EDWARD NAUGHTON

enaughton@gbtribune.com

Barton County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Justin Merritt, 42,  Hays, on charges of aggravated battery at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Sheriff Brian Bellendir stated that deputies arrived in time to catch the suspect, who was attempting to flee the scene as law enforcement officers responded to a reported disturbance at 3322 Railroad Ave. in Great Bend.

Individuals at the scene reported a female had been struck by a vehicle, and they also reported a stabbing incident. 

As officers arrived, they located Merritt attempting to flee the scene in a vehicle. He was taken into custody. The vehicle reportedly had accelerated toward the victim several times and at one point struck her, causing her to ascend over the hood of the vehicle. 

Further investigation revealed that the suspect Merritt had several self-inflicted lacerations to his arm, and it appeared that Merritt and the female victim had been involved in a domestic dispute.

Great Bend Fire Department EMS was called to the scene to examine Merritt. After medical treatment was rendered, he was transported to the Barton County Jail without incident. He was booked on a charge of aggravated battery with bond set at $40,000.