On Sunday, March 2, at approximately 7:42 p.m., officers from the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to the 2800 block of 19th Street 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, age 23, to stop. Richardson ignored the officer's commands and fled in the vehicle.
While Richardson was leaving the area, the vehicle struck the officer. The officer was uninjured. Officers began to pursue Richardson. During the pursuit, Richardson struck a curb, which caused damage to her tires, deflating them. Richardson's vehicle was disabled on K-96 Highway, just south of 24th Street. 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 for the charges of domestic battery, aggravated battery on LEO, flee and elude, DUI and no driver’s license in lieu of $75,000 bond.
Anyone with information on this case 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.