By This Is Topeka Staff
October 16, 2025 | Topeka, Kansas
Family members of two victims shot in East Topeka last week say they are living in fear as the man police believe to be responsible remains at large — and may have been involved in a violent crash days later.
Victims Ambushed by Former Employee
The shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. on October 10 near the 2300 block of SE 2nd Street, sending two family members, Ovidio Gonzalez Gomez and Karina Gonzalez Gomez, to the hospital. According to relatives who spoke with This Is Topeka, the suspect, Miguel Sican — a former employee of one of the victims — allegedly arrived unannounced before opening fire in what they believe was an attempted robbery.
According to family members, Miguel was purchasing a truck from Ovidio and still owed 15k on the truck and as a result, Miguel wasn’t entitled to a title, something Miguel disagreed with. Miguel had not paid a scheduled payment on that truck for 5 months yet still wanted the title to register the truck in his name-something that Ovidio would not do. Miguel then showed up at the location of Ovidio and his family and hunted them down.
Family members say Ovidio was shot seven times and remains in critical condition while Karina was also struck by gunfire but is closer to recovery. Ovidio’s wife narrowly escaped injury after the suspect reportedly chased her down the street, forcing her to hide behind a truck as he aimed his weapon in her direction.
“She’s scared for her life,” a relative told This Is Topeka. “He was right behind her with the gun pointed at her.”
Possible Connection to High-Speed Crash on 6th Avenue
Days after the shooting, witnesses reported a major crash near 6th Avenue in East Topeka, involving a red Dodge Charger that was seen traveling at more than 100 miles per hour before losing control, striking a utility pole, and flipping multiple times in the air.
A nearby resident who helped pull the driver from the wreckage posted on Facebook that the man appeared to be a thin Hispanic male who fled the scene before police arrived, leaving behind what officers at the scene reportedly described as a handgun with an extended magazine inside the vehicle.
Police have not confirmed whether the vehicle was stolen or connected to the shooting. However, multiple witnesses told This Is Topeka that they overheard officers saying the car stolen. Family members of the shooting victims claim the firearm found in the wrecked vehicle belonged to the suspect’s cousin and that too had been borrowed or stolen.
“It was him,” one family member said. “Everything matches — the car, the gun, and the injuries.”
Suspect Still at Large
As of Thursday, the suspect remains unaccounted for. Police have not released an official statement confirming whether the individual involved in the 6th Avenue crash is the same person sought in connection with the SE 2nd Street shooting.
Neighbors in East Topeka say they’re on edge, with many worried that the suspect could still be hiding nearby. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts or the 6th Avenue crash is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Department at (785) 368-9400 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
This Is Topeka will continue to follow this developing story and update readers as new details are confirmed by law enforcement.
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