the USA is about. Hotdogs, baseball and fireworks! 8-)
    • Posted By: Kristy"But many like Sedgwick County Resident Michael Dixson don't plan on breaking the law." Seriously - someone who writes for a news station should be familiar with proper grammar usage.
    • Posted By: How ironic it is that it's Independance Day however; they tell you that you can't fire off any fireworks.....at least any that are worth paying money for. Yes, we're slowly on our way to becoming a communist country. I miss Archie Bunker!
    • Posted By: Why even celebrate??? Pretty sad when Amerians can't participate in the tradation and celebration of America's Indepandance. I feel for you rual Sedwick County people. Sedwick County SUCKS!!
    • Posted By: TimThe Fire Department IS NOT encouraging people to call 911 every time they see people shooting fireworks, this will create an unnecessary strain on the 911 system. The problem is being worked on and will take time to get things all straightened out. If you have an emergency or a problem that warrants calling 911 by all means call 911. What is not needed is a call to 911 every time you see someone shooting a firecracker.
    • Posted By: The fire departments are going out of their way with NO FIREWORKS signs just because they don't want to have to work any more than they have to. Little fire here and there disrupts their lazy days of washing the trucks and sleeping and cooking meals!
    • Posted By: topperat one time you couldn't shoot fire works in dodge, now that we can the 2nd through the 5th i think. i havent heard of more fires or whatever it is you think is going to happen if you were to allow.. its the 4th of july, and you stoping people from celebrating. thats dumb if you ask me. besides, people are going to shoot them off no matter what you do.
    • Posted By: FrankieThe Fire Department says it only enforces the law against fireworks in Sedgwick County, but I've lived here since 1938 and I remember that it was the Sedgwick County Fire Department that pushed for the County Commissioners to pass the illegal fireworks law.
    • Posted By: anoymousIt is a little confusing, because Park City has fireworks tents all over, but I thought Bel Aire and Park City were actually their own "cities", and not part of unincorporated Sedgwick County. And they are allowed in Goddard,I checked out the website. I wish there was a central list posted where they are legal/illegal, because I do think there is confusion about this, especially when I thought I heard people in Bel Aire saying they purchased permits in the past. Can anyone elaborate?
    • Posted By: DebbyIf they are illegal why are they sold in the city where they are illegal?
    • Posted By: Isn't it funny how it's called Independance Day but yet big brother wants to tell us we can't shoot fireworks? Screw you big brother!! I'm firing mine off!!
    • Posted By: ElmerI saw on the news that you are asking the neighbors to report the people who are using fireworks to the police. Hitler did the same thing when enforcing his laws. Are we coming closer to socialist government, or are you just trying to create a community that is untenable due to loss of trust in neighbors? I can't believe we are repeating history again.
    • Posted By: bobi think the county is forgetting what we are celebrating, our independence. so they should let us shoot them where you buy them.
    • Posted By: JustinLand of the Free, My hind end. Restrictions yes, understandable. But, all out ban? This is not the America I fought for!!!!! Maybe before long we won't have any independence to celebrate!!! And I'm sure the fire fighters are just having to do what there told. Heck, most of them love fire or they wouldn't be doing there job.
    • Posted By: "fire dept only enforces the law" im sure they had a say in how it was created. thats like saying police dont have a quota when writing tickets when im sure they do. how else are police measured when trying for promotions and raises--its by how many tickets they write, how many crimes they solve, ect. people are gonna shoot off fireworks and worry bout what happens later because this is the one time in the year that we get to do so! plus it helps celebrate america's birthday !!
    • Posted By: MikeaI sure wish there was something we could do about the rednecks who insist on setting off the big heavy skybursts in our neighborhood at 1am every night. Fireworks should be illegal inside the city. Loud car radios are, and fireworks are more dangerous.
    • Posted By: BobOk maybe this is a stupid question, but what is unincorporated Sedgwick County? What is meant by that?
    • Posted By: AJ SimkatuEveryone knows that fireworks that go up in the sky are illegal, even in the city of Wichita. The problem is that nobody cares. Most people think the ban is a ridiculous overreaction to a small problem. People are sick of the nanny state telling us what we can and can't do with our own lives and property. What's next, ban skydiving, skiing, riding dirt bikes, mountain climbing? The government needs to mind its own business and stay out of ours.