The Great Bend Police Department announced two felony arrests of women over the weekend in unrelated cases.
According to reports, on Saturday, March 1, at approximately 5:20 p.m., a GBPD officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1900 block of 23rd St. for a traffic violation. K9 Niko responded to the stop to assist. A free air sniff of the vehicle was performed during which K9 Niko alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located marijuana and prescription pills.
The driver and only occupant of the vehicle, Kirstie Perez, 33, was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked for the charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and traffic charges. She was released after posting a $10,000 surety bond.
On Sunday, around 7:42 p.m., GBPD officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of 19th St. in reference to a 911 open line. Barton County Dispatch advised there was yelling in the background, and it appeared that there was an active disturbance occurring.
Upon the first officer’s arrival, he observed a subject attempting to leave in a vehicle. The officer gave lawful orders to the subject, later identified as Lea Richardson, to stop. Richardson ignored the officer’s commands and fled in the vehicle.
While Richardson was leaving the area, the vehicle struck and injured the officer. Other law enforcement officers began a pursuit. During the pursuit, the Richardson vehicle struck a curb, which caused damage to her tires, deflating them. The vehicle was disabled on K96 just south of 24th St.
Richardson was placed under arrest without further incident. Further investigation showed Richardson to be under the influence of alcohol. She was transported to the Barton County Jail where she was booked on the charges of domestic battery, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, flee and elude, DUI and no driver’s license with bond set at $75,000.
Anyone with information on these cases or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.
