(Video by Jordan Schaeffer/Eagle Communications)
Hays Police Department
On May 24, 2023, at approximately 8:32 a.m. the Hays Police Department received a report of a domestic disturbance in the 2700 block of Canal Blvd.
The suspect was identified as 25yo Austin Boettcher.
The police department received information that Boettcher was not allowing a female and her infant child to leave the apartment.
Officers attempted to make contact, but the occupants did not open the door.
Officers blocked off the area and cleared adjacent apartments and proceeded to work to gain compliance from the occupants of the apartment.
The victim, another female roommate and the infant did come to the door and were evacuated to a safe location.
Officers learned that Boettcher had crawled up into the attic and was not coming out.
Announcements over a loudspeaker were used to try and de-escalate the situation and gain compliance from Boettcher.
Eventually officers had to enter the apartment and the attic to gain compliance from Boettcher.
Boettcher was arrested for domestic battery, interference and an outstanding Ellis County Bench Warrant for aggravated battery, domestic battery, and intimidation of a witness or victim.
Boettcher was transported to the Ellis County Jail and is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.