A U.S. Postal Service worker was hospitalized following a dog attack in Great Bend last week, prompting a multi-day investigation that led to the arrest of a local man.
On Thursday, May 9, 2025, Great Bend Police officers responded to a report of an animal attack in the 1400 block of Lakin Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a postal worker had been attacked by two dogs. The victim was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital for treatment of her injuries.
In the days that followed, detectives and animal control officers launched an investigation to locate the animals involved. On Monday, May 12, around 1:03 p.m., authorities received several tips through Crimestoppers that led them to a residence at 1416 12th Street in Great Bend.
At that location, officers made contact with Dakota Procopio, a 23-year-old man who confirmed he was the owner of the two dogs. Investigators learned that the dogs had been moved to a separate location in Raymond, Kansas. Animal Control officers from the Golden Belt Humane Society located the animals and took them into custody for a state-mandated observation period.
Procopio was arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail. He faces multiple charges including Obstruction of Justice, Dog at Large, No Current Rabies Vaccinations, and Vicious Dog.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or submit a tip anonymously to Crimestoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.