Mar 06, 2020

Police: Kansas felon attacked officer during arrest at Walmart

Posted Mar 06, 2020 7:02 PM

Ernest Klima photo Barton County Sheriff

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a 2nd arrest in less than a week.

Just before 12:30p.m. Thursday, a police officer was at WalMart, 3503 10th Great Bend and  observed a subject known as Ernest Klima, 58, in the store. The officer had knowledge that Klima had a Barton County District Court Warrant for his arrest, according to a media release.

Klima had been arrested on Feb. 28, in Great Bend for a narcotics  violation. Klima had bonded out of jail on Feb. 29.

The officer made contact with Klima in the store. In the process of arresting Klima on the Barton County District Court warrant. Klima battered the officer during the arrest. At the time of the arrest, Klima was trying to discard drugs that that he had in his possession. Klima then battered the officer and was subdued and the arrest was made. The officer then located methampetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Klima is being held in the Barton County Detention Center on the narcotics law violation charges and a no bond on the Barton District Court warrant. He has previous convictions for theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.