Great Bend Post
Three teens have been arrested after a fatal hit-and-run incident in Great Bend Wednesday evening. Curtis Cregger, 58, was found deceased in the 100 block of Chisholm Trail just outside the southeast city limits of Great Bend.
The Barton County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday afternoon that, at approximately 10:30 Thursday morning, a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Broadway at Jackson Street in the city of Great Bend. The vehicle matched the description provided by witnesses in the hit-and-run fatality from Wednesday. Further investigation confirmed this was the vehicle involved.
The 17-year-old juvenile driver was taken into custody at the scene. With assistance from the Great Bend Police Department, two passengers who were in the vehicle at the time of the collision were also located and arrested. Both are juveniles aged 17 and 14.
After consultation with the Barton County Attorney Colin Reynolds, the driver has been charged with murder in the 2nd degree. The two passengers were charged with accessory to murder in the 2nd degree. Due to all three suspects being juveniles, no further information will be released.
The Barton County Sheriff's Office wants to especially thank the Great Bend Police Department, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Barton County Attorney for their assistance in quickly clearing this case.
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Just after 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported hit-and-run accident in the 100 block of Chisholm Trail. This location is at the extreme southeast corner of the city of Great Bend just outside city limits.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a male victim who had been struck by a motor vehicle. Officers immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures in an attempt to aid the victim. He was transported to the University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus and later pronounced deceased.
The victim was identified as Curtis Scott Cregger, 58, of Great Bend. Cregger lived in the immediate area. Investigation at the scene, as well as witness statements, indicate the possibility this was an intentional act. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating this incident as a homicide.
Sheriff Brian Bellendir said his office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect vehicle described as a smaller extended-cab pickup truck, dark in color. The vehicle is described as being older, possibly late 1990s or 2000s model. The vehicle may have front end damage. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Barton County Sheriff’s Office at 620-793-1876. We prefer you call the Sheriff’s Office directly, but if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers at 620-792-1300.