Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Hoisington man early Friday following an investigation into a Great Bend battery and rape case.

According to a news release from Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, on Monday, Oct. 19, the BCSO became aware of a serious battery and rape case occurring in the Great Bend on Saturday, Oct. 17, but not reported by the victim until Oct. 19. The incident reportedly occurred in the southeast part of the city and involved a 42-year-old female.

After conducting numerous interviews and follow-up investigations, BCSO was able to identify a suspect, Tanner J. Cox, 32, of Hoisington, the sheriff said. In the course of investigation the battery, information investigators obtained led them to believe the crime was more serious in nature, leading to requested charges of attempted second-degree murder, according to Bellendir.

BSCO deputies arrested Cox without incident in Great Bend just after midnight Friday, Oct. 23, in a business parking lot on East 10th Street. He was transported to the Barton County Jail. He is currently being held on charges of attempted murder in the second degree, rape and violation of a protective order, in lieu of a $500,000 bond.