On Saturday, June 13, shortly before 7 p.m., Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to K-96 near mile marker 168 for a report of a vehicle that had left the roadway and crashed into a tree row.

Investigation revealed that a white 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Kelly Merritt, was traveling eastbound on K-96 when the vehicle hydroplaned, causing Merritt to lose control. The Equinox crossed the roadway, entered the north ditch, and came to rest in a tree row.

A passenger in the vehicle was transported by Great Bend EMS for treatment of minor injuries.

At the time of the crash, deputies reported heavy rain, quarter-sized hail, and low visibility.

Summary of activities

Lt. Brian Vokel released the following summary of BCSO activities for June 8-14:

The Sheriff’s Office responded to or self-initiated a total of 263 Incidents, resulting in 15 cases and 7 arrests.

On June 8 at 11 a.m., deputies were dispatched to U.S. 281 near Mile Marker 101 for a driving complaint. The reporting party advised that the vehicle was driving through fences. Deputies located and stopped the vehicle at U.S. 281 and SE 50 Road. After further investigation, deputies determined the vehicle had caused more than $1,000 in property damage. Deputies arrested Bridget Thurman for Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $5,000 Cash/Surety.

On June 9 at 1:30 p.m., deputies arrested Jaxen Davis in the 300 block of Cottonwood Drive on a Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear. No bond was authorized.

On June 10 at 9:05 p.m., deputies responded to U.S. 281 near Mile Marker 110 for a report of a one-vehicle, non-injury deer accident.

On June 13 at 6:56 p.m., deputies responded to K-96 near Mile Marker 168 for a report of a one-vehicle injury accident.

If any person has information regarding this crime or another crime, please contact the Barton County Sheriff’s Office or you may report anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Great Bend and Barton County at 620-792-1300 or go to www.p3tips.com.