Last Tuesday, just after 3 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to the Salvation Army, 2545 10th Street in Great Bend, in reference to a remove subject. Upon their arrival, they contacted Leslie DeWitt, 49, and learned that she had exhibited disruptive behavior in the business and had been asked several times by the store personnel to leave the property.
Officers informed DeWitt that she was no longer welcome on the property and she entered her vehicle and drove away. A short time later, an officer observed DeWitt's vehicle back in the Salvation Army parking lot and observed DeWitt exiting the store. DeWitt entered her vehicle as the officer approached to detain her.
As the officer was standing between the open car door and the woman, DeWitt placed her vehicle in reverse and proceeded to back up, striking the officer with the door and briefly pulling him alongside the moving vehicle. DeWitt then drove eastbound on 10th Street at a high rate of speed. She was relocated and taken into custody a short time later.
After her arrest, K9 Niko was deployed and alerted to her vehicle. A search of DeWitt's vehicle was conducted and THC, opiates, and drug paraphernalia were located. During subsequent processing for DUI, DeWitt kicked, spit on, and attempted to bite members of the Great Bend Police Department.
DeWitt was booked into the Barton County Jail for Aggravated Battery on LEO, Felony Interference, Felony DUI, Possession of THC, Possession of Opiates, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Assault on LEO.
The GBPD was assisted on this call by the Barton County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Great Bend Fire Department.
Anyone with information on this incident or any other crime is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120, Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.