Police Chief Steve Haulmark released the following information on a traffic stop from last Saturday night that resulted in a drug arrest. A passenger in the vehicle attempted to run after a K-9 indicated the presence of illegal drugs.

According to the report, at approximately 10:12 p.m. on Dec. 20, an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 3600 block of 10th St. for an equipment violation. During this traffic stop, Great Bend K9 Neo was utilized for a free-air sniff of the vehicle. With the assistance of a Barton County Sheriff’s Deputy, the officer began to conduct a search of the vehicle after a positive alert from K9 Neo.

While removing the two occupants from the vehicle, the male passenger, Jason Sohm, 46, became confrontational and attempted to flee on foot. Sohm was unsuccessful and was detained by the two officers. During his attempted flight on foot, Sohm received minor injuries and was treated on scene by Great Bend Fire and EMS.

During the search of the vehicle, a large quantity of a crystal-like substance belonging to Sohm was located. Officers conducted a field test of the substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine and Fentanyl. Sohm was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Jail, where he was booked in lieu of bond for the charges of possession with intent to distribute Fentanyl/methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp. Following the initial investigation, the driver of the vehicle was released at the scene. 

Anyone with information on this case or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or  online at p3tips.com.