TOPEKA — Reports of a man allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct around children at a Topeka park are drawing police attention, according to multiple community accounts.
Witnesses reported that a man was seen following children and exposing himself to minors in the area near S.W. 7th and MacVicar. Individuals at the scene said police were called, and officers responded to investigate.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the suspect or announced any formal charges related to the incident.
Community members have identified the individual as Joseph Joshua Bruchko, 43, though law enforcement has not publicly verified that information.
Bruchko was previously booked into the Shawnee County Jail on February 11, 2026, on Topeka bench warrants, according to booking records. His bond was listed at $1,640.
Court records also show Bruchko was charged in 2017 in Shawnee County with sexual exploitation of a child, a Level 5 felony involving possession of media depicting a minor. That case was filed in August 2017 and later disposed in April 2018.
It is unclear at this time whether the recent allegations have resulted in new charges or if an active investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the reported incident is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Department.
