LARNED — Bradley W. Hulse, 52, of Hutchinson, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with an incident that occurred last Saturday in Larned.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas W. McNett reports that Hulse appeared in custody Wednesday in the Pawnee County District Court before Magistrate Judge Ken Schmidt for a felony first appearance. 

“The defendant is charged with a single count of attempted intentional murder in the first degree,” McNett stated. In the alternative, he is charged with attempted aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or attempted aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

The charges stem from shots allegedly fired at a vehicle during the earlier morning hours of July 31. No one was injured in the incident. Hulse was arrested later that morning without incident in McPherson County by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

At the first appearance Judge Schmidt advised the defendant of the charges, the possible penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. If convicted, under the Kansas sentencing guidelines the defendant faces between 12 years and more than 50 years in the custody of the Department of Corrections, depending on his criminal history. 

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 18. Hulse is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff in lieu of $150,000 bond.

McNett noted that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.