Incident Overview

Authorities from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office responded to an unusual call on a Monday evening regarding a disturbance at a residence outside Great Bend. A babysitter, preparing children for bed, was informed by one child of a “monster” hiding under the bed.

Despite her reassurances, the babysitter discovered a man hiding there. An altercation broke out between them, during which one child was inadvertently knocked over during the struggle, as detailed in the sheriff’s office report.

Profile of the Suspect

The suspect, a 27-year-old man, had previously resided at the house but was reportedly violating a protection from abuse order that instructed him to stay away from the location. While the man’s identity has not been disclosed due to the ongoing investigation, court records indicate he had been released on bond only days prior to this incident, following charges of criminal threats, domestic battery, and breaching a protection order.

Arrest and Charges

Upon fleeing the scene, the suspect was later apprehended the following morning after being spotted in the vicinity. A brief foot chase ensued before he was taken into custody. The charges against him include:

• Aggravated kidnapping
• Aggravated burglary
• Aggravated battery
• Child endangerment
• Felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer
• Violation of a protection from abuse order

The man is currently held in the county jail with a bond set at $500,000.

Historical Context

While the idea of a hidden intruder is unsettling, such incidents are relatively rare. A notable case from 2006 involved a former hospital employee in D.C. who was sentenced for stalking after hiding under a woman’s bed for two nights. Similarly, a Tennessee woman discovered her ex-boyfriend in a similar situation, prompting her to shoot him in self-defense.