Who is Michael Lester? The Driver Who Killed a Topeka Woman Alycia Noriega and Ran Away
Michael Lester:- A fatal car crash in North Topeka on October 30, 2023, has left one woman dead and one man arrested on murder charges. The incident has shocked the local community and raised questions about the police response and the suspect’s motive. Here is what we know so far about the tragic event and its aftermath.
The Crash
According to the Topeka Police Department (TPD), the crash occurred around noon on Saturday, October 30, at the intersection of N.W. Tyler and St. John streets, about two blocks west and three blocks north of the north end of the Topeka Boulevard Bridge over the Kansas River.
The victim was identified as Alycia A. Noriega, 33, of Topeka. She was driving a silver sedan when she was hit by a black pickup truck driven by Michael S. Lester, 38, of Topeka. Noriega was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The suspect fled the scene on foot and was not found until Tuesday, October 31, when he was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder in the commission of a felony, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer by engaging in reckless driving, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, failure to stop at the scene of an accident known to result in death, failure to stop at a stop sign, speeding, driving on the left side of the roadway, driving on the left in a no passing zone and failure to wear a seat belt.
The Police Response
The TPD said that an officer witnessed traffic infractions committed by Michael Lester near N.E. Seward and Golden avenues shortly before the crash. The officer tried to stop Lester’s vehicle, but Lester sped away and the officer did not pursue him.
Rosie Nichols, public safety communications specialist for Topeka’s city government, said that the officer followed the department’s policy on pursuits, which states that officers should only chase suspects when there is a clear and immediate threat to public safety or when the suspect is wanted for a violent felony.
Nichols said that the officer did not know Michael’s identity or criminal history at the time of the attempted traffic stop. She also said that the officer did not see Lester run the stop sign or cause the collision at N.W. Tyler and St. John streets.
The TPD said that it was investigating the crash as a homicide and that it had contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for assistance. Nichols said that the FBI was involved because of the possibility of federal charges against Michael Lester.
Michael Lester’s Motive
The TPD has not revealed any possible motive for Lester’s actions or any connection between him and Noriega. However, court records show that Michael has a history of criminal offenses, including drug possession, theft, burglary, assault and battery.
Michael Lester also had an active warrant for his arrest for failing to appear in court on October 25 for a hearing on a charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He was also facing charges of domestic battery and criminal damage to property from an incident that occurred on September 29.
His former girlfriend, who was not named in court documents, told police that Lester had assaulted her and damaged her car after she refused to give him money for drugs. She also said that Michael had threatened to kill her and her children if she reported him to the police.
The Victim
Alycia Noriega was described by her family and friends as a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend who had a bright smile and a kind heart. She leaves behind two children, ages 10 and 13.
Noriega worked as a certified nursing assistant at Midland Care Connection, a nonprofit organization that provides health care services to seniors and people with disabilities. She was also studying to become a registered nurse at Washburn University.
Alycia Noriega’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and support her children’s education. As of November 2, 2023, the page has raised more than $15,000 from over 300 donors.
The family has also expressed gratitude for the community’s support and prayers during this difficult time. They have asked for privacy and respect as they grieve their loss.
The Community Reaction
The car crash has shaken the North Topeka neighborhood, where residents said they heard a loud bang and saw smoke and debris flying in the air. Some of them rushed to help Noriega, who was trapped in her car, while others called 911.
The neighbors said they were saddened and angered by the senseless tragedy and hoped that justice would be served for Noriega and her family. They also praised the first responders and the police for their quick and professional response.
The crash has also sparked a discussion about the issue of traffic safety and enforcement in Topeka, especially in light of the recent increase in fatal accidents in the city. According to the TPD, there have been 28 traffic fatalities in Topeka so far this year, compared to 18 in 2022 and 14 in 2021.
Some of the factors that have contributed to the rise in traffic deaths include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt violations and road conditions. The TPD said that it was working to reduce traffic fatalities by conducting more patrols, checkpoints and education campaigns.
The TPD also urged drivers to follow the rules of the road, drive defensively and responsibly, and report any suspicious or reckless behavior to the police.
The tragic car crash in North Topeka on October 30, 2023, has left a lasting impact on the lives of many people. A woman was killed, a man was arrested, a family was shattered, a community was shaken and a city was challenged.
The investigation is still ongoing and more details may emerge as the case progresses. However, one thing is certain: this was a preventable tragedy that could have been avoided if the suspect had obeyed the law and respected human life.
