Shawnee, August 2, 2025
News Summary
A stabbing incident at Hayward’s Pit BBQ in Shawnee has led to a charge of attempted first-degree murder against 23-year-old Maikol Valdes. The victim, Riley Sweeney, suffered serious injuries but is currently in stable condition. Valdes fled the scene and was arrested following a police chase. This incident has raised safety concerns in the local community.
Shawnee – A man was charged with attempted first-degree murder following a stabbing incident that occurred at Hayward’s Pit BBQ, a local restaurant, on Thursday afternoon. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Maikol Valdes, did not have a permanent address and was apprehended early Friday morning following a police chase.
The stabbing incident took place around 1:30 p.m. at the restaurant, located near the intersection of W. 75th Street and Nieman Road. Local authorities received reports of a physical disturbance and responded promptly, finding the victim, Riley Sweeney, inside the establishment. Sweeney, who serves as the restaurant’s manager and is the son of the owner, was attacked and suffered serious injuries, including seven stab wounds, a punctured lung, and staples in his skull. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is currently in stable condition and expected to recover.
Witnesses reported that Valdes fled the scene heading south, prompting an immediate search by Shawnee police. The search initially focused on the area around W. 79th Street and Nieman Road. Just before 3 a.m. on Friday, officers received a report of a suspicious person matching the suspect’s description near W. 79th Street and Quivira Road. Officers quickly located and apprehended Valdes after a brief foot pursuit.
Valdes was arraigned at the Johnson County Jail, where he is being held without bond. The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office has officially charged him with attempted first-degree murder, indicating that the act was premeditated and intentional. This is not Valdes’ first run-in with the law; he has a history of prior arrests, including a serious incident in July 2024 where he allegedly brandished a firearm during a first-degree assault at St. Luke’s Hospital. Following the most recent stabbing, authorities filed a bond violation report concerning Valdes’ existing charges, which include armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.
In light of the violent incident, the restaurant owner expressed significant concern for his son’s well-being and mentioned the severity of the injuries that required over 40 stitches. The event has sent shockwaves through the local community, where patrons have voiced their disbelief and concern for the safety of the neighborhood.
Prior to this incident, police had increased patrols in the area due to ongoing concerns about loitering and theft at the restaurant. This recent violence raises further questions about safety and security in the Shawnee area, prompting local residents to call for enhanced measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
FAQ
What charges has Maikol Valdes faced?
Maikol Valdes has been charged with attempted first-degree murder following the stabbing incident at Hayward’s Pit BBQ. He also has previous charges including first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
What were the injuries sustained by Riley Sweeney?
Riley Sweeney suffered seven stab wounds, a punctured lung, and required over 40 stitches and staples in his skull. He is currently in stable condition.
Why were police previously patrolling the area?
Shawnee police had increased patrols around Hayward’s Pit BBQ due to concerns about loitering and theft prior to the stabbing incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Stabbing |
| Location | Hayward’s Pit BBQ, Shawnee |
| Time of Incident | 1:30 p.m., Thursday |
| Victim | Riley Sweeney |
| Suspect | Maikol Valdes, 23 |
| Charges Against Suspect | Attempted first-degree murder, prior assault charges |
| Victim’s Condition | Stable, recovering in the hospital |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KSHB News
- KMBC News
- FOX4KC News
- KCTV5 News
- Kansas City Star
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: Shawnee stabbing
- Google Scholar: Attempted murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Google News: Shawnee restaurant stabbing
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
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