On Oct. 28, at approximately 7 p.m,, the Great Bend Police Department and Great Bend Fire/EMS responded to the 1400 block of 10th St., in reference to a subject lying in the roadway. Upon arrival, officers located a subject later identified as Eliesel Cartagena lying in the roadway, unconscious. During the course of the investigation, officers learned that Cartagena had apparently been riding a bicycle. It appears he was struck by a vehicle, which subsequently left the scene.
Cartagena was transported to the Great Bend Regional Hospital and then flown to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for injuries sustained in this accident. Officers were able to locate the vehicle that was allegedly involved in the accident, but will not be releasing further details at this time due to the investigation being ongoing.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Cartagena, and we pray for his recovery. The Police Department also wants to remind the people of Great Bend that riding a bicycle or even walking near a roadway can be dangerous, especially when it’s dark,” Great Bend Police Chief Cliff Couch said. “We always encourage people to wear bright or reflective clothing, as well as a bicycle helmet. If you’re driving at night, please be on the lookout for pedestrians and remember that you may be sharing the road with a bicyclist.”