A Wichita man was arrested Wednesday after attempting to run when a Barton County Sheriff’s Office K-9 indicated the presence of drugs in a vehicle at a traffic stop, Sheriff Brian Bellendir said.

Bellendir issued a press release Wednesday afternoon:

“On September 11, 2019, during the course of an ongoing drug investigation, Sheriff’s Office detectives were conducting a surveillance operation. Sheriff’s detectives stopped a 2010 Chrysler Sebring at the intersection of 10th and Jefferson in the city of Great Bend. The Sheriff’s officer K9 Kia was used at the location and indicated the presence of controlled substances. It was at that point the suspect attempted to run from officers and was captured by Great Bend Police Officers who had later arrived at the scene.

“The driver was identified as John P. Stark Jr. age 52 of Wichita. Stark was found to be in possession of approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine. Sheriff’s Office detectives believe Stark has been trafficking methamphetamine between Wichita and Great Bend. He was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Stark is being held in lieu of a $300,000 bond.”