Topeka Man Wanted In Shooting Same Man Whose 2012 Traffic Stop Ruled Unconstitutional

Dennis Dean Neff, the Topeka man who made headlines in 2012 after drug charges stemming from a traffic stop were ruled unconstitutional, is now being sought as a “person of interest” in a south Topeka shooting that injured a man and his dog.

Topeka Police Dept. said in a statement Neff, 61, and the injured party involved knew each other. The victim’s name has not been released.

The victim was treated by medical personnel at the scene and released, police said. His dog was reportedly struck by a projectile as well, and is expected to make a full recovery.

Police say officers found the victim shortly after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday when they responded to reports of a shooting in the 4700 block of S. Topeka Blvd. Topeka Police said a person fired a shotgun with birdshot from a residence located on the property behind the O’Reilly Auto Parts store. They say some type of argument preceded the shots.

In 2012, Neff, then 56, was stopped in Wabaunsee County after Highway Patrol Troopers posted phony drug checkpoint signs on Interstate 70.

When Neff exited I-70 just before the checkpoint, a State Trooper stopped his vehicle and found seven kilograms of cocaine.

Chief Judge Mary Beck Briscoe wrote the decision on behalf of appellate judges, who ruled exiting the interstate wasn’t enough suspicion to stop the vehicle.

Neff had been sentenced to five years in prison, but the decision went against that sentence.

You can read more details on the 2012 federal case mentioned above here.

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